Insurance · 5 min read
Use It or Lose It: How to Use Your Dental Benefits Before December 31
Reviewed by Dr. Charles Smurthwaite, DDS, MS ·
The short answer
Most dental insurance plans run on the calendar year, so any unused annual maximum is lost on December 31. Booking your cleanings and any recommended treatment in the fall lets you use benefits you have already paid for through your premiums.
Why your benefits have a deadline
Many PPO plans include an annual maximum — the most the plan will pay toward your care in a benefit year. For most employer plans, that year matches the calendar, so the balance resets on January 1 and does not roll over.
Deductibles usually reset too. If you have already met this year’s deductible, treatment completed before the reset may cost you less out of pocket than the same treatment in January.
What to schedule before the reset
Start with the basics: most plans cover two cleanings and exams a year. If you have only had one, there is still time for the second.
If your dentist has already recommended a filling, crown or other treatment, the fall is a smart time to complete it. Waiting can let a small problem grow into a bigger one.
Book early — December fills up
Many patients remember their benefits in December, so appointment times go fast. Booking in October or November gives you more flexibility, and room to finish multi-visit treatment before the year ends.
Our team can check your remaining benefits before your visit so you know what to expect.
Considering cleanings & exams?
Get a personal plan from Dr. Smurthwaite in Rocklin — minutes from Roseville, Lincoln, Granite Bay and Antelope.
Read the full Cleanings & Exams guideFrequently asked questions
Do unused dental benefits roll over?
Usually not. Most plans reset your annual maximum on January 1. Check your plan documents or ask us to verify your benefits.
Is my plan on a calendar year?
Most employer plans are, but some run on a different benefit year. We can confirm your plan’s dates when we verify your coverage.
