As with any health or dental plan, you pay a premium to your employer upfront in anticipation of certain services, such as teeth cleaning and X-rays. According to Investopedia, the average yearly maximum a dental plan will cover is between $1000 and $2000 – a meager amount considering the staggering cost of getting a filling or root canal. When you don’t schedule your check-ups, you are essentially foregoing pre-paid services. It would be like booking that flight home for the holidays that you saved up for, yet never stepping foot on the plane. Therefore, it’s crucial to address dental problems as they occur.
According to the American Dental Association, many dental plans through insurance companies have a benefit deadline of December 31st. This means that when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve and you haven’t taken advantage of your bi-annual check-ups, you may be waving goodbye to much more than 2017 (hint: wasted dollars). Also, don’t expect to receive a friendly reminder from your insurance provider regarding your outstanding benefits. Many large insurance carriers depend on your forgetfulness or apathy – collecting any unused benefit money as an “end of year bonus.”
One thing everyone can agree on, is that the holiday season is one of indulgence. Many people avoid the dentist unless they have an immediate problem such as cavities or oral cancer; the problem is: poor dental health can lead to a variety of adverse health effects. After all, the mouth-body connection runs very, very deep – with heart disease, obesity, and lung conditions all being linked to periodontal disease. The benefits of preventive care such as X-rays, periodic exams, and sealants cannot be overstated. This is especially true during the holiday months, when unhealthy “problem” foods are at our fingertips (and stuck in our respective molars).
Lastly, with the New Year, comes new fees. Yes, that’s right. Premiums and deductibles can fluctuate each year – so a root canal that seemed affordable in 2017, could end up costing a pretty penny just one month after.
If you’re unsure as to when your plan rolls over, it’s best to speak with your insurance provider or employer. The holiday season can be a chaotic time of year for many; scheduling your next appointment while in office is a sure-fire way to stick to your regular appointments. After all, making a dental appointment might not be on your mind amidst picking out your tree, caroling, and entertaining.
With the holiday season upon us, it’s the ideal time to schedule a check-up with the professionals at Marion Smile Center. Not only will they assist you in getting the most out of your dental plan, they’ll bestow the gift of a pearly, white smile and impeccable dental health. New customers can call (724) 452-4300; as for regular patients – they’ll see you in the chair this December!
