Great Expressions Encourages Patients to Stop Throwing Away their Money

Two-thirds of the public does not know how much they have in unused benefits

SOUTHFIELD, MI – October 12, 2016 – Great Expressions Dental Centers (GEDC), a leading dental support organization, is concerned about more than their patients’ teeth; they’re also worried about how patients are throwing away their hard-earned money each year by not using the insurance benefits they pay for in each paycheck.

In a recent Google survey, more than two-thirds of the participants didn’t know how much money they had left in unused insurance benefits for the remainder of the year. As the end of the year approaches, GEDC is encouraging local families to use what’s left of their 2016 dental benefits and flex spending accounts before they expire.

All dental patients are at high risk for losing the coverage they paid for in 2016, as most dental coverage resets on January 1. Flexible spending accounts also expire, risking the loss of funding set aside by patients at year-end.

“Nearly 68 percent of patients don’t know how much money they have left in unused benefits – which means they could have money sitting in their pocket going untouched, and they should use it all’,” explained Richard Beckman, CEO of Great Expressions Dental Centers. “To make sure they’re not wasting their money, we suggest people contact their dental insurance company to see how much they have left in benefits this year and then plan to visit their dentist before December 31.”

Procedures patients can take advantage of that are covered through dental benefits and flex spending include:

• Dental cleanings, which help prevent infections of the teeth and the surrounding gums.
• Dental X-rays, a necessary tool dentists use to detect damage and disease that may not be visible during a regular dental exam.
• Restorative treatments, such as a filling or a crown, which may be necessary if you have damage to your teeth due to decay or cavities.
• Braces, which are an investment in your future. You may even consider Invisalign^®, a clear alternative to braces.

“A few minutes out of your day to make your dental appointment is worth the money you will save by using your benefits and flexible spending,” continued Beckman. “Our team is dedicated to making sure your smile is shining brightest in family photos around the holidays.”

Use all of your benefits by making an appointment with your dentist no later than December 31, 2016. To find out how much money you have left in unused benefits or your flex spending account, call your dental insurance company’s customer service number, typically located on the back of the card.

The Great Expressions^® Smile Protection PlanR provides a discount dental plan membership for patients without insurance. To schedule an appointment at GEDC, call 888-SMILE-80 or visit www.greatexpressions.com.

About Great Expressions

For nearly 40 years, Great Expressions Dental Centers (GEDC) has been a leader in preventive dental care, orthodontics and specialty care with local offices in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Virginia and Texas. One of the largest privately owned dental support organizations in the United States, GEDC is consistently recognized for contributions to improving oral health through quality and safety initiatives, affordable dental care services, patient convenience, research and more. For more information, go to www.greatexpressions.com.

Great Expressions Dental Centers^® branded practices are independently owned and operated in specific states by licensed dentists and their professional entities who employ the licensed professionals providing dental treatment and services. Office practices may vary and patients should contact the dental office for treatment and service issues.

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Contact:
Megan McCarl
Lambert, Edwards & Associates
616-258-5770
MMcCarl@lambert-edwards.com