Can you believe we’re already two months into the new year? If you haven’t scheduled your first dental visit of 2026 yet, now is the perfect time to make that call. Your dental insurance benefits have reset for the year, and the clock is already ticking on maximizing what you’ve paid for through your premiums.

Understanding Your Dental Insurance Reminder

Think of this as your friendly dental insurance reminder: most plans operate on a calendar year, which means your coverage reset on January 1st. Your annual maximum—the total amount your insurance will pay toward your dental care this year—is available to use right now. For most plans, this ranges from $1,000 to $2,000, and it’s essentially “use it or lose it” money. Whatever you don’t use by December 31st doesn’t roll over to next year.

Your deductible has also reset, which is the amount you’ll need to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. The sooner you schedule a dental visit and meet that deductible, the sooner your insurance starts covering a larger portion of your dental care costs.

What Does Dental Insurance Cover?

Most dental insurance plans are structured to encourage preventive care. Here’s typically what you can expect:

  • Preventive services are usually covered at 100%, often with no copay or deductible. This includes your regular cleaning and exam, X-rays, and fluoride treatment.
  • Basic procedures like fillings are typically covered at 70-80% after you meet your deductible.
  • Major procedures such as crowns or root canals are usually covered at 50% after your deductible.

Whether you have a PPO, HMO, or another plan type makes a difference, too. PPO plans typically offer more flexibility with in-network and out-of-network providers, while HMO plans usually require you to stay in-network for coverage.

How to Maximize Your Dental Insurance This Year

The key to getting the most value from your dental benefits starts with scheduling early. Here’s why timing matters:

Most plans cover two cleanings per year—typically one every six months. By scheduling your first dental check-up at the beginning of the year, you’ll have plenty of time to fit in your second visit before the year ends. Plus, you’ll avoid the December rush when everyone suddenly remembers to use their benefits.

If Dr. Marsh identifies any treatment needs during your visit, you’ll have the entire year to plan and complete that work while your annual maximum is available. Treatment planning early in the year also helps you spread out any out-of-pocket costs and avoid waiting periods that might apply to certain procedures.

What Happens If I Don’t Use My Dental Benefits?

Here’s the reality: unused benefits simply disappear at year’s end. You’ve already paid for this coverage through your premiums, so not using it means you’re essentially leaving money on the table. Additionally, skipping preventive care often leads to more serious—and expensive—problems down the road that could exceed your annual maximum.

Don’t Forget Your FSA and HSA

If you have a flexible spending account or HSA, these funds can help cover your deductible, copay, and other out-of-pocket costs. Many FSAs also operate on a “use it or lose it” basis, so planning your dental care early helps you make the most of these tax-advantaged accounts.

Ready to Schedule?

Don’t let another month slip by without using your dental benefits. Call My Family Dentist in Sedona today at (928) 282-3246 to schedule your preventive care appointment with Dr. Marsh. We’re an in-network dentist with most major insurance plans, and our team can help you understand your specific coverage and maximize your benefits throughout the year.