Do you ever feel like there’s an endless to-do list and that you’ll never have enough time to accomplish everything? At Lifetime Dental, we understand how busy you are. Whether you’re making endless school runs, working long hours or trying to keep track of multiple schedules at once, making time for your family’s oral health can easily get pushed to the bottom of the list.
Although it’s easy to tell yourself you can always visit the dentist next month, it’s important to realise that many private health insurance benefits reset at the end of June. Depending on your coverage, that could mean the loss of valuable unused benefits.
So, keep reading to learn more about maximising your dental benefits in Prahran before June 30 and achieving the healthy smile you deserve.
Is Your Health Fund on a Financial Year Reset? Key Australian Funds That Renew Dental Benefits on July 1
Many Australian health benefits reset at a particular time of year, usually either January 1 or July 1. It’s essential to check with your fund to determine any limits and know when it restarts.
This allows you to take advantage of many dental treatments before they’re gone for good at the end of the month. Our dental team is here to assist with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health fund.
'Use It or Lose It': Understanding Your Annual Dental Limits and Benefit Resets in Australia
Most dental coverage gives you a fixed yearly allowance for specific treatments, and once the reset date arrives, any unused part of the annual allowance goes away, and a new limit begins. That means that you lose it if you don’t use it, making knowing your limits useful in the following ways:
- Allows for planning — You can arrange different treatments and multiple appointments during the yearly allowance period.
- Prevents surprises — You’ll know what’s covered and how much you’ll owe for necessary dental care. If you need more coverage, you can make arrangements for the following year.
Essential Dental Check-Ups and Treatments to Consider Before Your Benefits Expire
Most health funds encourage regular dental check-ups and cleans every six months to help you avoid tooth decay and gum disease. Routine care can also prevent more extensive treatment later, saving you money.
However, if you have a remaining balance, you may be able to use it for cosmetic services, including:
- Professional teeth whitening — You can achieve a whiter, brighter smile with either our in-chair or take-home whitening options. Get ready for an upcoming special event!
- Dental bonding — In one visit to our dental clinic, we can conceal minor chips, cracks and gaps in your smile.
- Mouthguards or occlusal splints — For TMJ or bruxism, we offer custom oral appliances to relieve your symptoms and restore your oral health.
Smart Scheduling: How to Check Your Remaining Dental Benefits & Book Appointments Before June 30
There are several ways to check your remaining dental benefits, such as:
- Log in to the app — Most health funds offer an app that displays the remaining limit, allowing you to plan for your care.
- Contact your fund — If you prefer, you can call the health fund by phone and obtain the information you need.
- Ask our dental team — Our dental team can help you navigate your health fund and check your benefits. They can also work with you to arrange multiple appointments for you and your family before the June 30 deadline.
Planning Ahead: Can You Split Major Dental Work Across Benefit Periods?
The answer is yes! Suppose you have larger dental treatments that require multiple visits. In that case, we can arrange part of your treatment before June 30 and the rest of your treatment after July 1, making it possible to use both benefit periods.
We’ll customise a treatment plan for you and discuss your options before we begin. Here are some ways we can split your treatment for a dental restoration, such as a crown or bridge:
- Diagnosis and preliminary preparation — In June, you’ll make your first visit. We’ll take impressions and place a temporary restoration.
- Lab work and restoration — In July, once your benefits reset, we’ll send your impressions to the dental lab, have them create your crown or bridge and place it.
- Progress checks — Depending on your treatment plan, we can arrange progress checks at the most opportune time for your particular health fund, giving you the best coverage.
Looking for a Dentist in Prahran, VIC?
If you need quality dental care in Prahran and the surrounding communities, consider the experienced dental team at Lifetime Dental! Our goal is to help you and your loved ones achieve the best oral health possible, and we will happily assist you with your dental benefits.
To learn more or to arrange a consultation or appointment, feel free to call us on (03) 9510 1644.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
