As the year winds down and December fills with holiday events, family gatherings, and end-of-year deadlines, one important task often gets lost in the shuffle—using your dental benefits before they expire. For many patients, December is the ideal time to schedule treatment, maximize insurance savings, and head into the new year with a healthier smile.
At Dr. James D. Lund, DDS, conveniently located in the Daybreak area of South Jordan, Utah, we help patients take full advantage of their insurance benefits before they reset. Here’s why December is the smartest time to get dental care—and how acting now can save you money.
1. Most Dental Insurance Plans Expire on December 31
The majority of dental insurance plans, including employer-sponsored and individual policies, operate on a calendar-year schedule. That means:
Your annual maximum resets on January 1
Unused benefits do not roll over
You may lose hundreds of dollars in unused coverage
If you’ve been postponing cleanings, fillings, or recommended treatments, December is your last chance to use what you’ve already paid for.
2. Meet Your Deductible Before It Resets
If you’ve already met your deductible for the year, December is the perfect time to complete any remaining treatment. Once January arrives, your deductible starts over—meaning you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket again before insurance begins covering costs.
Patients often save the most by completing:
Fillings
Crowns
Root canals
Periodontal therapy
Dental implants and restorations
Taking care of treatment now can significantly reduce what you pay.
3. Prevent Small Problems From Becoming Major (and Costlier) Issues
Delaying dental care is one of the most common reasons patients face larger-scale problems later. Minor issues such as early decay or mild gum inflammation can become painful and expensive if ignored.
December is an excellent time to get:
Comprehensive exams
Professional cleanings
Digital X-rays
Cavity treatment
Gum disease evaluation
Catching problems early is better for your health—and your wallet.
4. Take Advantage of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Many FSAs also expire at the end of the year, and unused funds are typically forfeited. Eligible dental treatments include:
Preventive care
Restorative work
Orthodontics
Cosmetic procedures (varies by plan)
If you have remaining FSA dollars, scheduling appointments in December ensures you don’t lose that money.
5. Easier to Plan Around School & Work Breaks
With holiday breaks and more flexible schedules, December is easier for many families to fit in:
Teen checkups
Children’s cleanings
Orthodontic follow-ups
Family dental exams
Avoid the January rush—offices get especially busy once benefits renew.
6. Start the New Year With a Healthy, Confident Smile
Getting your dental care done before December ends sets you up for a healthier, more confident start to the new year. Patients often choose this month to refresh their smile with:
Whitening
Veneers
Cosmetic bonding
Smile design consultations
There’s no better time to invest in your confidence.
Schedule Before December Fills Up
Year-end appointment times fill quickly as patients rush to use their remaining benefits. To maximize your coverage and protect your oral health, schedule your visit as soon as possible.
Contact Dr. James D. Lund, DDS
Address:
10654 River Heights Dr #230
South Jordan, UT 84095 (Daybreak area)
Phone: (801) 254-7777
Website: jameslunddds.com
Don’t let your benefits go to waste. December is the smartest—and most cost-effective—time to care for your smile. Call today to schedule your appointment!