5 Tips to Make the Best Use of Your Dental Insurance

Even people who understand their health insurance perfectly may struggle to know how to use their dental plan. Concepts like annual maximums may make it difficult to know what care is available to you, and when you should get it. However, it’s important to know how to best take care of your teeth, and that means knowing how to maximize your dental insurance benefits. This is the time of year when it’s most important to reassess your benefit usage, so here are five tips to help you do just that.

1: Take Advantage of Preventive Care

The cheapest way to deal with a dental problem is to stop it before it occurs. Insurance companies know this, which is why most dental plans incentivize you to pursue preventive care. Most plans cover two cleanings and checkups a year, usually at little to no cost. Some even cover additional preventive procedures, like X-rays or fluoride treatments. These procedures allow your dentist to protect against future issues or detect ones that have just begun, making them easier and cheaper to deal with.

2: Use Your Benefits Before They Reset

Dental plans renew either by plan year or calendar year, and it’s best to check which is the case for you. If it renews by calendar year, then as of January 1st you’ll need to pay your deductible again (if you have one) before your insurance will cover your care. If you have some of your annual maximum left, that will also reset at the end of the year. Be sure to get the most out of your benefits before they’re gone.

3: Schedule Restorative Treatments Soon

While insurance companies are more than happy to shell out for preventative treatment, they’re less eager to pay for restorative treatments like fillings and root canals. Most plans only cover part of these procedures, so you’re likely to have to pay some out-of-pocket costs. You should make every effort to get these treatments before your benefits reset.

4: Schedule Major Procedures Wisely

Complex restorative treatments are usually the most expensive, meaning that if you aren’t careful, you can easily exceed your annual maximum in paying for them. Most occur in two or more parts, each paid for separately. If you’re worried about the cost, you can schedule the first part at the end of the year, and the second at the beginning of the next. Do this, and you’ll decrease your chances of going over your annual maximum.

5: Use Employee FSA Dollars on Dental Care

A flexible spending account, or FSA, allows you to set aside money to be used for several purposes, including dental care, tax-free. They’re offered by many employers, so making smart use of them is essential to maximizing your dental benefits. Most of the money in your FSA fund at the end of the year won’t roll over, or can only be used until the end of a 2.5-month-long grace period. Check if that’s the case for you, and be sure to make use of your accrued funds.

Insurance rules can be a headache to sort through but understanding them means you can take better care of your teeth. When you pay your premium each month, you invest in your dental health— it’s up to you to make sure you get a return on that investment.

About the Author
Dr. Robert A. Sue has over 40 years of experience in dentistry, which he uses to craft personalized care approaches for each of his patients. He spends significant time with everyone who visits his office and offers comprehensive treatment plans that can give you whatever you need, from routine checkups to complicated restorative procedures. If you have any questions about how to make the best use of your dental coverage, Dr. Sue can be reached at his website, or by phone at 818-243-3838.