It happens every year. December rolls around, patients realize their dental benefits are about to vanish, and our phones start ringing off the hook. By then, appointment availability is limited, and many families miss out on hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars in unused benefits.

We don't want that to happen to you.

The "Use It or Lose It" Reality

Here's the truth about dental insurance that might surprise you: Most dental plans operate on a calendar year, and unused benefits don't roll over to 2026. When January 1st hits, your annual maximum resets, but so does everything you didn't use.

That cleaning you've been meaning to schedule? The filling your dentist recommended six months ago?  The crown you’ve been pushing off?  If you don't take care of these before December 31st, you're essentially leaving your own money on the table.

What's Really at Stake?

Let's break down what you might be losing:‍

Most plans include preventive care like cleanings, exams, and x-rays, and many also help cover fillings, crowns, gum disease treatment, and orthodontics like Invisalign. Cosmetic procedures are usually not included, but that’s where your HSA or FSA can step in.

If you've only had one cleaning this year, you're missing out on a benefit you've already paid for through your premiums.

Your Annual Maximum

The average dental insurance plan offers between $1,000 and $2,000 in annual coverage. If you've been putting off necessary treatment, whether it's a filling, crown, or periodontal work, you could lose access to significant coverage that could help offset these costs.

FSA and HSA Funds

Flexible Spending Accounts are particularly tricky. Unlike HSAs, which typically roll over, most FSAs operate on a strict "use it or lose it" basis. If you've allocated funds for dental care and haven't used them, that money disappears at year's end.

These accounts are perfect for:

• Cosmetic treatments like professional whitening
• Orthodontic treatment (Invisalign, clear aligners)
• Dental implants
• Specialized treatments your insurance may not fully cover

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Act

Beat the Holiday Rush

We love seeing our patients, but we'll be honest: November and December are our busiest months. Everyone suddenly remembers their benefits are expiring, and appointment slots fill up fast. By scheduling now, you get:

• Your preferred appointment time
• Choice of location
• Ability to complete multi-visit treatments before year-end
• Less stress during the already-hectic holiday season
• A brighter, healthier smile for those holiday picture moments

Plan for Major Treatment

If your dentist has recommended more extensive work, like a crown, bridge, or orthodontics starting now gives you options. You might be able to:

• Begin treatment in 2025 using this year's benefits
• Continue treatment into 2026, maximizing coverage across two benefit years
• Create a payment plan that works with your budget

Invest in Your Health

We often think of dental care as separate from overall health, but it's not. Poor oral health is linked to serious conditions including heart disease, diabetes complications, and stroke. Regular dental visits aren't just about keeping your smile bright, they're about keeping you healthy, so you have more reasons to smile.

Common Myths About Dental Insurance

Let's clear up a few misconceptions:

Myth: "I don't have any problems, so I don't need to use my benefits." Preventive care exists to keep small problems from becoming big ones. That cleaning and exam could catch a cavity when it's tiny and inexpensive to fix, rather than waiting until you need a root canal.

Myth: "I'll just use double benefits next year." Unfortunately, that's not how it works. Your annual maximum is exactly that—annual. It doesn't accumulate or carry over.

Myth: "Dental insurance is too complicated to figure out." We're here to help! Our team can verify your benefits, explain your coverage, and help you make informed decisions about your care. Call today for a benefits check.  

Special Considerations for Families

If you're coordinating dental care for multiple family members, planning becomes even more important. Consider:

• Scheduling back-to-back appointments to minimize trips
• Prioritizing each family member's most urgent needs
• Taking advantage of family maximums if your plan offers them
• Using FSA funds for treatments that benefit the whole family
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Your Next Steps:

Choose from one of our three convenient locations:

‍Midlothian Dental Center - Sommerville Court: 14431 Sommerville Ct Unit A, Midlothian, VA 23113 | (804) 794-4588‍

Midlothian Dental Center at Alverser Plaza: 1320 Alverser Plaza, Midlothian, VA 23113 | (804) 676-6898

Midlothian Dental Center at Bon Air: 9015 Forest Hill Ave, Bon Air, VA 23235 | (804) 794-4588

Allow us to do a complimentary dental benefits check for you. Work with our team to prioritize your dental health and maximize your benefits.  We are here to help you make the most out of your care.

Don't wait. Every day that passes is one less day to complete treatment before your benefits expire.

At Midlothian Dental Center, we've been serving families across Midlothian, Chesterfield, Bon Air, Woodlake, and greater Richmond for over years. We understand insurance can be confusing, schedules get busy, and dental care sometimes falls down the priority list.

Your 2025 benefits are running out, but there's still time. Let's work together to ensure you don't leave money, or your oral health on the table.

Ready to schedule? Call us today or request your appointment online. Your smile will thank you.

Have questions about your benefits or coverage? Our friendly team is here to help explain your options and create a treatment plan that works for your family and your budget. Don't let another year go by without maximizing what you've earned.

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