The short answer
Most dental insurance plans run on the calendar year. On January 1, your annual maximum resets and any unused amount is usually lost, and your deductible starts over. Health FSA money is generally use-it-or-lose-it too. If you have benefits left, book your cleaning or finish recommended treatment before December 31.
December is one of the busiest months at a dental office, and our office is open Monday through Thursday, so openings go fast. Here’s what resets, how to check what you have left, and what’s worth scheduling now. Get in touch with our friendly front office team, and we’ll help you check your benefits.
What resets on January 1
| Benefit | What happens at year-end | What to do now |
|---|---|---|
| Annual maximum (the most your plan pays per year) | Resets to the full amount. Unused dollars usually don’t carry over. | Use remaining benefits for recommended care. |
| Deductible | Starts over at zero. | If you’ve met it, more treatment this year may cost you less out of pocket. |
| Preventive visits | Many plans cover two cleanings and exams per benefit year. | Book your second visit if you haven’t had it. Some plans require 6 months between visits. |
| Health FSA | Unused money is generally forfeited. A plan may allow up to $680 to carry over from the 2026 plan year, or offer a grace period of up to 2½ months, but not both. | Ask your employer which rule applies, then use the balance on eligible dental care. |
| HSA | Doesn’t expire. The balance rolls over every year. | No deadline, but it’s a good way to pay for care. |
Not every plan follows the calendar year. Some reset on a different date, such as your employer’s plan anniversary. Check your plan documents or ask us to look it up.
Your year-end dental benefits checklist
- Find out what’s left. Log in to your insurance member portal or call us. We can check your remaining maximum and deductible for you.
- Book your second cleaning and exam. Preventive care is often covered at or near 100%, so a skipped visit is money left on the table.
- Finish treatment you’ve already been told you need. A small filling now costs less than a root canal or crown later if the problem grows.
- Plan big treatment across two years. If you need more work than this year’s maximum covers, we can start now and finish in January so you draw on both years’ benefits. Plans differ on when a multi-visit procedure counts, so we’ll check yours.
- Spend your FSA. Fillings, crowns, root canals, dentures, and cleanings generally qualify. Teeth whitening and other purely cosmetic care generally don’t.
- Check your new plan during open enrollment. If you’re switching plans for 2027, look for waiting periods on major work and consider finishing treatment under your current plan.
Should you wait until January?
Sometimes. If you’ve already used most of this year’s maximum and need major work, starting in January can make sense. For example, if your plan has a $1,500 maximum and you have $200 left, a treatment plan that costs more than that may be better spread across both years. If you’re under your maximum and have met your deductible, finishing care now is usually the better deal. We’ll walk you through the numbers before you decide.
If you don’t have dental insurance
We offer a 5% discount when you pay in full by cash or check on the day of service, and financing through CareCredit for monthly payments. See our financial options for details.
Book before the year ends
We accept most dental insurance plans and are happy to check your benefits before your visit. Give us a call or request an appointment online. Our office is open Monday through Thursday, 8am to 5pm, at 2318 NW Kings Blvd in Corvallis. [[EDIT: note any late-December closures]]
Frequently asked questions
Do unused dental benefits roll over to next year?
Usually not. Most plans reset the annual maximum on January 1 and unused benefits are lost. A few plans offer a rollover feature, so check your plan details or ask us to look it up.
When does my dental insurance reset?
Most plans reset on January 1, but some follow a different benefit year, such as your employer’s plan anniversary date. Your plan documents or member portal will list it.
Can I use my FSA or HSA for dental care?
Yes. Most dental treatment, such as cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals, and dentures, is generally eligible. Cosmetic care like teeth whitening generally is not. FSA money may expire at year-end; HSA money doesn’t.
How much FSA money can I carry over into 2027?
If your employer’s plan allows a carryover, up to $680 of unused 2026 health FSA funds can roll into 2027. Some plans offer a grace period instead, and some offer neither, so check with your employer.
Does Corvallis Dental Group accept my insurance?
We accept most dental insurance plans and can check your benefits before your visit. Call us with your insurance information.
Sources
- IRS Publication 969: Health Savings Accounts and other tax-favored health plans
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 (2026 health FSA contribution and carryover limits)
