Don’t Let Your Dental Benefits Go to Waste: Use Them Before You Lose Them

Dr. Dan McAllister
Sep 1
4 min read

How Montana Dental Works Helps You Maximize Benefits

Every year, countless patients let valuable dental benefits sit unused — only to have them expire on December 31. Whether you have traditional dental insurance, an employer-sponsored plan, or use a dental membership, the calendar reset means those benefits vanish. At Montana Dental Works, we believe in helping you make the most of what you’ve paid for — and ensuring your smile stays healthy all year long.

Why “Use It or Lose It” Really Matters

1. Yearly maximums don’t roll over

Most dental insurance plans or employer benefit packages set a calendar-year maximum — meaning once the year ends, any unused portion is forfeited. If your plan had $1,500 of available coverage but you only used $400, the remaining $1,100 evaporates.

2. Deductibles and cost-sharing reset

If you haven’t yet met your deductible, many plans will require you to start fresh in the new year. That means you may pay more out-of-pocket for the same procedures in January than you would in December, when your coverage is “used up."

3. Preventive care is often 100% covered

Routine cleanings, checkups, and exams are typically fully covered by plans (or nearly so). If you haven’t yet received both (or the number your plan allows) of your annual cleanings, you’re leaving free care on the table.

4. Avoiding big problems later

Untreated cavities, gum disease, or failing restorations can escalate quickly into root canals, extractions, or implants — which are more costly and may not be fully covered later. Using your benefits now can prevent bigger bills later.

5. FSA / Flexible Spending Accounts have “use it or lose it” rules

If you're using a medical FSA (which often covers dental work), the dollars in that account usually expire by December 31 (unless your employer offers a grace period or rollover).

At Montana Dental Works, we work with you — not against your benefits. Here’s how:

Benefit verification before treatment Before any procedure, we’ll verify your dental insurance or membership plan details so you know exactly what’s covered and what’s your cost.
Transparent explanation of coverage We’ll walk you through what your plan covers (for cleanings, fillings, crowns, implants) so you’re not surprised at billing.
No waiting periods for our membership plan If you don’t have insurance, our in-house membership plan offers care with no waiting periods or deductibles, plus discounts on procedures.
Advanced technology for fewer surprises Using digital scanning (DTX Studio) ensures precision, fewer adjustments, and less rework — which can help you use your benefits more efficiently.
Comprehensive treatment options From preventive work to implants, crowns, bridges — we offer full services so you can use your benefits for whatever your mouth needs.

What You Should Do Before the Year Ends

Here’s a step-by-step action plan:

1. Check your benefits ASAP
- Review your insurance plan or membership contract.
- Call your insurer or HR to see how much coverage you’ve used, what’s left, and whether there’s a deductible or waiting period coming.
- Ask whether there is a grace period (some FSAs let you spend extra months) or partial rollover.
2. Schedule appointments now
- Don’t wait until December — popular offices fill up quickly near year-end. Book cleanings, exams, X-rays, or necessary restorative work now.
3. Prioritize preventive care
- If you still have your two cleanings or checkups left, get them early. These are often fully covered and serve as opportunity to catch problems before they escalate.
4. Address necessary restorative or major work
- If your dentist has been recommending fillings, crowns, or implants, consider scheduling them now so you can use your remaining benefits.
5. Use leftover FSA funds
- If you have a medical FSA, you might already have dollars allocated that will expire. Use them for eligible dental services.
6. Confirm before you commit
- Before any procedure, have the dental office send a “pre-treatment estimate” to your insurer, so you know your cost. Montana Dental Works already does benefit verification early on.

Common Insurance Questions:

Q: Do my dental benefits carry over to next year?

A: In almost all cases, no — unused coverage resets after December 31. That’s why it’s crucial to use what’s left.

Q: How many cleanings do I get per year?

A: Typically two — one every six months. If you’ve only used one, you still have one free left to use.

Q: What if I wait until January?

A: You’ll lose whatever unused benefits you had, and your deductible or coverage might reset — meaning you could pay more out-of-pocket.

Q: Are implants covered?

A: Some plans cover a portion of implants, but often with limits (e.g. lifetime maximums). Montana’s state dental plan, for example, has a $1,500 lifetime benefit for implants.

Q: What if I have a membership instead of insurance?

A: Montana Dental Works’ membership allows you access to routine care and discounts on procedures. It doesn’t “expire” like insurance, so it’s a safety net year-round.

At Montana Dental Works, our team is here to make the most of your remaining benefits while ensuring your care is comfortable, personalized, and stress-free. From preventive checkups to restorative treatments, we’ll help you maximize your coverage before it expires. Please note that insurance participation can change over time, so we encourage you to give our office a quick call to confirm your plan is accepted and to schedule your appointment. We’re honored to serve our neighbors in Kalispell, Whitefish, Bigfork, and the Flathead Valley — and we look forward to keeping your smile healthy well into the new year.