Many people take their dental benefits for granted until they are on the verge of losing them. There are a variety of reasons why someone may lose their dental benefits but before they do, they should take advantage of their benefits, especially if they are unsure of when they will receive dental benefits again. Making sure your oral health is taken care of can greatly relieve some of the stress associated with the loss of your dental benefits. 

What Are Dental Benefits?

Dental benefits, often referred to simply as dental insurance, is a type of health insurance set in place to cover dental work and procedures. Many dental insurance plans look very similar in that they offer two free cleanings per year and cover basic dental needs, some of which including:

• Oral surgery
• Root canals
• Crowns
• Fillings
• Preventative care

Dental insurance companies typically cover a portion of the treatment cost and leave a deductible for the insured client to pay. The percentage that they cover depends on the specific insurance company. Many dental benefits are paid for by employers and will last through the duration of the insured person’s employment.  

How To Make The Most of Your Dental Plan

It is important to make the most of your dental plan while you retain the benefits because once they end you may be put in a difficult position. In order to make the most out of your dental plan right now you should:

• Go in for regular dental appointments

  Make sure that you go in for regular 6 month dental appointments so you can have your teeth cleaned and so that your dentist or dental hygienist can make sure you don’t have any major problems.
  

• Complete any preventative or precautionary measures

  If you end up having an issue with your teeth or gums it is important to take any precautionary measures requested by your dental professional. If there are no problems, opting for a fluoride treatment at the end of your appointment can help safeguard your teeth from damage
  

• Plan ahead

  If you need any kind of dental procedure completed, you need to communicate it with your dentist and make sure that they’re aware of your dental benefit deadline so that they can fit you into their schedule. 

With careful planning and preventative measures, you will be able to make the most of your benefits while you have them and be able to reassure yourself that your teeth are healthy and strong. 

When You Should Use Them By

If you have had your benefits revoked for whatever reason, you should make the most out of them before they are totally gone. Most dental insurance companies set their benefit deadlines for December 31. This is a firm cut-off to revoke benefits in the following year. If you are planning on having dental work done or simply looking for a time to go in for a routine cleaning, it is best to do it before the new year.