If you have dental benefits through your employer, there’s a good chance your annual maximum resets on January 1. That means any unused coverage from this year simply disappears, it doesn’t roll over, and you can’t get it back.

October is the right time to think about this.

November and December calendars fill up fast. The last thing you want is to call in mid-December and find out we cannot fit you in until the new year.

Key Takeaways

Quick Summary

• Most private employer dental plans reset their annual maximum on December 31
• Unused benefits do not carry over to the next year
• Common treatments to use before year-end: cleanings, exams, fillings, crowns, and more
• The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) does not follow a December 31 reset – check your own plan details
• October is the ideal time to book; December appointments fill up quickly
• Ready to book? Call us at (289) 217-3384 or contact us online

This guide walks you through what to check, what to book, and how to make the most of your coverage before the year runs out.

How Most Dental Plans Work (and Why Year-End Matters)

Most Canadians with employer-provided dental benefits are enrolled in a group insurance plan through their workplace. These plans typically work like this:

• Your insurer sets an annual maximum — a dollar amount your plan will cover per year (often between $1,000 and $2,500, depending on your plan)
• That maximum resets on January 1 for most calendar-year plans
• Any amount you didn’t use by December 31 is gone — it doesn’t roll over

**The practical reality: if your plan covers $1,500 per year and you’ve only used $400 for a cleaning in March, you still have about $1,100 left right now.

That is real money that could go toward a filling, a crown, a new night guard, or treatment you have been putting off.

Not All Plans Reset on December 31

It’s worth saying clearly: not every plan follows a December 31 reset. Some employer plans run on a fiscal year that starts and ends at a different point in the year. And the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) — which covers eligible lower-income Canadians — operates on its own benefit period entirely, not a standard calendar year.

The takeaway: Check your own plan documentation or call your HR department or insurer to confirm your reset date. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to help you figure it out when you call.

The good news is that if your plan does reset December 31 (which most do), you still have time to act.

What to Check Before You Book

Before calling to book, it helps to have a quick picture of where your benefits stand. Here’s a simple checklist:

• Check your remaining annual maximum. Log into your insurer’s member portal (Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, etc.) or call the number on the back of your benefits card.
• Review what’s already been claimed this year. Your portal will show a claims history — look for cleanings, x-rays, or any other dental work done in 2026.
• Note any treatment your dentist recommended but you haven’t completed yet. That filling you’ve been putting off, the crown that was flagged at your last visit — this is the time.
• Check whether your plan covers orthodontics or major restorative work (like crowns or implants). These often have separate annual or lifetime maximums.
• Confirm your reset date. Most calendar-year plans reset January 1, but confirm with your insurer or HR if you’re unsure.

Pro tip: Even if you think you’ve “used up” your benefits, it’s worth double-checking. Many patients are surprised to find they have more remaining than they thought — especially if their only appointment this year was a routine cleaning.

Once you know what’s left, it’s easy to figure out what to book.

Treatments Worth Booking Before December 31

Not sure what to prioritize? Here are the most common treatments patients use their remaining benefits for at this time of year.

Routine Cleanings and Exams

If you haven’t had your second cleaning of the year yet, this is the most straightforward win. Most plans cover two hygiene appointments per year, and skipping the second one means leaving covered care on the table. A professional dental cleaning also gives us a chance to catch anything that may have developed since your last visit.

A comprehensive dental exam is also worth scheduling if it’s been a while — x-rays, a full oral health check, and a conversation about any treatment that might be coming up.

Restorative Work You’ve Been Putting Off

This is the big one. If your dentist flagged a cavity, a worn-down tooth, or a crown that needs replacing, waiting until January means paying for it with next year’s benefits — and potentially letting the issue get worse in the meantime.

Common restorative treatments to consider:

• Fillings — small cavities addressed now prevent larger (and more expensive) problems later
• Dental crowns — if a crown was recommended, it’s often partially or fully covered under major restorative benefits
• Root canal therapy — typically covered under restorative; delaying can lead to extraction
• Tooth extractions — if needed, better to have it done while coverage is available

Our restorative dentistry team can walk you through exactly what’s covered under your plan before any work begins.

Cosmetic Treatments with Functional Benefits

Some cosmetic treatments also serve a functional purpose and may be partially covered. Composite fillings and porcelain crowns, for example, are often covered when they’re replacing damaged or decayed tooth structure.

Night Guards

If you grind your teeth at night, a custom night guard is one of the most practical things you can do for your long-term oral health — and many plans cover it. If this has been on your radar, year-end is a great time to get it done.

Worth knowing: Predetermination requests (where we submit a treatment plan to your insurer before the work is done) can take a few weeks. If you’re considering a larger procedure, reach out to us soon so we have time to submit and get approval before December.

Why October Is the Right Time to Act

It might feel early to be thinking about year-end dental appointments in October, but there’s a real reason to move now rather than later.

December books up fast. Every dental office in St. Catharines sees a surge in appointment requests in November and December from patients trying to use their benefits before they expire. By the time most people think to call, the available slots are limited — especially for longer procedures that require multiple appointments.

Some treatments take more than one visit. A crown, for example, typically requires at least two appointments spaced a couple of weeks apart. If you start in late November, you may not finish before December 31. Starting in October gives you plenty of runway.

Predetermination takes time. If your plan requires prior approval for certain treatments, we need to submit a predetermination request to your insurer and wait for a response. That process can take two to four weeks. The earlier we start, the smoother it goes.

Bottom line: Booking in October means you have the widest choice of appointment times, the best chance of completing multi-visit treatment before year-end, and no last-minute stress.

Contact us today to check availability — or call us directly at (289) 217-3384.

What Patients Ask Us Every Fall About Their Benefits

Do my dental benefits actually expire if I don’t use them?

For most private employer plans in Canada, yes. Once your plan year ends (typically December 31), any unused portion of your annual maximum is forfeited. It does not roll over into the new year. This is standard across most group insurance plans, including those from Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, and Green Shield.

What if I have the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

The CDCP operates on its own benefit period, which is separate from the standard calendar year. If you’re enrolled in the federal CDCP, your reset date is different — check your CDCP account or contact Service Canada for your specific benefit period details.

How do I find out how much I have left on my plan?

Log into your insurer’s online member portal (most major insurers have one), or call the member services number on the back of your benefits card. You can also bring your benefits information to your appointment and we can help you review it.

Can Pavilion Dentistry submit a predetermination request for me?

Yes. If you’re considering a larger or more expensive treatment, we can submit a predetermination request to your insurer before any work begins. This gives you a clear picture of what’s covered and what your out-of-pocket costs will be. Just give us a call at (289) 217-3384 to get the process started.

What if I don’t have benefits — can I still afford treatment before year-end?

Absolutely. We offer flexible financing through Beautifi, which allows you to spread the cost of treatment over time. Visit our payment plans page for more information, or ask us about your options when you call.

How far in advance should I book?

The sooner, the better — especially if you need more than one appointment or require a predetermination. We recommend reaching out in October or early November at the latest to ensure you can complete treatment before December 31.

Book Your Year-End Appointment at Pavilion Dentistry

We’re located at 59 Queen Street in downtown St. Catharines, right next to Montebello Park. Our team is welcoming new and returning patients, and we’re happy to help you figure out what your benefits cover before you commit to any treatment.

Two easy ways to reach us:

• Call: (289) 217-3384 — Monday to Friday, with extended hours on Mondays and Wednesdays
• Online: Send us a message or request an appointment

Don’t let the end of the year catch you off guard. A quick call now could save you real money and keep your oral health on track heading into 2027.