Parents want nothing but the best for their kids, including strong, healthy teeth. But did you know that many families allow valuable dental coverage to go down the drain each year? Unused dental benefits don’t carry over to the next year, meaning if you don’t utilize them, you lose them. This can translate into your kids not receiving necessary treatments. The positive news is that it is not that hard to utilize your dental benefits. With a little planning, you can get your kids the dental care they need before the year ends.

Know Your Children’s Dental Insurance Deadline

One of the first things to do to maximize your kids’ dental benefits is to know how their dental insurance plan works. The majority of dental plans reset at the end of the calendar year, and unutilized benefits are forfeited. This is often referred to as the “use it or lose it” policy.

Take a look at your kids’ dental insurance timeline and make sure you use any remaining benefits before they vanish. By planning, you can ensure your child’s teeth stay healthy and you make the most of your plan.

Also, remember the maximum coverage your plan provides in a year. Most dental plans cover preventive procedures like checkups, cleanings, and exams, which are the cheapest and most needed procedures to maintain good oral health.

Schedule Preventive Visits Early in the Year

Dental appointments are a necessity for your child’s overall health. These appointments include cleanings, exams, and X-rays from time to time. Most dental insurance policies cover these appointments at little or no expense to you, as long as you schedule them before the year runs out.

Preventive appointments enable early identification of small dental problems before they become big, expensive issues. Scheduling these appointments earlier in the year gives you ample time to use your benefits and take care of your child’s dental health without the stress of end-of-year scheduling.

Don’t Wait Until Year-End

Procrastination is normal when it comes to dental appointments. It’s easy to think, “I’ll schedule later in the year.” But putting off those appointments until December may see you fighting to get an appointment amidst the holiday season madness. Dentist offices fill up quickly, and it’s harder to obtain the appointment you need for your kids.

By scheduling ahead of time, you’re giving yourself more flexibility and ensuring your children’s dental health is a priority. Don’t wait until the last minute – make sure you’re using all of your benefits to help keep your child’s smile healthy.

Maximize Your Coverage for Larger Treatments

If your child needs more than a basic cleaning, for example, a filling, crown, or even braces, it’s a good idea to budget in advance. Most dental plans provide partial coverage for these more expensive procedures.

To get the most out of your benefits, you can divide large treatments into two calendar years. For example, if your child needs a crown or braces, you can start the process before the end of the year and finalize it early in the next year. By doing so, you can use two different benefit periods and reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Monitor Your Finances

Prior to making any appointments, spend a few minutes talking over financial information with your dental office. Understanding your plan coverage, co-pays, and any potential out-of-pocket costs will enable you to plan for your child’s treatment.

If you’re uncertain about the details, don’t hesitate to call our dental office and get your queries resolved. Understanding what is and isn’t covered will help you make informed decisions about your child’s treatment.