2009 is coming to an end...Have you utilized ALL your insurance benefits for the year?

Halloween is just around the corner, with Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas not far behind.

One of the common comments we hear year after year from patients is "I had all these dental benefits remaining last year...I wish I had used them".

Now is the time to evaluate your dental needs and utilize those remaining dental benefits for the calendar year 2009.  Remember, those benefit amounts will be lost as of January 1, 2010.  Completing any restorative dental work or even having a check up and cleaning in 2009 will use those remaining available benefits you have worked so hard to obtain (and paid for from your paycheck).

Also, if you have any remaining treatment needed for this year and have already paid your annual deductible, it would be wise to complete that treatment in 2009.  Waiting until 2010 will result in an additional out-of-pocket expense of paying yet another deductible.  Completing any restorative dental work prior to the end of the year can save you $50 to $150 dollars.

Additionally, flex spending dollars may be lost at the end of the year.  Completing needed dental care, purchasing Crest White Strips or Oral-B Triumph home care products or having those cosmetic veneers you always wanted can all be applied to those remaining flex spending accounts.

Please don't delay needed treatment.  Doing so usually results in more extensive and expensive treatment later on, or may even lead to tooth loss.

As November approaches, the busiest time of the year awaits our practice as well.  Homecoming has since come and gone...high school and college football season is just about over...college students return home on break...elementary and high school students are on vacation shortly after that.

Waiting two weeks until the end of the year doesn't allow much time for us to schedule your needed dental care.  Please call us as early as possible to schedule your overdue checkup and cleaning, those needed restorative appointments or complete that cosmetic makeover that will give you a dazzling bright and healthy smile.

We look forward to seeing you at your next dental visit.  Have a great autumn season and a wonderful and joyous Thanksgiving.

Dr. Gerald W. Malis and Staff