Is your child covered under your family’s dental insurance plan? If you are relatively new to your benefits, you might have questions about how to use your policy so your little one’s smile can stay healthy and strong. In this blog post, you will learn the basics of how coverage often works for kids and how you can maximize the value of your insurance.
Prioritize Preventive Care
Most dental insurance plans completely cover the cost of two cleanings and checkups each year. Therefore, you should be sure to bring your child in for preventive care once every six months or so. Not only will their dental team clean their teeth and check for cavities, but they will also monitor your child’s oral development and let you know if they need to see an orthodontist or receive other specialized attention.
Also, keep in mind that many insurance plans also provide a high level of coverage for dental sealants and fluoride treatments, both of which can do a lot to lower the risk of cavities.
Get Fillings Right Away
If your child develops a cavity and needs a filling, schedule their appointment right away. Many dental insurance plans cover 80% of the cost of fillings. However, if the decay worsens and your child needs more extensive care, their treatment might be just 50% covered.
Remember That Benefits Do Not Roll Over
Often, dental insurance operates on a calendar-year basis. Each January, every person on your plan gets a certain amount of benefits money that can be used for approved procedures. At the end of the year, unused benefits expire; they do not roll over into the new year. Therefore, if your child still has money left for 2026, consider scheduling any necessary treatments before the year ends.
Be Strategic with Major Services
Some major restorative services require multiple appointments. You might choose to get the first part of a treatment done this year. Then, when their benefits renew in January, the procedure can be completed. This can allow you to use two annual maximums instead of one.
Important note: Ask your dentist if it is safe to wait until the new year for additional treatment. If a procedure is urgent, make sure your child gets it as soon as possible. You can ask your dentist if financing is available to assist with the portion of the treatment that is not covered by insurance.
Are you using your child’s dental insurance in the best way? Talk to their care team to learn more about how to maximize the value of your family’s benefits.
Meet the Practice
Cherokee Children’s Dentistry is home to four highly skilled pediatric dentists. Our team understands that families in our area are budget-conscious, so we are pleased to assist with insurance claims. We will even do a free benefits check. To learn more or to request an appointment for your child, contact our office in Canton at 770-479-1717.