The December 31 countdown is upon us, and even though you’re busy, prioritizing your oral health is essential for your teeth and gums, as well as your wallet.
Now that the end of the year is rapidly approaching, it’s a good time to evaluate your dental coverage and make plans to visit your North York dental clinic.
"Use It or Lose It:" How Private Insurance Works in Ontario
Most dental benefits reset at the end of the calendar year, and if you have any unused benefits, you could lose them. To avoid this “use it or lose it” issue, it’s important to understand the parameters of your dental insurance.
Maximizing Your Dental Benefits: What You Can Do
There are some things you can do now to ensure you get the most out of your dental insurance coverage, including the following:
- Contact your insurance company — Most dental insurance has an annual maximum balance, which is the most they will pay for treatment during the calendar year. It’s important to know if you’ve met your annual maximum. If you haven’t, now is a good time to schedule any dental treatment you’ve been putting off.
- Take advantage of lower rates — Because costs can rise in the new year, it’s a good idea to arrange for treatments before the end of the year.
- Schedule your preventive visit — If it has been long enough since your last exam and cleaning and you’ve only had one this year, be sure to schedule your second appointment before time runs out. Most insurance companies cover 100% of the cost of preventive care, and our clinic is busy in November and December, so don’t wait.
High-Value Treatments to Schedule Before Year-End
It might be possible to complete your dental treatment in phases, especially for more expensive procedures. If you need a root canal and crown, you could have the root canal done this year and wait for next year’s annual maximum to help pay for the crown.
Other treatments to consider include professional teeth whitening, bonding, clear aligner therapy, and dental implants.
CDCP vs. Private Insurance: Understanding Your Coverage
If you are covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan, it works differently than private insurance. We encourage you to check to see if you’re eligible for routine preventive care before the end of the year, and if you need other treatments, be sure to submit your pre-authorization paperwork as soon as possible.
Dental Benefits in North York, ON
If you have questions about your dental insurance, or if you need more information about the Canadian Dental Care Plan, our caring team will happily assist you! At Emery Village Dental, we’re committed to helping every patient navigate their treatment options and find the best financial fit for their budget.
