It's the new year! How are your resolutions going? Did you include your oral health in your resolutions?
If not, it's not too late to start mapping out your smile plans and goals for 2026. Here's what you should know.
Why January 1st is the Most Important Date for Your Smile
Typically, we like to start reminding patients about using their dental benefits at the end of the year, so they can maximize them. This year, we're taking a different approach and talking with our patients about making a plan for their dental health starting in January.
Why is January a great time to start? Because most Canadian private dental insurance plans, such as Sun Life, Canada Life, or Pacific Blue Cross, operate on a calendar-year basis. This means that your benefits start on January 1st and end on December 31st. So, January is a great time to get started!
Why Booking at the Beginning of the Year Matters
The other reason it's great to start planning dental care early in the year is that you'll beat the rush in the spring and summer, when everyone starts preparing their smiles for significant events, like summer weddings or vacations.
Early detection of dental concerns can also mean you have more treatment options available. You might also need less costly treatment when we spot problems early on.
Your 2026 Dental Benefit Checklist
Here are some of the things to consider and start taking action on to maintain a healthy smile in 2026.
- Step 1: Confirm Your "Recall" Eligibility — When are you due for your next preventive teeth cleaning and exam? Check it out and get it scheduled so you can book days and times that are ideal for your schedule.
- Step 2: Review Your Deductible — Some dental plans have deductibles that have to be met before they'll pay for treatment. Does yours? It's a good time to review your plan, and you can call our team if you have questions.
- Check for CDCP Updates (The Canada Dental Care Plan) — Are you a CDCP member? The CDCP plan renews in June, so set yourself some reminders and review your eligibility for this year.
Strategic Planning for Major Dental Work
Is there a chance that you might need more extensive dental work this year, like a crown or dental implant? Plan ahead!
You may be able to use "the bridge" strategy to maximize your dental benefit this year and next! By starting your major treatment in the fall (if it can wait), you can use this year's benefits and bill some of the treatment in 2027 to use those benefits too. Our team can help you plan for major dental work and maximize your dental insurance to help defray your out-of-pocket expenses.
You may also want to consider requesting a predetermination for dental treatment to help you plan ahead, especially if you are a CDCP member. A predetermination gives you a better idea of what your dental insurance or CDCP benefits may cover for your dental treatment. Our team sends your insurance company the information about the treatment you need and supporting documentation, such as photos and x-rays, to support your request, and the insurance company sends back an estimate of how much they will pay for the treatment.
Alta Dental Studio also works with Affirm to break the cost of treatment into monthly payments for patients who have more extensive treatment needs. Our team can provide more information and help you apply if Affirm is of interest to you.
Don’t Forget Your HSA or FSA Funds
If you have HSA or FSA funds through your employer, you can apply these funds to dental treatment. This can also help you plan ahead on how to defray the cost of a more extensive treatment plan. Our friendly and knowledgeable team can help you navigate your FSA or HSA spending accounts.
Are You Ready for an Amazing Smile in 2026?
We're here to help! Hopefully, these tips set you on the right path for achieving and maintaining a healthy, happy, and beautiful smile this year. Remember, your East Vancouver dentist is here to help you navigate your treatment plan, dental insurance, HSA funds, and third-party financing, if you need it.
Contact Alta Dental Studio at (604) 876-5032 for more information or to book your next dental appointment.