If you’re starting off 2026 with an incredible new dental insurance plan, you’re likely eager to start using your benefits to improve your smile! But before you start booking your appointments for a variety of treatments covered by your plan, make sure you understand your coverage. While many policies will pay for at least a portion of the cost of many necessary procedures, some plans may have what is known as a waiting period. Here’s what that means, and why it could be in your policy.
What is a Dental Insurance Waiting Period?
Your dental insurance was designed to provide coverage for preventive care such as your regular, six-month cleanings and exams. However, because their emphasis is on prevention, they don’t cover as much when it comes to restorative treatments, like tooth extractions, dentures, or root canals. In fact, not only do they not cover as much for this type of care, but they also may make you wait a few months to up to a year before they’ll pay for even a portion of it. This is known as a waiting period, and it was designed to ensure that patients don’t just buy coverage, use it for a bunch of expensive treatments, and then drop their plan once the work is completed.
Typically, these waiting periods don’t affect preventive care, so, while you may have to wait a while before you can use it for restorations, with many plans you may begin to use your coverage for a cleaning and check-up on day one.
How Do Waiting Periods Work?
The good news is that not every plan has a waiting period. In fact, many employer-based plans don’t, and not all providers have a waiting period, well, period. Furthermore, if you have had previous dental coverage and have recently switched to a new provider, you can often get the waiting period waived if you submit proof that you had a prior plan. Another workaround is if you have recently switched to a new employer and would like to avoid a waiting period with a new dental insurance plan, you can contact your old insurance company and purchase an individual plan directly.
Which Treatments Will Have to Wait?
While each plan is different, generally dental care falls into three categories:
- Basic: These procedures could have up to a six-month waiting period, while “major” treatments could be delayed up to a year.
- Preventive: These types of treatments often do not have any waiting period, and include things like dental X-rays, cleanings and exams, and fluoride.
- Major Work: This varies depending on your plan, so be sure to read the fine print before booking anything that falls under this category, such as root canals, oral surgery, and dentures.
How to Get the Care You Need, Now
Fortunately, while your dental insurance may not be able to cover certain treatments right away, in addition to welcoming dental insurance, your dentist offers a variety of payment solutions to assist you, such as flexible financing and even an in-house savings plan that provides valuable discounts on routine and preventive care with no waiting period, so there’s no need to suffer from oral health problems for months while you wait for your dental insurance benefits to kick in.
Ultimately, the most important thing to remember is that dental insurance plans vary from patient to patient, and thus, what applies to your neighbor may not be the same for you. Therefore, it is very important that you verify your coverage with your provider prior to getting any dental work done. Thankfully, your dentist’s dental insurance team is happy to assist you with this and can even file claims and maximize your benefits on your behalf.
Remember, starting a new dental insurance plan is an excellent way to protect your teeth and gums in the new year, but be sure to understand the details of your policy before getting started. With the help of your HR department and the friendly team at your dentist’s office, you’ll have plenty to smile about in 2026!
About Dr. Michel
Dr. Michael Michel earned his bachelor’s degree at Kansas State University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He is a proud recipient of the Harry M. Klenda Award from the Kansas Dental Association, and an active member of both the American Dental Association and the Kansas Dental Association, as well as a former president of the Topeka District Dental Society and a fellow of the American College of Dentists. To start using your new dental insurance at Michel Dental for a bright healthy smile in 2026, request an appointment on our website or call us today at 785-273-0801.