Patients that have dental insurance and are seen at a specialist, (oral surgeon, periodontist, endodontist) may use their benefits up at the specialist, not realizing that the next exam and cleaning will not be covered because they have met their maximum. Some Human Resource representatives may say you get 2 “free” cleanings a year but this is not the case. Benefits need to be available. You can check with your insurance company to see if you have reached your maximum for the year.