Did you know that most dental insurance plans renew in January? Yours might be one of them!
That's why January is a great time to review your plan details and determine how to maximize your benefits for 2026. Our team can help. Here are a few things you should know about maximizing your dental insurance benefits.
Understanding Dental Benefits
First, to maximize your plan, you need to understand how your insurance benefits work. So, here's a quick overview.
Most dental insurance plans operate on a calendar year, meaning benefits start on January 1st and end on December 31st. Some plans may require deductibles to be met before treatment is paid for. Deductibles may be around $50 to $150.
Your plan will also have a yearly maximum amount it will pay towards treatment, typically around $1000 to $2000. This money doesn't roll over into next year's benefits, so if you don't use it this year, you will lose it. If your plan is newer, you may also have waiting periods for "major" services, like a crown or bridge.
Tips for Maximizing Dental Insurance
Did you know that most dental plans cover preventive teeth cleanings and exams? This leaves you with little to no expense for these visits. Teeth cleanings and exams are also one of the best ways to protect your smile. Our dentists can identify concerns early during these visits, helping you save time and money if you treat them before they become more problematic.
If you need more extensive work, you can start the treatment toward the end of this year and finish in January 2027 to make the most of your yearly maximums.
If you have an HSA or FSA account, you can also combine this with your dental insurance to help cover the cost of more extensive treatment procedures.
Contact your dentist in Rockville, MD, at (202) 858-2788 for more information on dental insurance.
