Get the Most from Your Dental Benefits Before Year-End

Posted on November 9, 2026 in Insurance

The end of the year can arrive quickly. Between holiday plans and busy schedules, your dental benefits may not be top of mind. Get the most out of your dental plan—now is a good time to check your benefits and make sure you’re utilizing your benefits before the new year.

Use dental plan benefits by year-end 

Fall is a great time to review your dental insurance benefits. Most dental plans run from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, so benefits may reset when the new year begins. Depending on your plan, that could mean leaving available benefits unused. 

Start by reviewing your plan to see what services are covered, how much of your annual coverage you’ve used, and when your benefits reset. 

Many plans cover routine exams and cleanings at little or no cost. If you haven’t had your routine dental visits this year, check your coverage and consider scheduling an appointment. 

If you have dental work you’ve been delaying, review your remaining benefits to see whether your plan can help lower your out-of-pocket costs. 

Every dental insurance plan is different. If you have Delta Dental of Iowa coverage, you can see what services are included and when your benefits reset using the Delta Dental Member Connection online portal.

Preventive care now can help you avoid bigger problems later 

Using your benefits isn’t just about getting your money’s worth. Regular preventive care can also help identify dental concerns early.  

It’s easy to put off dental care when your teeth feel fine, but some dental issues may not cause pain right away. For example, a small cavity left untreated can become a larger problem, such as an infection that requires a root canal or can even lead to tooth loss. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about one in five adults has an untreated cavity. Regular dental exams and cleaning can help catch problems early, before a small issue becomes a larger and more costly one. 

That’s one more reason to take advantage of the preventive care included in your dental plan.

Make your oral health a year-end priority 

Before another year is in the books, take a few minutes to review your dental plan and see whether you have benefits you can still use.  

If you’re due for a preventive visit or have dental work you’ve been putting off, contact your dental office to schedule an appointment. A little planning now can help you get more value from your dental benefits and head into the new year with your oral health on track.