Year-end is a time when you are extremely busy. You may be juggling multiple responsibilities like family work or even your kid’s school obligations. This leaves little time to consider your health benefits, especially dental ones. Many people fail to use their benefits at the proper time and potentially lose out on hundreds of dollars.
The importance of using your dental benefits
Reasons for using dental benefits before they expire include:
Annual maximums do not roll-over
Your dental benefits don’t roll over into the following year, so if the patient doesn’t use them, they will lose the remaining amount for the year.
Economical
It helps maintain your oral health while being gentle on your wallet.
It is costing you money
Most dental benefits are provided through your employer. But you will see the deductions in your paycheck. So, if you do not use your benefits, it is a waste of your hard-earned money.
Changing plans
Every year, healthcare plans undergo changes. Your benefits for the following year may not be as favorable as the ones available now.
Health benefits
Ignoring dental issues is never a good idea. Your oral health is vital and is connected to your overall health. Taking care of your teeth and oral health now will save you from a severe dental issue. Preventive benefits ensure that problems like oral cancer, cavities, tooth decay, or gum issues are found early.
Understanding dental benefits
The dental plan is typically included in the medical insurance package that you receive through your employer. You can also purchase it on your own. Dental insurance policies specify which procedures are covered by insurance. Treatment plans involve personalized strategies that dentists develop along with their patients to address the specific health issues of that particular patient.
The three tiers of dental coverage include:
- Class 1: Preventative and diagnostic care, like x-ray and teeth cleaning
- Class 2: Basic restorative care, like root canals and fillings
- Class 3: Major restorative care, like bridges, dentures, and crowns
The majority of the time, cosmetic dentistry treatments that aren’t medically necessary are not covered by dental benefits.
Typically, your company will have an agreement with some insurance company that serves as your dental benefits administrator. They will reimburse you in accordance with the terms of your benefit plan. This plan will terminate along with the termination of your employment. You can also purchase one if you do not have one through your employer.
Dental plans typically operate in three ways:
• Preventive care in which 80% – 100% of the treatment is covered
• Minor restorative care in which 70% – 80% of the treatment is covered
• Major restorative care, of which 50% is covered.
But every plan is unique. Your plan will have stipulations on how to use your coverage. For example, some of the stipulations that are included with the benefits are:
• An annual maximum: This is the highest sum of money your insurance will spend on approved services within a given year.
• A deductible: This is the sum of money you are required to pay before your insurance is activated.
• A waiting period: Most insurance policies don’t demand that you hold off on receiving preventive treatment. You might have to wait for 6 to 12 months or longer to use your insurance for restorative services.
How to take advantage of your dental benefits
You can take advantage of your dental benefits using some simple methods:
Book your appointments ahead of time
A lot of people might be rushing for appointments towards the year-end. Make your appointment with the dentist ahead of time to prevent last-minute rushes.
Never miss an appointment
If you miss an appointment, it may be challenging to reschedule due to your busy lifestyle or the hectic schedule of your dentist.
Ask the right questions
Understanding what your benefits cover will help you and your dentist create a treatment plan suitable for your health and your wallet.
No benefit lasts forever. This is true in the case of dental benefits as well. Using your dental benefits before they expire is extremely important. Be sure to enjoy your dental benefits before year-end. December is rush time, don’t wait! Call Torbram Dental today to use your dental benefits.
Simrit has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She started her career with Assisting/Treatment co-ordinating and then moved on to becoming the Hygiene Co Ordinator in 2005. In 2012 she took on a new role as the Marketing Director. Though she loved being the Marketing Director, in 2015 she became the Office Manager of Torbram Dental. She completed her Level 1 Dental Assisting program with Career Canada in 1996 and then went on to complete her Level II Dental Assisting Diploma with Southwestern Medix in 1999. That is when she received NDAEB Certification. Simrit has been and still is an active member of the Ontario Dental Assistants Association since 2000. She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband and two kids and loves to explore new restaurants, especially high-tea venues.
