Recall Interval (Dental)

A recall interval specifies how often you can claim preventive dental services such as cleanings and exams. Common intervals are every six or nine months. Insurers use recall intervals to encourage regular maintenance while controlling unnecessary repeat treatments.

For example, if your plan has a nine-month recall interval, you can claim a cleaning every nine months from the date of your last covered visit.

Example:

If you had a cleaning on March 1, your next eligible cleaning under a nine-month recall interval would be December 1.

What to Watch For:

Scheduling appointments too soon may result in out-of-pocket costs. Always verify the recall period listed in your dental summary.

Related Terms

Reasonable & Customary

Reasonable and customary refers to the typical fee charged for a particular service in your geographic area. Insurers use this standard to determine how much they will reimburse for eligible expenses. If a provider charges more than the reasonable and customary rate, you must pay the difference.

Reimbursement / Coinsurance

Reimbursement is the amount an insurance company pays back to the insured person or directly to a healthcare provider for eligible expenses covered under a policy. Coinsurance is the portion of the cost that the insurer agrees to pay, expressed as a percentage, with the remaining balance paid by the insured. Together, these terms describe how healthcare costs are shared between you and your insurer once a claim is approved.

Reinstating a Policy

Reinstating a policy refers to the process of restoring insurance coverage after it has lapsed due to non-payment of premiums or other policy violations. When a policy is reinstated, it becomes active again with the same or similar terms as before the lapse, subject to approval by the insurer. Most insurers allow reinstatement within a specific timeframe, typically up to one year after the lapse date, although the exact period depends on the policy type and the insurer’s rules.

Renewal Date

The renewal date is the day on which an insurance policy is scheduled to be reviewed and extended for another term. It marks the end of the current coverage period and the start of a new one, during which updated premiums, benefits, or policy terms may take effect. Renewal dates ensure that insurance coverage continues seamlessly as long as the policyholder meets all conditions, such as paying premiums and maintaining eligibility.

Restorative (Minor/Major)

Restorative dental care repairs and replaces damaged or missing teeth. It is divided into two categories: minor restorative, which includes fillings and simple repairs, and major restorative, which covers crowns, bridges, dentures, and complex work.

Have questions about your insurance coverage?

Our licensed advisors can help you understand your options and find the right plan for your needs.