As the end of the year approaches, leaders of the Virginia Dental Association are urging people who haven’t seen the dentist in 2024 to schedule an appointment. 

On average,  about 1 in 5 people with private dental insurance don’t use their benefit. Typical dental plans reset at the end of the year, which means people lose out on them if they don’t visit the dentist. 

Regular dental appointments are important because they can identify dental health issues early on when treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable, according to the VDA. Visiting the dentist regularly is also important because some diseases and medical conditions have symptoms that can appear in the mouth.   

“It’s important for people to know that dental insurance works differently than medical insurance,” said VDA President Dr. Justin Norbo. “Medical insurance plans are designed to protect policyholders against costs beyond a certain point. However, typical dental insurance plans pay for a portion of dental care up to an annual maximum amount and reset each year. If you don’t use the annual benefit that you earned to access dental care, you lose it.”   

A typical dental plan has an annual maximum benefit of $1,000-$2,000. Many plans also cover the full cost of preventative care appointments, which are a key factor in maintaining optimal oral health. Plans vary and you can call your dental benefit plan administrator or your dentist to understand how your plan is structured.    

“We’re encouraging Virginians to ensure that they are getting the most out of their dental benefits by scheduling an exam with their dentist. Annual exams play a huge part in preventing serious oral health issues down the line and saving money in the long run,” said Dr. Norbo. 

The VDA encourages anyone who has delayed getting treatment for an oral health issue to book an appointment now to address it with their dentist before the end of the year. While some dentists are booked months out for regular checkups, they can typically see you sooner for a specific need or to address pain. And the sooner an issue is taken care of, the less likely it is to cause problems down the road.   

Find a local dentist at findadentist.ada.org.