This will close in 0 seconds
Jessica, one of our receptionists, is one of the smiling faces you see when you arrive at the office. She graduated with honours from Medix College with a diploma as a Level 2 Dental Assistant. When she is not happily helping our patients, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, going to church on Sunday mornings, gardening and going on hikes.
This will close in 0 seconds
Naudia has been working at Torbram Dental for many years and is a valued member of our administrative team: as a dental receptionist and in our marketing team . She graduated from Everest College with honours level 1 and 2, with a diploma in Dental Assisting. Naudia is always there for our patients, making sure that they receive the care and attention they deserve. When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and indulging in civil court TV shows.
This will close in 0 seconds
Ramandeep has been a part of Torbram Dental for the past 10 years as certified dental assistant. She obtained her level 1 certification from Everest college in Brampton in 2013, and then her level 2 certification in 2014 from Medix college. Her career path through the clinic has been recognized by staff at all levels who admire her work ethic and dedication to million dollar smiles. In her spare time, Ramandeep enjoys cooking and gardening, and spending time with her husband and 2 kids.
This will close in 0 seconds
Sana is a valued member of our dental hygiene team. In 2008 she completed her education at George Brown in Dental Assisting and in 2016 she earned her diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Sciences. Sana has been working in dentistry since 2008 and enjoys taking care of our patients and helping them with their oral health. She is married and is busy with her 2 young children. In her spare time, Sana enjoys going out with the family, trying out new places to eat and is looking forward to travelling with them in the future.
This will close in 0 seconds
Sanaria has been working at Torbram Dental for many years as a valued member of our Dental Assisting Team. She completed her level 2 dental assisting certification and previously obtained a degree in Education and worked as a quality control officer in the pharmaceutical industry. When not at work Sanaria loves to bake and cook. She also loves story time and enjoying the outdoors with her children. She always sees the positive side of life, believes that nothing is impossible and that if you set a goal and work at it, that you will make your dreams come true.
This will close in 0 seconds
Carrie has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She graduated from George Brown College in 1998 with a Dental Assistant Diploma and continued to further her education by completing a Dental Hygiene Diploma in 2001 at Durham College. Carrie is a highly trained and experienced Registered Dental Hygienist who continues to learn and grow by updating her knowledge to provide her clients with the best Oral Health Care techniques and information. Carrie is passionate about Dentistry and is known for her gentle and compassionate manner. She feels strongly about building lasting relationships and trust with her clients to help them understand that good Oral Health leads to good Overall Health. Carrie enjoys travelling, dabbling in decorating and a good Netflix series in her time off. Carrie resides in Halton Hills with her husband and two children.
This will close in 0 seconds
Daniela's interest in Dentistry began in Gr.6 when she wrote a speech entitled "My Life as a Toothbrush".
A Registered Dental Hygienist with 22 years of clinical experience, Daniela still has a great passion for her career. The most rewarding aspect for her is building lasting relationships with her patients, and seeing them through to a healthier smile.
Her thorough yet gentle touch will ensure a comfortable visit every time.
Daniela is a total Foodie and loves to cook and enjoys all types of cuisines. She loves Florida, Cruises, organizing things, and most of all spending time with family and friends.
This will close in 0 seconds
Stephanie Enjoys getting to know all new patients at Torbram Dental and catching up with long standing Patients. Stephanie enjoys spending quality time with her family. One of her favorite things to do with her daughter is teach and play the piano. Stephanie likes going on walks with her husband and enjoys spending as much time with him as he is an Active Member of the Canadian Army. On Sundays, Stephanie enjoys going to Church and looks forward to Sunday Dinner with her entire family. Stephanie's Favorite thing to do to start her day right is head to her local Starbucks and Grab her favorite drink, an iced black tea with light lemonade on warm days and a blonde vanilla latte on those cold winter days.
This will close in 0 seconds