The Smart Patient Checklist: 5 Must-Do’s Before the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” Deadline
Beverly Hills, CA

As the year is ending, schedules are filling up fast, and dental appointments are getting pushed aside. Yet, this is the time when using your dental benefits counts the most. The “Use-It-or-Lose-It” rule means that once the year ends, your unused benefits vanish. Staying ahead with a smart plan helps protect your oral health and makes sure your care does not get delayed.

This is a step-by-step guide to five easy yet imperative steps that every patient must take prior to the end of the year so they can maximize their benefits and begin the new year with a healthy smile.

The 5 Smart Steps Every Patient Should Follow

Before the year ends, it is worth it to take some time to ensure your dental care is in line. A lot of patients wait until the eleventh hour, unaware of how much value they can still derive from their unused benefits. 

A little planning now will pay dividends later. Here are five easy steps that will keep you one step ahead of the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” deadline:

1. Book Your Regular Checkup in Advance

It is natural for patients to put off scheduling until the last minute, but by then, many dental offices are filled to capacity. An early appointment allows your dentist or oral surgeon to detect minor issues before they become major ones. A routine cleaning or checkup also serves to reboot your oral care before the holidays.

2. Check Any Incomplete Treatments

If you initiated dental care earlier in the year, now is the time to complete it. Postponing visits can disrupt healing or progress and might complicate future appointments. Whether it is finishing a restoration, finalizing an implant phase, or completing follow-up visits, closing these steps guarantees you are cleared to start the new year unencumbered by dental interruptions.

3. Review What Is Still Available in Your Plan

Most patients forget that insurance plans renew at the beginning of the year. Checking what benefits are still available assists you in planning prudently. Check your history of treatment, amount of coverage still available, and any care you have deferred. If there is time left, utilize those open visits or procedures before the reset to get the most out of your current coverage.

4. Prioritize Preventive Care

Preventive care is the simplest method to guard your oral health. Regular exams, cleanings, and diagnostic testing catch issues early on. These appointments will spare you the need for more involved treatments in the future. Regardless of whether you are keeping your smile healthy or getting ready for cosmetic or surgical treatment, preventive appointments ensure a solid foundation for what is to come.

5. Plan Ahead For The Coming Year

After you have squeezed every advantage out of this year’s benefits, prepare for the next one to succeed. Get your next routine checkup on your calendar prior to the beginning of the year so you are already scheduled with your provider. Having regular appointments allows your dentist to track your oral health and ensure your smile remains at its best. A little foresight today equals fewer surprises down the road.

The Bigger Picture: Keeping Your Oral Health Top-Notch Year-Round

The “Use-It-or-Lose-It” rule is not simply about insurance timelines; it is about developing healthy habits that lead to lifetime oral health. Utilizing routine care during the year results in fewer emergencies and less complicated treatment plans. Whether it is a simple filling or a complex procedure, finishing care on time keeps you in the driver’s seat of your dental health.

By using this easy checklist, you not only make the most of your benefits but also invest in comfort and confidence. It is a small step that pays dividends for your well-being and your smile.

Begin The New Year Strong With Gentle Care

Your smile needs care before the end of the year. If you have an unfinished procedure or need to book your next appointment, it is time to take action.

Here at Beverly Hills Oral & Facial Surgeon, our staff assists patients in remaining on schedule with regular visits and treatment. Let this be your reminder to focus on your smile before the calendar restarts and begin the new year feeling refreshed.