Fall Back Into Healthy Habits and Use Your Dental Benefits Before Year End

This weekend the clocks fall back, and that extra hour is a friendly reminder that the end of the year is closer than it seems. For families in North Canton, Canton, Green, and across Stark County, November is also the best time to put your unused dental benefits to work before they disappear on December 31.

Why Your Dental Benefits Have a Deadline

Most dental insurance plans run on a calendar year. Each plan has an annual maximum, the amount your insurance will pay toward care in a given year, and whatever you don’t use usually does not roll over. If you have already met your 2026 deductible, scheduling care now may also mean a lower out-of-pocket cost than waiting until benefits reset in January.

Flexible spending accounts work in a similar way. Many FSA dollars must be used by year end, and routine dental cleanings, fillings, and crowns are commonly eligible expenses. Check with your plan administrator for the rules that apply to you.

Smart Ways to Use Your Remaining Benefits

• Book your second dental cleaning and exam of the year. Most plans cover two preventive visits annually.
• Finish recommended treatment. If a filling, crown, or other restorative care was suggested earlier this year, now is the time to complete it.
• Protect your kids’ smiles. Ask about sealants and fluoride treatments as part of their pediatric dentistry visit.
• Plan ahead for 2027. If you need more extensive work, we can help you split treatment between this year’s benefits and next year’s.

A Quick Word About Leftover Halloween Candy

Everyone in our office loves Halloween, from Dr. Mike to our front desk team, and we hope your family had a fun and spooky night! With trick-or-treat bags still full this week, a few simple habits go a long way. Enjoy sweets with meals instead of snacking all day, steer clear of sticky caramels and taffy, and rinse with water after treats.

A fall cleaning is also a great way to catch any early cavities before the holidays arrive. Our schedule fills up quickly in late December, so calling in November gives your family the best choice of appointment times and lets Dr. Mike complete any care before your benefits reset.