Fall has officially arrived in Richmond, calendars are filling up, and before you know it, the holidays will be here. That also means your 2026 dental benefits are ticking down. Most dental insurance plans and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) expire on December 31st and unused benefits don’t roll over. It’s truly “use it or lose it.”

If you’re due for a cleaning or haven’t scheduled treatment we recommended at your last visit, give us a call. We can help you review your remaining 2026 dental benefits, answer your questions, and find a time that works best for you before the year ends.

Do My Dental Benefits Reset on January 1?

Many dental insurance plans follow the calendar year, with benefits resetting on January 1. For most of these plans, unused benefits do not carry over into the next year. Your plan may work differently, so check its renewal date and rollover rules.

Your annual maximum is the most your insurance plan will pay toward covered services during the plan year. Having benefits remaining does not mean every treatment is fully covered. Deductibles, coverage percentages, and other plan limits still apply.

Not sure where you stand? 

Call us, we are here to help you understand your coverage, the care you need and how we can maximize your benefits.  

Your next step may be:

• Cleanings, exams, and x-rays
• Fillings, crowns, and gum care
• Invisalign (many plans help cover this!)
• Pediatric visits for your kids
• Restorative and cosmetic options with HSA/FSA funds

Have FSA or HSA Funds? Know the Difference

These accounts can help pay for eligible dental expenses that insurance does not cover, but their year-end rules are different.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Unused funds may be forfeited at the end of your plan year. Some employer plans offer a limited carryover or a grace period. Check your balance, the deadline for receiving care, and the deadline for submitting receipts.

‍Health Savings Account (HSA): Unused funds stay in your account and roll over. You do not need to spend your HSA balance before December 31.

Eligible expenses can include dental exams, fillings, crowns, and qualifying orthodontic care. Purely cosmetic treatments, such as teeth whitening, generally do not qualify. Confirm eligibility with your account administrator, and keep receipts for expenses you pay with these funds.

Give Yourself Time to Plan

Some treatment takes more than one visit. Calling now gives you time to review your options, understand estimated out-of-pocket costs, and arrange appointments around work, family, and holiday plans.

If you have a larger treatment plan, ask whether any care can appropriately be scheduled across two benefit years. Your dentist can help determine the timing based on your oral health needs; coverage will depend on your plan.

Let’s Get Your Next Visit on the Calendar

Whether you are an existing patient catching up on care or looking for a dental home in Midlothian or Bon Air, we would love to welcome you.

Choose the Midlothian Dental Center location that works best for you:

3 Convenient Midlothian Dental Center Locations

Families across Midlothian, Chesterfield, Bon Air, Woodlake, and greater Richmond trust us for reputable, experienced, high-quality dental care. Choose the location closest to you:

‍Sommerville Court – 14431 Sommerville Ct UNIT A, Midlothian, VA 23113 | (804) 265-4369
Alverser Plaza – 1320 Alverser Plaza, Midlothian, VA 23113 | (804) 676-6898
Bon Air –9015 Forest Hill Ave. Bon Air, VA 23235 | (804) 265-4369

Whether it’s your child’s cleaning or wrapping up treatment you’ve been putting off, Midlothian Dental Center is here to help you protect your smile and make the most of your 2026 benefits.

Call today or click here to reserve your spot before the year-end rush!

‍Schedule Your Appointment