Do you have dental insurance? If so, you're in luck! Dental insurance can help you save a lot of money on the cost of dental care. But did you know that most dental insurance plans reset at the end of the year? This means that if you don't use your benefits before December 31st, you'll lose them.
According to a recent study by the American Dental Association, only 63% of Americans with dental insurance used their benefits in the past year.
That's why it's important to schedule a dental appointment before the end of the year to use up your benefits. Even if you don't think you need any dental work, it's still a good idea to go for a checkup and cleaning. Preventive care is covered by most dental plans, and it can help you avoid more serious and expensive problems down the road.
Why is it important to use your dental insurance benefits before the end of the year?
There are a few reasons why it's important to use your dental insurance benefits before the end of the year:
Your benefits don't roll over. As mentioned above, most dental insurance plans reset at the end of the year. This means that if you don't use your benefits before December 31st, you'll lose them.
You're paying for the benefits. If you have dental insurance, you're paying for it through your employer or by purchasing it yourself. So you should make the most of your investment and use your benefits before the year ends.
Preventive care is important. Preventive care, such as checkups and cleanings, can help you avoid more serious and expensive problems down the road. Most dental plans cover preventive care at 100%, so it's a great way to save money on your dental care.
You may need more complex treatment in the future. If you have any dental problems, it's important to get them treated as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse the problem may become and the more expensive it will be to fix.
Some interesting facts:
A recent study by the American Dental Association found that people who used their dental insurance benefits were more likely to have good oral health than those who didn't.
Another study found that people who didn't use their dental insurance benefits were more likely to experience serious dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
The average cost of a dental checkup and cleaning is $150-$200. However, the average cost of a filling is $200-$400, the average cost of a root canal is $1,000-$1,500, and the average cost of a crown is $1,000-$3,000.
And here are some recent statistics about the importance of using dental insurance benefits before the end of the year:
Only 63% of Americans with dental insurance used their benefits in 2022. (Source: National Association of Dental Plans)
The average American spends $1,300 on dental care each year. (Source: American Dental Association)
Dental insurance can save you an average of 20% on dental care costs. (Source: Kaiser Family Foundation)
Preventive dental care, such as checkups and cleanings, can save you up to 80% on the cost of dental treatment over a lifetime. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
People who have dental insurance are more likely to receive preventive dental care than those who don't. (Source: National Center for Health Statistics)
Sooo, here are a few tips on how to make the most of your dental insurance benefits:
Schedule a dental appointment before the end of the year. Even if you don't think you need any dental work, it's still a good idea to go for a checkup and cleaning. Preventive care is covered by most dental plans, and it can help you avoid more serious and expensive problems down the road.
Talk to your dentist about your dental health needs. If you have any dental problems, talk to your dentist about the best course of treatment. Your dentist can help you understand your insurance coverage and make the most of your benefits.
Ask your dentist about payment plans. If you need dental work that isn't covered by your insurance, or if you need to pay a deductible or copay, ask your dentist about payment plans. Many dentists offer payment plans to make dental care more affordable.
Our conclusion:
Using your dental insurance benefits before the end of the year is a great way to save money on dental care and improve your oral health. If you have dental insurance, schedule a checkup and cleaning today and ask your dentist about any recommended treatments or procedures.