Are You Wasting Your Dental Insurance? Tips to Maximise Your Benefits

How often do you consider your dental insurance?

For many, it’s one of those things you sign up for and forget about until a dental emergency strikes. But are you truly taking full advantage of your benefits?

Many dental insurance holders squander their coverage through expired benefits or unused services. It takes little to do this, and I encourage you to take the following steps so that you never leave money on the table and your smile gets all the attention it deserves.

Know What Your Plan Covers

Practically all plans include preventive services such as cleaning, consultation, and X-rays, often free or very cheap.

Such services assist with maintaining healthy teeth and gums and avoiding costly treatment, practices, and products.

Yet, so many people don’t take advantage of these preventive services. It’s easy to put off scheduling a cleaning, but when you realise that your insurance is likely covering most or all of it, you’ll see it’s well worth making the time.

Preventive care is one of the easiest methods to get the most out of your insurance. Not only does it cost little, but it also helps you avoid bigger problems—and bigger bills—in the future.

Don’t Let Your Benefits Expire

One of the biggest pitfalls with dental insurance is that benefits often reset at the end of each year.

This means they will not be present again if one has not used them. It is as if you get a taste of an offering and never receive the complete package, even when you have paid for it.

Think of it like a gym membership. If you sign up for a year but only go a few times, you still pay for it—even though you didn’t fully take advantage of it. Your dental insurance works the same way.

Make sure you’re using the benefits you’re paying for. Have you had both of your cleanings this year?

Have you addressed minor issues, like cavities or chipped teeth, before they become bigger problems?

As the end of the year approaches, check in with your dentist to ensure you’re not leaving unused benefits on the table.

Schedule Treatment Early

If you’ve been putting off treatments like fillings, crowns, or other dental work, now’s the time to schedule them. Many dental insurance policies only pay a part of these procedures, but the insurance company often pays a yearly maximum.

Scheduling treatments early in the year, especially if you need several procedures, can help you reduce expenses.

For example, if your dental insurance has a yearly payout cap, you can plan to have part of your treatment this year and the rest next year.

This way, you’re using your benefits efficiently without paying too much out-of-pocket at once.

By proactively planning your treatments around your coverage, you save money and ensure your oral health gets the attention it needs.

Stay In-Network

Another important tip for maximising dental insurance benefits is to ensure your dentist is in-network. The majority of insurance policies include a network of providers who agree to charge less for their services.

If you go out-of-network, you’ll likely pay more out of pocket.

Before scheduling dental work, checking whether your provider is in-network is a good idea.

If unsure, call your insurance company or ask your dental office. By staying in-network, you can ensure you’re paying the least amount possible while still getting the care you need.

Don’t Forget About Your Family

If you have a family insurance plan, you must ensure your loved ones get the most out of their dental benefits. Kids need regular dental visits just like adults, and taking them in for cleanings and exams can set them up for a lifetime of good oral health.

For children, preventive services like fluoride treatments and sealants can often be covered by insurance and help prevent cavities, which are common in kids. So don’t forget about your partner—make sure they book their check-ups and fully use their benefits.

Review Your Plan Annually

Dental insurance plans are often renewed yearly; hence, it is recommended to check them frequently.

Is there any shift in this, and what is covered? Has the price of premiums or deductibles changed?

You can still get the best value out of your coverage by staying informed.

If your current plan isn’t meeting your needs, it might be worth shopping around for a new one during open enrollment. You want a plan that balances affordability with the coverage you and your family require.

This helps ensure that changes are attended to so that only the best dental care is offered.

Make the Most of Your Dental Insurance Today!

Do not waste your dental insurance! Start with making an appointment if you haven’t made one for this year to get a check-up. Close your subscription to discuss your options for the following treatments in-store and how to stop at every special offer before they expire.

By staying proactive, you’ll keep your smile healthy and ensure you get the most out of your dental insurance.

Ready to optimise your dental insurance? Schedule your next appointment today with your Gordon dentist, and let’s ensure your smile and insurance are working for you.

Call us at (02) 9498 8290 or request an appointment online.

We are located at Suite 3, 2 St Johns Ave in Gordon.