Scottsdale Patients: Don’t Lose Your 2025 Dental Benefits
As the year comes to a close in Scottsdale, many patients don’t realize that unused dental benefits simply disappear on December 31. Once the new year begins, any remaining coverage for cleanings, exams, X-rays, or treatments is lost — even though you’ve been paying for those benefits all year through monthly premiums.
At Elevation Dental Group, we see a rush of Scottsdale and Paradise Valley patients every December who want to make sure they’re using their dental benefits before everything resets. Understanding what happens to unused coverage can help you protect your oral health and avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket costs as you head into 2026.
Why Dental Benefits Reset at Year’s End
Most dental insurance plans in Arizona follow a calendar-year cycle, meaning:
- Your deductible resets on January 1
- Your annual maximum returns to its starting amount
- Unused benefits do NOT roll over into the new year
Many people assume unused benefits accumulate — but in almost every plan, they don’t. It’s a “use it or lose it” system designed to encourage regular preventive care.
Because of this, December fills quickly at Scottsdale dental offices as patients try to take advantage of their remaining benefits before they vanish.
Preventive Care Is Often Fully Covered
Most dental plans cover preventive services at little to no cost, including:
- Professional cleanings
- Comprehensive exams
- X-rays
- Oral cancer screenings
These visits are essential for catching early signs of:
- Cavities
- Gum inflammation
- Failing dental fillings
- Enamel wear
- Bite problems
If you haven’t scheduled both of your annual cleanings, your benefits may still cover them fully — but only until December 31.
Completing Treatment Now Can Save You Money
If you’ve been putting off recommended care, completing it before your benefits reset can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Why?
- You may have already met your deductible
- You may still have unused benefit dollars to apply
- Some treatments can be split across two benefit years
- Waiting could mean paying more once your plan resets
This is especially valuable for procedures like:
- Crowns or onlays
- Root canals
- Deep cleanings
- Restorative or cosmetic upgrades that have a functional role
Acting now helps prevent small concerns from turning into more costly dental issues later.
What Your Dental Plan Actually Covers
Every insurance policy is different, but most categorize care into three levels:
Preventive care – often covered at 100%
Basic services – fillings, simple periodontal treatment
Major services – crowns, bridges, dentures, some root canals
Because unused amounts don’t carry forward, December is your last opportunity to use the coverage you’ve paid for throughout the year.
Not sure what you’re eligible for?
Elevation Dental Group can check your benefits for you and explain exactly what’s available.
Why Scottsdale’s End-of-Year Dental Demand Is So High
Scottsdale patients book heavily in December because:
- They don’t want to waste unused benefits
- They want to improve their smile for holiday photos
- They want cosmetic or preventive work before January
- Kids are out of school
- Many people have already met their deductibles
If you want an appointment before year-end, it’s best to schedule soon — availability goes quickly.
Maximize Your Dental Benefits Before They Expire
Using your remaining benefits before they disappear can help you:
- Save money
- Prevent future dental emergencies
- Catch small issues early
- Start the new year with a healthy smile
- Make more informed decisions about 2026 dental care
Our team will help you prioritize what needs to be done now and what can wait — based on your goals and remaining coverage.
Book Your Visit Before Your Dental Benefits Reset
If you still have unused dental benefits, now is the time to take advantage of them. Once January arrives, they’re gone.
👉 Call Elevation Dental Group at (480) 515-1000 or book online today. Make the most of your dental benefits — and start the new year with a confident, healthy smile.
