College is an exciting journey filled with so much adventure, including new friendships that will last a lifetime, countless memories of late-night study sessions, and an occasional road trip. And although it seems like four years is a long time, before you know it, you’ll be walking across the stage to receive your diploma.
With so much going on during this busy season, it’s easy to forget that your dental insurance could be expiring. If your parents are paying for your dental insurance, now is the time to take advantage of that coverage before it goes away.
Let’s explore how dental insurance works and take a look at some of the services you might want to consider while you still can.
UA Graduation Dates
If you’re graduating from the University of Alabama soon, here are some commencement dates you’ll need to keep in mind:
- The Summer 2026 graduation ceremony is set for Saturday, August 1, at 9:00 AM.
- The Fall 2026 graduation ceremony will be held on Friday, December 11, at either 3:00 PM or 7:00 PM, depending on your degree program.
Understanding Your Dental Insurance Coverage
If you’ve always been covered under your parents’ dental insurance plan, you probably never gave it a second thought. You just went to the dentist when you needed to, right?
Your parents pay a monthly premium for your family’s dental insurance, and that monthly payment usually covers preventive dental care, including routine exams, cleanings, and x-rays, as well as a portion of some other treatments.
And although you may be able to stay on your parents’ health insurance plan once you graduate, you may not be able to keep your dental insurance.
The best thing to do is to check with your parents and your insurance company regarding your coverage, but if you have questions, our experienced team will happily assist you and file claims on your behalf.
Using Your Benefits Before They Expire
The first step toward maximizing your dental benefits is to schedule a routine dental exam and cleaning. That way, we can assess your oral health and check to see if you need any additional treatments. Preventive visits every six months are usually covered at 100%, so that’s a great place to start.
Here are some other ways to use your benefits before they expire:
- Schedule necessary procedures — If you’ve been postponing any dental treatments, such as fillings, crowns, or extractions, it’s a good idea to schedule them before your coverage expires. Although these treatments may not be completely covered, your insurance will often cover 50%-80% of the cost.
- Check your annual maximum — Many dental insurance policies have an annual maximum, the most they will pay for any calendar year. It’s important to try to use any remaining amount before you lose coverage.
- Plan for lengthy treatments — Some dental procedures require numerous visits, so if you need a bridge, crown, implants, TMJ treatment, or a full mouth reconstruction, now is the time to make a plan. That way, you can restore your oral health before you graduate and before you no longer have dental insurance.
Our Wide Range of Services
At Vandervoort Family Dentistry, we offer complete dental services for patients of all ages. Whether you need a routine cleaning or full mouth reconstruction, we can help you achieve and maintain the best oral health possible.
Some of our services include the following:
- Dental implants — By placing a titanium post into your jaw and adding a custom crown, you can bite down and chew all your favorite foods.
- Veneers — We offer composite bonding and porcelain veneers to enhance your smile’s natural appearance.
- Teeth whitening — Cosmetic whitening is one of the best ways to brighten your smile and give your self-esteem a boost. You can choose either in-office treatment or a convenient take-home whitening kit.
- Clear aligners — If you have mild to moderate alignment concerns, clear aligner therapy is a discreet, comfortable way to straighten your teeth and improve your oral health.
- TMJ/bruxism treatment — Teeth grinding can lead to numerous dental issues, but with a custom mouthguard from our Tuscaloosa dental office, you can get the relief you deserve.
- Full mouth reconstruction — For numerous dental concerns, we’ll customize a treatment plan suited to your budget and oral health goals. Then, we’ll schedule your appointments over a timeline that works for you.
Questions About Dental Insurance in Tuscaloosa, AL?
If you’re currently a student or have recently graduated from the University of Alabama, we hope you’ll consider making an appointment with us! At Vandervoort Family Dentistry, our goal is to help you keep your smile looking and feeling its best, and we’ll do whatever we can to make that happen!
For questions regarding your insurance coverage or to schedule a consultation or appointment with our experienced dental team, please contact our office at (205) 345-7755.
We look forward to hearing from you!
