Get Ready for the Holidays; Use Dental Benefits Before You Lose Them

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI – December 10, 2015 – Great Expressions Dental Centers (GEDC), a leading dental service organization, encourages local residents to get ready for the holidays by using what’s left of their 2015 dental benefits and flex spending accounts before they expire. The average GEDC patient had over $1,400 in unused dental benefits in 2014, nearly twice the amount the average American spends on gasoline in one year. Most dental coverage resets on January 1. Additionally, many patients with flexible spending accounts risk losing the funding they set aside if they do not use it by year-end.

“The average patient has no idea how much money they stand to lose in their benefits plans and flexible spending account by not utilizing them before the year is over,” said Richard Beckman, CEO of Great Expressions Dental Centers. “Utilizing year-end benefits and flex spending is a great way to make the most of your coverage and head into the New Year with a brand new smile.”

Important procedures 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 may seem expensive, but are an investment in your future. You may even consider Invisalign^®, a clear alternative to braces.

“Capturing memories through photographs is an essential part of the holidays, so you want to make sure your smile is nice and bright for the camera,” said Beckman. “A quick trip to Great Expressions over the next few weeks to capitalize on unused dental benefits will help do the trick.”

In order to use your benefits, make an appointment with your dentist no later than December 31, 2015. 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 PlanSM 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 preventative dental care, orthodontics and specialty care with local offices in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas and Virginia. One of the largest privately owned dental service 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. ADG, LLC, provides administrative and business support services and licenses the Great Expressions Dental Centers^® brand name to independently-owned and operated dental practices. ADG does not own or operate dental practices, or employ the licensed professionals providing dental treatment and services.

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Contact:
Megan McCarl
Lambert, Edwards & Associates
mmccarl@lambert.com