As the end of the year approaches, families are caught up in holiday plans, school events, and busy schedules. It’s a time when your child’s dental benefits likely aren’t top of mind.
An inconvenient truth: most dental insurance plans renew on January 1. That means that any unused annual maximums, covered preventive visits, or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) dollars might expire if they aren't used before December 31.
If you’ve received a use it or lose it dental benefits letter, postcard, email, or text, you should take advantage of the care you’ve already paid for.
Understanding Use It or Lose It Dental Benefits
The phrase use it or lose it dental benefits refers to the fact that most dental insurance plans do not roll unused benefits into the following calendar year.
Depending on your plan, the dental benefits expiring can include:
Remaining annual insurance benefits
Covered preventive dental exams and cleanings
Unused FSA funds (subject to your employer's plan)
Any benefits that reset on January 1
If your child is due for a routine dental visit, scheduling their pediatric dental exam before the end of the year ensures you use your dental benefits before they expire, instead of leaving money on the table.
FSA Dental: Use Your Funds Before They Expire
Can you use FSA for dental? In most cases, the answer is yes. An FSA can be used to pay for eligible dental expenses including preventative dental exams and cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, and fillings and other necessary restorative care.
Most FSA plans have a “use it or lose it” rule, meaning any unused funds are lost if not spent on eligible care before December 31. If you’re unsure of what qualifies, check with your benefits administrator to confirm your available FSA dental expenses and remaining balance.
HSA Dental: Funds Roll Year to Year
In comparison to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), a Health Savings Account (HSA) works differently in that unused funds typically do roll over from year to year.
In most cases, HSAs can be used to pay for qualified dental expenses, including preventative care and restorative treatments.
End of Year Dental Benefits Letter
Many dental offices send an end of year dental benefits letter, or other form of communication like postcard or text, during the months of November and December. These reminders are designed to help families avoid losing insurance benefits they’ve already earned.
In an end of year dental insurance benefits letter, you can expect to find language like: “your child’s preventative visit is due,” “insurance benefits reset soon,” “FSA funds may expire,” “Appointment availability becomes limited as December fill ups,” etc.
If you’ve received a use it or lose it dental benefits text or other reminder, it’s worth checking your insurance benefits before turning the calendar to January.
Preventive Dental Care Matters More Than You Think
Routine dental visits do much more than keep teeth clean. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist every six months. These visits monitor healthy development, identify concerns early, and provide preventive care to reduce the risk of cavities and more complex treatment later on.
Preventive dental visits for kids often include:
Comprehensive dental exam
Professional cleaning
Digital X-rays
Fluoride treatment
Monitoring growth and tooth development
Personalized guidance on brushing, flossing, nutrition, and oral habits
Catching dental concerns early is easier, less expensive, and more comfortable than waiting until your child develops pain or a more serious issue.
Schedule Your Child’s Dental Checkup Before the End of the Year
November and December are some of the busiest months for dental offices because many families are trying to use dental benefits before the end of the year.
Scheduling your child’s dental checkup as early in the year as possible guarantees they will receive the recommended preventive care that’s already covered under your insurance. And then, if additional treatment is needed, you and your dentist have the time to discuss next steps before dental benefits reset.
How to Check Your Remaining Dental Benefits Before December 31
If you’re not sure how much dental coverage you have left, there are a few avenues you can take to check your remaining benefits:
Log into your dental insurance member portal
Call your dental insurance provider
Review your explanation of benefits (EOB)
Contact your child’s dental office
South Mississippi Smiles has an experienced care team that works with most insurance providers, including Medicaid. We would be happy to help you utilize dental benefits before expiration and avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
Use Your Dental Benefits Before They Expire
Dental insurance is meant to support your child’s ongoing oral health, not just pay for treatment when issues occur.
Before December 31st, take a few minutes to review your family’s dental coverage, check your remaining FSA and HSA funds, and schedule any preventative care your children are due for. Preparation now helps protect your child’s oral health and family’s budget in the future.
Don't let your child's dental benefits go to waste. Schedule their end-of-year checkup at South Mississippi Smiles before December 31.
