Connection Dental provider

The end of the year is quickly approaching — and while you’re busy with holidays, gatherings, and to-do lists, there’s one thing you don’t want to overlook: your dental insurance benefits.

Every year, millions of dollars in dental benefits go unused, and most insurance plans reset on January 1st. That means if you don’t use the coverage you’ve already paid for, you lose it for good.

At Young Family Dental in Highland, UT, we want to help you make the most of your benefits before they expire. Whether you’re overdue for a cleaning, have dental work you’ve been putting off, or simply want to maximize your plan before the year ends, now’s the perfect time to schedule your appointment.

Understanding How Dental Insurance Works

Most dental insurance plans — including Best Life, Select Health Classic, United HealthCare, Cigna, MetLife, Connection Dental, GEHA, Careington Plans, EMI Premier, Aetna, and Principal — operate on a calendar year basis.

That means your annual maximums, deductibles, and preventive care benefits all reset on January 1st.

Here’s what that means for you:

• Annual Maximum: This is the total amount your insurance will pay for covered dental care in a year. Once January hits, this amount resets — whether you’ve used it or not.

• Deductible: Before your plan starts covering costs, you pay a certain out-of-pocket amount (the deductible). If you’ve already met it for this year, now’s the time to schedule any remaining treatments so you can take advantage before it resets.

• Preventive Coverage: Many insurance plans cover cleanings, exams, and X-rays at 100%. If you haven’t used both of your yearly cleanings, don’t miss out — you’ve already paid for them through your premiums.

When the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, unused benefits disappear — and you’ll have to start fresh next year.

Why You Should Use Your Benefits Before Year-End

Delaying dental care may seem harmless, but small issues can quickly turn into big (and costly) problems. Using your benefits before they expire helps you:

1. Prevent Bigger Problems Down the Road

Cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues don’t fix themselves — and the longer you wait, the more complicated and expensive they become. Regular checkups help catch problems early, often preventing the need for extensive procedures later.

2. Save Money

By using your benefits before they reset, you’re maximizing the coverage you’ve already paid for. If you’ve met your deductible or have unused coverage left, it’s financially smart to complete any pending treatments now instead of next year.

3. Keep Your Smile Healthy Year-Round

Your oral health impacts more than your teeth — it affects your overall health, too. Preventive care like cleanings and exams help keep your gums healthy, reduce inflammation, and protect against conditions linked to heart disease and diabetes.

4. Beat the End-of-Year Rush

Many patients wait until November or December to schedule appointments, which means spots fill up fast. Booking early ensures you get the time and date that works best for you — and you won’t risk missing out before your plan resets.

What Your Insurance May Cover

While every plan is different, most insurance policies (including Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, United HealthCare, Principal, and Select Health Classic) offer coverage in three main categories:

Preventive Care (Usually 100% Covered)

• Cleanings and exams (typically twice a year)

• X-rays

• Fluoride treatments and sealants (especially for kids)

Basic Restorative Treatments (Often 70–80% Covered)

• Fillings for cavities

• Root canal therapy

• Simple extractions

Major Restorative Treatments (Often 50% Covered)

• Crowns, bridges, and dentures

• Dental implants

• Complex extractions and surgeries

Every provider — from Best Life and GEHA to Careington Plans and EMI Premier — has slightly different coverage levels, so our friendly team at Young Family Dental can help you review your plan and understand your benefits before scheduling treatment.

Why Preventive Care Pays Off

Even if you don’t need dental work, preventive visits are the easiest and most effective way to protect your oral health.

When you skip cleanings or exams, plaque hardens into tartar, which brushing can’t remove. That buildup can lead to gum disease, decay, and even tooth loss over time.

Insurance companies know this — which is why preventive care is often 100% covered. It’s not just good for your health; it’s good for your wallet, too.

If you haven’t had both of your cleanings this year, now’s your chance to schedule your next visit before those benefits expire.

How to Maximize Your Dental Insurance Benefits

Here are a few smart ways to get the most from your insurance before year’s end:

1. Schedule your cleaning and exam if you haven’t already used both covered visits.

2. Complete unfinished treatments — fillings, crowns, or other procedures — before your deductible resets.

3. Plan for multi-step treatments like implants or orthodontics by starting now, so you can split costs across two benefit years if needed.

4. Use your FSA or HSA funds before they expire — many dental treatments qualify.

5. Ask our team for a benefits review — we can help you understand exactly what your plan covers so you don’t leave money on the table.

Our front desk team works directly with most major insurance providers, including MetLife, Aetna, GEHA, Careington Plans, EMI Premier, United HealthCare, Cigna, Principal, Best Life, and Select Health Classic, to help you maximize your coverage and minimize your out-of-pocket costs.

Common Dental Treatments to Consider Before Year-End

If you’ve been putting off care, here are a few treatments that are smart to schedule now:

• Cleanings and exams: If it’s been more than six months, you’re overdue.

• Fillings: Stop decay early and prevent larger procedures later.

• Crowns: Restore damaged teeth before they worsen.

• Gum therapy: Address early signs of gum disease to protect your smile.

• Whitening or cosmetic improvements: Take advantage of flexible spending dollars before they expire.

Don’t wait until January — your benefits are designed to keep you healthy now.

We Make It Easy to Use Your Benefits

Navigating dental insurance can be confusing, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Young Family Dental Highland, our team is here to help you understand your plan, verify your coverage, and make sure you get the most out of your remaining benefits.

We proudly accept and work with:

• Best Life

• Select Health Classic

• United HealthCare

• Cigna

• MetLife

• Connection Dental

• GEHA

• Careington Plans

• EMI Premier

• Aetna

• Principal

Our friendly staff will review your benefits, explain your options, and help you schedule your appointment before time runs out.

Don’t Let Your Benefits Go to Waste!

You’ve paid for your dental insurance all year — make sure you get the full value from it. Whether you’re due for a cleaning or need treatment before your deductible resets, now’s the best time to schedule your appointment.

At Young Family Dental Highland, we make it simple to get the care you need and maximize your benefits before they expire. Call us today or schedule your appointment online to make the most of your dental insurance before December 31st!

Use it — don’t lose it! Your smile (and your wallet) will thank you.