Making the Most of Your Dental Benefits
Don’t forget to take advantage of Flexible Spending Accounts and annual maxiumums on your dental insurance before year-end!
As the end of the year draws near, calendars quickly fill up with “to-do” lists and holiday events. Whether it’s trick-or-treating, planning the perfect Thanksgiving meal, or finishing your Christmas shopping — this is a busy time of year. Amid the hustle and bustle, a visit to the dentist might fall pretty low on your priority list.
However, now is actually the smartest time to make an appointment. For most people, unused dental insurance benefits and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) reset at the end of the year.
How Flexible Spending Accounts Work
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows you to set aside a portion of your paycheck before taxes to pay for eligible medical and dental expenses. These funds come out of your income pre-tax, which reduces your taxable income and can result in meaningful tax savings.
The key rule: FSA funds must be used for eligible expenses by the end of your plan year, or they’re forfeited — the well-known “use it or lose it” rule.
Updates for 2025
The good news is that many employers now offer a bit more flexibility. Depending on your plan, you may:
Carry over up to $640 of unused FSA funds into the next year, or
Use a grace period of up to 2½ months (typically through mid-March) to spend remaining funds.
Be sure to check with your employer or HR department to confirm which option applies to your plan.
Eligible Dental Treatments for FSA Use
If December is looming and you’re searching for ways to use your remaining FSA dollars, look no further than your dentist. Most dental services qualify as eligible expenses, including:
Crowns and bridges
Dental implants
Dental X-rays
Dentures
Exams and cleanings
Extractions
Fillings
Gum treatment
Oral surgery
Orthodontia (braces and aligners)*
TMJ-related treatments
*Orthodontic expenses are eligible, but reimbursement rules may differ depending on how your treatment is billed or spread out over time.
Understanding Your Dental Insurance Annual Maximum
It’s also important to stay aware of your dental insurance plan’s annual maximum — the total amount your insurer will pay for covered services each year. This limit varies by plan and provider but typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,500, though some plans offer higher maximums.
Once you reach your annual maximum, you’re responsible for 100% of additional costs until your benefits renew. Working with your dentist to time your treatments strategically can help you make the most of your coverage.
Example:
If your treatment plan includes multiple fillings, a root canal, and two crowns, doing all the work early in the year could easily exceed your annual maximum. But if you schedule part of your treatment in December and the rest in January — after your benefits reset — you can use two years of coverage and reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
End the Year With a Healthy, Happy Smile
As the year winds down, don’t forget to include a trip to your dentist in your holiday plans. You’ll not only enjoy a confident, healthy smile for the festivities but also make the most of your hard-earned benefits before they expire.
✨ Don’t wait — appointments fill up fast in November and December!
Call your dental office today to reserve your spot and maximize your insurance and FSA savings or schedule online.
