If you have dental insurance, January often brings an unwelcome surprise: your deductible has reset. This doesn’t mean your coverage has disappeared, but it does signal a restart on your benefits for the year. Understanding this reset can help you plan care more strategically and avoid unnecessary delays.
What a Dental Deductible Actually Is
A dental deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket each year before your insurance begins contributing to certain services. Typically, when January arrives, that amount resets, regardless of how much you paid last year. Preventive services like cleanings and exams are often covered without applying to the deductible, but basic and major treatments usually are not.
Reframe Your Dental Benefits
It’s important to remember that dental insurance works differently from medical insurance. Only once the deductible is met, insurance typically begins covering a percentage of treatment costs. Also, annual maximums, coverage percentages, and waiting periods all factor into decisions about timing.
The best approach is to view January as a reset. And with a clear understanding of your benefits, you can properly prioritize your care, spread costs predictably, and address minor issues before they become painful or expensive.
Clear, Stress-Free Dental Care in Winston-Salem, NC
If you’re in Winston-Salem and want help understanding your deductible and planning dental care around your benefits, contact Dr. Blake Nelson and the caring, skilled Blake Nelson, DDS team to schedule a consultation.