Quick answer
If your child sees a pediatric dentist in Stonecrest, GA, check your dental benefits before December 31. Most dental insurance plans run on the calendar year, so the annual maximum and deductible reset on January 1 and unused benefits usually don't carry over. Before December 31, check whether your child still has a covered checkup left, whether recommended treatment can be done this year, and whether you have Flexible Spending Account (FSA) dollars to use. Our Stonecrest office can verify your PPO benefits for you.
Key takeaways
- Most plans reset on January 1; some use a different plan year, so check yours.
- Unused annual maximums usually don't roll over (a few plans have rollover features).
- Many plans cover two preventive visits a year — your child may have one left.
- Treatment can sometimes be split across two plan years to use both years' benefits.
- FSA funds are often use-it-or-lose-it; HSA funds roll over.
How dental benefits reset at the end of the year
Most PPO dental plans have three numbers that matter: a deductible (what you pay before the plan starts paying for some services), coinsurance (the percentage the plan pays for each type of care), and an annual maximum (the most the plan will pay in a year). On a calendar-year plan, all three reset on January 1.
In most plans, any part of the annual maximum you didn't use simply goes away — it doesn't add to next year's total. A few plans include a rollover feature, and some plans run on a different 12-month plan year, so it's worth confirming the details of your own plan.
Year-end checklist for Stonecrest parents
- Has your child had both checkups this year? Many plans cover two preventive visits per year — some per calendar year, some once every six months.
- Was treatment recommended at the last visit — a filling, crown or sealants? If it's done before December 31, it counts against this year's benefits, and this year's deductible may already be met.
- Do you have money left in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)? Many FSA balances must be used by year-end or within a short grace period set by your employer.
- Is your plan changing next year? If your employer is switching carriers during open enrollment, finishing care under your current plan can avoid new waiting periods.
Splitting treatment across two years
If your child needs several fillings or other treatment and you're close to this year's annual maximum, it can make sense to complete part of the care in December and the rest in January, so you can use benefits from both years. Whether this is a good idea depends on how urgent the treatment is — a painful or infected tooth shouldn't wait. We'll tell you honestly what can be scheduled and what shouldn't be delayed.
What a year-end checkup usually includes
For most children, a routine preventive visit at our Stonecrest dental office includes an exam of the teeth, gums and bite, a professional cleaning, and a fluoride treatment. Depending on your child's age and cavity risk, it may also include digital x-rays and sealants on newly erupted permanent molars. These preventive services are usually the best-covered part of a PPO plan, which makes an unused second checkup one of the easiest benefits to put to work before the year ends. See what's included on our preventive pediatric dentist page.
Questions to ask your dental plan (or ask us to check)
- When does my plan year end, and how much of the annual maximum is left?
- Has my child's deductible been met this year?
- How many preventive visits are covered — two per calendar year, or one every six months?
- Are sealants and fluoride covered for my child's age?
- Is there a waiting period for fillings or crowns if I'm changing plans next year?
FSA and HSA dollars for kids' dental care
Dental care for your child — checkups, cleanings, fillings, crowns and other treatment — is generally an eligible expense for both Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). FSA money is usually use-it-or-lose-it, with any grace period or carryover set by your employer. HSA money stays in your account from year to year. Check your account balance and your employer's FSA deadline before you book.
How we help you use your benefits
Our insurance specialist verifies your child's PPO benefits before the visit — including how much of your annual maximum is left, whether your deductible has been met, and how many preventive visits remain. Before any treatment, we explain what's covered and your estimated share. We accept all major PPO plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, Guardian and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. See the full list of plans we accept.
Book early — December fills up
If you're looking for a pediatric dentist in Stonecrest who can see your child before your benefits reset, schedule now rather than in late December. The last weeks of the year are when many families try to fit in their remaining visits, and school holidays limit which days work. We offer appointments from 7 AM, Monday through Friday, plus Saturdays by appointment. Request an appointment or call 770-482-4661, and have your child's insurance card ready so we can check your remaining benefits.
Frequently asked questions
Do unused dental benefits roll over to next year?
In most dental plans, no — the unused part of the annual maximum is lost when the plan year ends. Some plans have a rollover feature, so check your plan or ask us to verify it.
When does my child's dental insurance reset?
Most plans reset on January 1, but some use a different 12-month plan year. Your plan documents or member portal will show your plan year, or we can check when we verify your benefits.
Can I use my FSA for my child's dental visit?
Generally, yes. Dental checkups and treatment for your child are typically FSA-eligible expenses. Check your employer's deadline, since FSA funds are often use-it-or-lose-it.
How do I find out how much of my child's dental benefit is left?
Check your carrier's member portal, or call our office with your member ID. We'll verify your remaining annual maximum, deductible and preventive visits before the appointment.
Published October 14, 2026 · This article is general information, not a diagnosis. Call 770-482-4661 with questions about your child.