Now that October has arrived, you may be looking forward to wrapping up 2026 so you can welcome the new year with open arms. But don’t forget that if you have dental insurance, this can be the perfect time to contact your dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning before your benefits restart on January 1. Continue reading to learn more about 3 reasons that you should take advantage of your policy before the year ends!
Benefit #1: Encourages Proper Prevention
The American Dental Association recommends having a routine checkup and cleaning every 6 months to avoid common dental health concerns, such as cavities and gum disease. Thankfully, most dental insurance plans encourage this practice by covering up to 100% of standard services, including exams, cleanings, X-rays, and sometimes fluoride treatments.
Insurance providers understand that preventive care usually costs less than repairs or restorations needed to treat issues after they happen, which helps keep costs low for the patient, their dentist, and the insurance company. But they often have criteria, like an annual deductible, before benefits kick in. You’ve likely met these requirements by October and can reap the full benefits of your plan.
Benefit #2: Avoids Expensive Repairs
Did you know that proper prevention can help protect and preserve your budget as much as your smile? For instance, routine checkups and cleanings generally cost less than other fixes, like getting a root canal or placing a dental crown, with or without insurance.
But although many plans offer full coverage for preventive services, they might only include between 50% to 80% of other procedures, while other policies exclude these procedures altogether. Taking advantage of included checkups and cleanings helps avoid dental damage or disease that requires more costly treatments to address.
Benefit #3: Services Cost Less
Dental procedures generally cost less with insurance, so no matter what happens, you’re less likely to pay the full price out of pocket. For instance, you might not pay a dime out-of-pocket for a checkup with insurance, but without it, you might owe several hundred dollars.
Also, if you develop a toothache that requires a root canal or extraction, your policy might cover part of the cost so you don’t have to pay thousands of dollars upfront to fix the damage. But many plans include a waiting period before benefits apply, which has likely passed by the end of the year. That makes autumn one of the best times to pursue these services.
If you’re unsure whether your dentist takes your insurance or how much your appointment might be covered, feel free to contact their office directly to learn more.
About the Practice
Patients at Beck Dental Care of Columbia benefit from three dental experts eager to help them improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. Dr. Hart and Dr. Matthews, accomplished general dentists, collaborate with Dr. Williams, a skilled implant provider, to offer a full menu of services to meet your unique needs. They are in-network with several major dental insurance providers and also offer other methods of making different treatments more affordable. You can request an appointment on the website or call (931) 388-8452.