We’re nearly two months into the year, which means you’ve used up one-sixth of your dental insurance benefits without even thinking about it. If you haven’t scheduled your first dental visit of the year yet, now’s the perfect time to take action. At Highland Dental, Dr. Zac Gallup and our team want to help you make the most of what you’re already paying for.

Understanding Your Dental Insurance Reminder

Here’s something most people don’t realize: dental insurance operates on a “use it or lose it” basis. Your annual maximum—typically between $1,000 and $2,000—doesn’t roll over to next year. When December 31st arrives, any unused benefits simply disappear. That’s why it’s essential to schedule a dental visit early in the year and plan out how you’ll use your dental benefits throughout the next eleven months.

Most insurance plans also come with a coverage reset at the beginning of each calendar year. This means your deductible starts fresh, and you get a new allowance for preventive care services.

What Does Dental Insurance Cover?

Understanding what your plan covers is key to maximizing your benefits. Most dental insurance plans, whether PPO or HMO, typically cover:

  • Preventive care at 100%: This usually includes two cleanings per year, dental check-up appointments, X-rays, and sometimes fluoride treatment
  • Basic procedures at 70-80%: Fillings, extractions, and other restorative work
  • Major procedures at 50%: Crowns, bridges, and other extensive treatments

When you visit Highland Dental as your in-network dentist, you’ll typically pay less out-of-pocket costs compared to going out-of-network. Your copay for a cleaning and exam might be minimal or even zero, depending on your specific plan.

How to Maximize Your Dental Insurance This Year

The secret to getting the most value from your insurance is strategic treatment planning. Here’s our recommended approach:

Schedule your preventive visits early. Don’t wait until November to book your first cleaning. By spacing your two cleanings per year evenly—perhaps in February and August—you maintain consistent oral health and avoid the year-end rush.

Complete a comprehensive exam. If it’s been a while since your last visit, a thorough examination can identify any issues before they become expensive emergencies.

Plan for larger treatments. If Dr. Zac Gallup identifies work that needs to be done, you can strategically plan treatments across calendar years to maximize your annual maximum in each year.

Understand your waiting periods. If you’ve recently changed insurance, some plans have waiting periods for certain procedures. The sooner you schedule, the sooner those waiting periods end.

What Happens If I Don’t Use My Dental Benefits?

Simply put, you lose them. But the consequences go beyond just wasted money. Skipping regular dental visits can lead to small problems becoming big, expensive ones. A cavity that could have been caught during a routine cleaning and exam might turn into a root canal. That minor gum irritation could progress to periodontal disease.

Don’t Forget Your FSA or HSA

If you have a flexible spending account or HSA, remember that these funds can also help cover your deductible and any procedures not fully covered by insurance. Some FSAs also operate on a “use it or lose it” basis, so planning your dental care helps you maximize these benefits, too.

Ready to Schedule?

Don’t let another month slip by. Call Highland Dental today at 307-235-9198 to schedule your first appointment of the year. Dr. Zac Gallup and our team are here to help you understand your coverage and create a treatment plan that works for your health and your budget. Your smile—and your wallet—will thank you.