You've made it through open enrollment and vaguely remember the bullet points of changes in your company plan, or you try to find the websites you browsed for an individual plan. With the new year now here, it's easy to forget what’s included in your dental plan.

Keeping your dental insurance in order might sound like a chore, but getting a head start on your benefit game plan could ease a few headaches – and toothaches - down the road.

Plan how you can best use your insurance for a less-stress year.

Make a checklist.

Start with the basics: make a list of preventive services you know you will need. You should visit the dentist regularly for a cleaning and checkup according to the American Dental Association. Schedule appointments with your dental office in advance, and if you know you'll need additional dental work like fillings or crowns, pencil those in as soon as you know you need them, so you’ll be more likely to stick to your care plan.

Study your coverage.

Once you know what procedures you need, take a minute to look over your plan. Familiarize yourself with dental insurance basics. What's your deductible? What about your annual maximum? Most plans cover a percentage of procedures up to a specific dollar amount. Review your summary of benefits so you know what's covered. Click here to sign-in to your account.

Set a timeline.

After consulting your dentist, work with your dental team to develop a treatment schedule. If you’re unsure if a procedure or treatment will be covered, your dentist can submit a pre-treatment estimate so you’ll know how much of the cost will be covered by your plan.

Write it down.

A lot can happen in a year! Keep track of your dental care and insurance use throughout the year. This will keep you chose the best plan for you when the next open enrollment comes around.

Here's to a happy, healthy new year!

*Updated January 2022