With the end of the year approaching, it’s a good time to check whether you’ve made the most of your private health insurance dental benefits.
Many health funds reset certain extras limits on 1 January, which means any unused benefits may not carry over into the new year.
If you’ve been putting off a dental check-up, clean or treatment, November is a good time to get organised before the December rush.
1. Check When Your Health Fund Benefits Reset
Not all private health insurance policies work the same way.
While many health funds reset their annual extras limits on 1 January, others follow a financial year or a different benefit period.
It’s worth checking your policy to see when your dental benefits reset and how much you have remaining.
You can usually find this information through your health fund’s app, online account or by contacting them directly.
2. Have You Had Your Regular Dental Check-Up?
It’s easy to put off a dental appointment when nothing feels wrong.
However, dental problems don’t always cause pain in their early stages. Tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health concerns can develop gradually without obvious symptoms.
A dental check-up gives your dentist an opportunity to assess your teeth and gums, identify any concerns and recommend treatment if needed.
If it’s been a while since your last appointment, now might be a good time to book.
3. Don’t Forget About Your Scale and Clean
Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque can build up in areas that are difficult to reach.
Over time, plaque can harden into calculus (tartar), which cannot be removed with normal brushing at home.
A professional scale and clean helps remove these deposits and gives your dentist an opportunity to assess your gum health.
Depending on your health fund and level of cover, you may be able to claim benefits towards your appointment.
4. Been Putting Off Dental Treatment?
If your dentist has previously recommended a filling, crown or another treatment, it may be worth reviewing your treatment plan before the end of the year.
Some private health insurance policies provide benefits towards general and major dental treatments, although limits, waiting periods and exclusions can apply.
Rather than leaving everything until December, booking ahead gives you time to discuss your options and arrange any necessary appointments.
Remember that treatment should always be based on your dental needs, not simply on whether you have benefits remaining.
5. Book Before the End-of-Year Rush
November and December can be busy months, with school holidays, Christmas preparations and travel plans filling up everyone’s calendars.
Dental appointments can also become harder to fit in as the year comes to a close.
If you’re due for a check-up or have outstanding treatment to organise, booking earlier can help you find a time that suits you.
Make the Most of Your Dental Benefits
Your private health insurance is there to help with eligible healthcare expenses, so it’s worth understanding what’s included in your cover.
Before booking, check your remaining dental benefits, annual limits and reset date with your health fund.
And even if you don’t have private health insurance, regular preventive dental care is still an important part of looking after your oral health.
Looking for a Dentist Near Hornsby or Mount Colah?
At Asquith Dentists, we provide general, preventive and restorative dental care for patients from Asquith, Hornsby, Mount Colah, Berowra and surrounding suburbs.
Whether you’re due for a check-up and clean or have been meaning to organise dental treatment, our team is here to help.
New to Asquith Dentists?
Our New Patient Check-Up & Clean is No Gap with eligible health funds, or $189 without private health insurance*.
If you’ve been meaning to book a dental appointment, now is a great time to get it organised.
Asquith Dentists
359 Pacific Highway, Asquith NSW
(02) 8014 4288
Don’t leave your dental care until the last minute. Book your appointment with Asquith Dentists before the end-of-year rush!
Health fund benefits, eligibility and claiming limits vary depending on your policy. No Gap offer subject to eligibility and applicable terms.