When it comes to scheduling dental procedures of any kind, many people tend to put it off until it’s absolutely necessary. While the reasons for this are many, some individuals point to fear, anxiety, or even time or financial constraints as to why they wait. With the end of the year quickly approaching, getting the most out of your dental insurance benefits is crucial to minimizing your costs at the dentist’s office. If you’re contemplating whether you should move forward with your procedure or wait, find out why your dentist recommends taking care of it now instead of waiting for your benefits to expire.
When It Comes to Benefits, Use Them or Lose Them
When January 1, 2020 arrives, for many dental coverage resets to zero. If you’re wondering what that means exactly, it means that anything you’ve accumulated throughout the year toward your deductible or annual maximum does not roll over into the new year. This “Use ‘Em or Lose ‘Em” explanation is designed to prevent patients from losing thousands of dollars in unused benefits.
From the premiums you pay each month to the deductibles you strive to reach throughout the year, the money you spend to ensure your teeth, gums, and overall oral health remains in optimal condition shouldn’t go to waste. However, if you choose to wait until next year to have that root canal, it may end up costing you more than if you had scheduled it before the end of the year.
Choosing to purchase a dental insurance policy shows you believe in the importance of good oral health, so it’s important not to let the many benefits you receive each year to go unused.
Dental Insurance in the United States
According to the National Center for Health Statistics with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a National Health Interview Survey conducted between 2014-2017 revealed an estimated 50.2% of adults between the ages of 18-64 had dental care coverage during the last year. However, 22.1% of these adults didn’t see a dentist in the last 12 months. While the reasons as to why these individuals didn’t seek dental care are probably many, it is clear that unused benefits are a common occurrence each year.
Importance of Preventive Care
Most dental insurance policies cover preventive care (i.e. dental checkups and cleanings) at 80-100%. That should be enough to inspire you to schedule an appointment. Dental insurance is set up to encourage patients to take care of their teeth and gums, and that doesn’t mean just practicing good oral habits at home. By seeing your dentist for regular exams and cleanings, you are taking a proactive approach to prevent dental problems in the future.
This type of treatment costs you little to nothing out of pocket, enables you to take care of your teeth and gums now, and it protects you from potentially needing more extensive treatments down the line. When you consider the value of dental insurance, not only are these factors saving you much money and stress over time, but they’re part of the coverage you’re already paying for each month.
Take charge of your oral health now by scheduling an appointment with your dentist and use the benefits that are rightfully yours and put them to good use. You, your dentist, and your wallet with thank you for it in the long run.
About the Author
Drs. Travis and Christel Cochell are a husband and wife team who own and operate Cochell Family Dentistry in Salem, Oregon. Whether it is preventive, restorative, cosmetic, or emergency dentistry services you seek, they are equipped to help you meet your dental goals. You can expect nothing but the highest quality of care as well as a team of staff members who are trained to assist patients with getting the most out of their dental insurance benefits. To find out more about our services, contact us at (503) 585-8688.