The calendar pages keep turning, and before you know it, we’ll all be counting down to the new year. But something that might surprise you: those dental benefits you’ve been paying for all year? They don’t roll over. Your end-of-year dental benefits work on a “use it or lose it” basis, meaning any unused coverage vanishes when the clock strikes midnight on December 31st. At Acorn Dental, Dr. Sherly and Dr. Woodfork want to ensure you get every bit of value from your insurance investment.
Think of it this way—you’ve already paid for these benefits through your premiums, so leaving them unused is like buying a gym membership and never walking through the door. The difference? Your dental health actually affects your overall well-being in ways that extend far beyond your smile.
Why Your Dental Benefits Don’t Wait for You
Insurance companies design their plans around the calendar year for a reason. When January 1st arrives, your benefits reset. That annual maximum you didn’t use? Gone. Those remaining cleanings covered at 100%? Back to square one. Your deductible starts over, too, so you’ll pay out of pocket again before your insurance kicks in for major procedures.
Here’s what typically resets:
- Annual maximum coverage (often $1,000-$2,000)
- Deductibles you’ve already met
- Unused preventive care visits
- Flexible spending account balances
Dr. Sherly, who owns Acorn Dental, sees this happen every year. Patients walk in during January wishing they’d scheduled that crown or filling in December when they’d already met their deductible. Nobody wants to pay twice for the same benefit period.
The Smart Way to Use Your Remaining Coverage
November and December get busy at dental offices for good reason. Patients suddenly realize they’ve got benefits burning a hole in their insurance pocket. But rushing in at the last minute can sometimes mean you can’t get the appointment time you want.
Taking stock of your current dental situation makes sense right now. Have you used both preventive cleanings this year? Most plans cover two check-ups annually at no cost to you. That’s free money sitting on the table. Our general dentistry services include these routine visits that catch small problems before they become expensive emergencies.
Dr. Woodfork recommends that patients schedule treatments before year-end, especially if they’ve met their deductible. You may have been putting off that filling or contemplating cosmetic work. December might be your sweet spot financially.
What Happens When Benefits Expire Unused
Let’s talk real numbers. Say your insurance covers up to $1,500 annually, and you’ve only used $400 for cleanings. That leaves $1,100 in benefits that could cover treatments you actually need. When those benefits expire, you’re giving away $1,100 you’ve already earned through your premium payments.
Some procedures that commonly fit within remaining end-of-year dental benefits include:
- Dental fillings for cavities
- Deep cleanings for gum health
- Crowns for damaged teeth
- Root canal therapy
- Dental sealants for prevention
Our in-office membership plan provides another option for patients without traditional insurance or those who want additional coverage beyond what their plan provides.
Your Deductible Works in Your Favor Right Now
Meeting your deductible earlier in the year sets you up perfectly for end-of-year treatment. Once you’ve hit that threshold, your insurance covers a much larger percentage of procedures. Waiting until next year means starting that deductible climb all over again.
Imagine you need a crown that costs $1,200. If you’ve met your $50 deductible and your insurance covers 50% of major work, you’d pay around $600. Schedule that same crown in January, and you’ll pay the $50 deductible plus your 50% share—an extra $50 out of pocket just because of timing.
How Acorn Dental Makes Scheduling Easy
Our office tour shows the comfortable, modern environment where Dr. Sherly and Dr. Woodfork provide care. We’ve designed everything around your comfort and convenience because we know dental visits compete with your busy schedule.
We check your insurance benefits before your appointment so you’ll know exactly what your plan covers. No surprises or confusion. Our team handles the paperwork and communicates directly with your insurance company, saving you time and headaches.
Take Action Before December 31st
Your end-of-year dental benefits represent real money—money you’ve already paid into the system through your premiums. Dr. Sherly and Dr. Woodfork encourage patients to review their remaining benefits now, while there’s still time to schedule appointments and complete treatments.Maximize your benefits before they disappear. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our team will check your remaining coverage and help you plan any treatments that suit your oral health and budget. Don’t let another year of dental benefits slip away unused—your smile deserves better.