Maintaining good oral health requires more than just brushing and flossing – you must also visit your dentist bi-annually to keep your teeth and gums in their very best shape. And the good news? Seeking professional dental care doesn’t have to break the bank! Thanks to dental insurance, everything from standard checkups to complex procedures is affordable. Since you’re already paying monthly for this type of coverage, it makes sense that you’ll want to make the most of it while you still have it. With that in mind, continue reading as a dentist in Williamstown shares five ways you can maximize your dental insurance benefits.
Don’t Neglect Preventive Care
Ideally, you should visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. These preventive visits are crucial, allowing your dentist to spot oral health problems before they become complications. Plus, they keep your mouth feeling and looking their very best! Since preventive dental care is vital for overall health, most insurance plans cover these services 100%. That means you’re allowed a certain number of oral examinations, teeth cleanings, and routine X-rays per year. Make sure you attend all these appointments before your benefits expire!
Understand What Your Insurance Covers
Although most dental plans only cover preventive dental care, you may be able to use your benefits for other treatments or procedures. For example, if you have a damage or decayed tooth and need a filling, your insurance might cover it since it’s considered restorative. Similarly, dental crowns may be covered if they’re considered medically necessary. Of course, every policy is different, so make sure you go over the details of your specific plan to understand what’s covered.
Know When Your Benefits Expire
Most dental insurance plans operate on a calendar-year basis. At the beginning of each year, you’re usually given an annual maximum which is the most your plan will pay for approved services. Anything that’s left unused by the end of the year expires. In most cases, your benefits will not roll over into the new year. With that said, if you have outstanding dental treatments, it’s a good idea to schedule them before the year ends.
Strategically Schedule Major Procedures
Generally, complex procedures require multiple appointments to complete. If you need a specific treatment that exceeds your annual maximum, you can ask your dental team to schedule part of it this year and the rest next year. By using this strategy, you can use two annual maximums instead of just one.
Use Your Flexible Spending Account Dollars (FSA)
Do you have a flexible spending account (FSA)? Some people do in addition to their usual dental insurance policy. The good thing about FSA is it has tax-free money you can set aside for dental expenses. Like dental insurance, most expire on December 31st, so it’s a good idea to use the funds left in your account before the year ends.
Are you ready to start the new year with a healthy smile and a thicker wallet? By using the tips outlined above to maximize your dental insurance benefits, you can do just that!
About the Author
Dr. Wael M. Kassem has nearly 15 years of dentistry experience under his belt. After earning his dental doctorate at Temple University, he completed a General Practice Residency program at Kings County Hospital in NYC. Dr. Kassem is passionate about helping patients achieve and maintain their absolute best smiles. If you have any questions about your dental insurance benefits, he and the team are more than happy to help. Visit our website or call (856) 818-9998 to make an appointment with Dr. Kassem.
