Do you have dental insurance, but have no idea how to utilize your coverage? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. In fact, many patients aren’t sure how to maximize their benefits, resulting in hundreds or thousands of valuable dollars going to waste each year. The good news is that there is still time to prevent that from happening this year. To learn how, keep reading!
DON’T Skip Your Dental Checkups
Although dental plans often vary from patient to patient, many have one important thing in common: they are centered around prevention. As a result, many include two checkups and cleanings annually. Unfortunately, if you skip one of these visits, you don’t get a “makeup” one the following year – it simply goes to waste. To prevent that from happening, make sure to schedule your second appointment of 2022 (if you haven’t already).
DO Schedule Essential Restorative Care
If your dentist finds tooth decay, gum disease, or another oral health concern during your visit, you might be tempted to postpone your treatment, especially if you’re feeling a pinch in your wallet. However, scheduling your care sooner rather than later is helpful for several reasons. First, it ensures the infection or disease is stopped in its tracks. Second, it allows you to utilize any remaining benefits towards restoring your healthy, happy smile!
DON’T Forget About FSAs
A Flexible Spending Account is an employer-sponsored benefit that’s designed to help make medical expenses more affordable with tax-free dollars. Fortunately, dental care applies! If you are unsure if you have an FSA or don’t know how to utilize your remaining balance, talk to your HR Manager or whoever handles your benefits at your company.
DO Use Your Available Benefits Before the End of the Year
Many patients aren’t aware that their benefits reset at the end of the year. As a result, they end up leaving their valuable dollars on the table time and time again. Don’t worry – you still have time to prevent that from happening this year! The best thing to do is get in touch with your dentist to learn about the care you need and how your dental insurance coverage can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Dental insurance is meant to benefit your smile and your wallet, so don’t let your valuable coverage go to waste this year!
About the Author
After studying at Arkansas State University, Dr. Shane Smith chose to pursue his dental doctorate at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. To this day, he prioritizes continuing education so he can continue to provide his patients with only the best care. So far, he’s completed advanced training on everything from dental implants to BOTOX/Juvederm – at world-renowned institutions as well! If you have a question about caring for your smile, including how to maximize your dental insurance, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (870) 932-2644.