College Students: Why Your Dental Coverage Matters (and How to Make the Most of It) Starting college is exciting—new classes, new friends, and new responsibilities. But between exams, late-night study sessions, and campus life, it’s easy to put dental health at the bottom of your priority list. The truth is, your smile is just as important as your GPA, and the good news is many college students already have dental coverage—they just don’t always know it. Do College Students Really Have Dental Coverage? Yes, often you do! Many colleges and universities include dental benefits in student health plans. Even if your school doesn’t, you may still have coverage through your parents’ plan until age 25 (sometimes longer, depending on your province or plan). This means that dental checkups, cleanings, and sometimes even fillings or emergency care could be covered for little or no cost to you. The challenge? Lots of students don’t use their benefits—sometimes because they aren’t aware they have them. Why It’s Important to Maintain Oral Health in College Life on campus can take a toll on your teeth: Late-night snacking & caffeine:Coffee, energy drinks, and vending machine snacks are staples during exam season, but they’re tough on your enamel. Stress & grinding:The pressures of assignments and exams can cause teeth grinding or clenching, leading to headaches or jaw pain. Busy schedules:With so much going on, it’s easy to forget regular checkups until there’s a painful reminder. Neglecting your oral health now can lead to bigger (and more expensive) issues later—like cavities, gum disease, or even losing teeth. Making the Most of Your Student Dental Coverage Here’s how to stay on top of your dental health while you’re in college: Check your plan details Log into your student health portal or ask your school’s student union about what’s included. Know how often you can get cleanings and what’s covered for emergencies. Book regular checkupsPreventative care is almost always covered. Aim for a cleaning and exam every six months. Take care of your daily routineBrushing twice a day and flossing can sound basic, but it’s your best defense against cavities and gum problems. Don’t wait for painToothaches or bleeding gums are signs something is wrong. The earlier you see a dentist, the easier (and cheaper) it is to fix. Look into extrasSome plans cover nightguards for grinding or even teeth whitening at student rates. Your Smile, Your Confidence Your student years are a time of opportunity and growth—and your oral health should be part of that. By using the dental benefits available to you and keeping up with regular care, you’re not just protecting your teeth—you’re investing in your health, confidence, and future. Blog Home
College Students: Why Your Dental Coverage Matters