The most money that the dental insurance carrier will pay for a patient's dental procedures within one full year
The yearly maximum amount varies by insurance company, and by insurance plan
The yearly maximum renews every year
The renewal date (aka: benefit rollover date) is usually January 1 of each year, but can be different for each insurance plan
If not used in the covered benefit year, the Yearly Maximum amounts do not generally roll-over for usage in a new year
The American Dental Association defines "benefit": The amount payable by a third party toward the cost of various covered dental services or the dental service or procedure covered by the plan. (2011-2012 CDT Current Dental Terminology: The ADA Practical Guide to Dental Procedure Codes)