Dental Professional Liability Insurance

Dental Professional Liability and Malpractice Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance, sometimes called malpractice insurance or errors and omissions insurance, covers licensed healthcare professionals from claims that their negligent acts during the performance of their professional duties caused harm.  Policies may vary in coverage and premium.  Some companies offer discounts if you meet certain qualifications.  It is important to review the coverages provided and the policy exclusions before selecting an insurance company.

A dental malpractice insurance policy can be written on a claims-made or occurrence basis.  Each has its advantages.  For more  information about the differences, please read our article, “Claims-made or Occurrence?“

What coverage does a dental malpractice insurance policy provide?                                                 

While policy specifics can vary, a typical policy will provide coverage for damages and defense in connection with covered claims.   A policy can be written on a claims-made or occurrence basis.  Some of the coverages available include:

• • • • Professional Liability
      • General Liability
      • License Protection
      • Employment Practice Liability
      • Employee Benefits Liability
      • Medical Waste
      • Billing Errors and Omissions
      • Corporate Identity Protection / Cyber Liability

Desert Mountain Insurance can contact multiple carriers and will review your options with you so you understand your policy choices and can make an informed decision.  Call us for more information or complete our questionnaire for a free dental policy quote!

What Kinds of Disputes Can Lead to Dental Malpractice Claims?

Dental malpractice claims make allegations about the quality of work received by a patient. It’s important to realize that some claims (sometimes referred to as “frivolous claims”) have absolutely little to do with the work provided.  There may not have been a mistake made or a standard of care violated to be sued for malpractice.  Defending a false claim is still expensive.  It’s important to be aware of some of the common malpractice claims made against dentists. These include:

• • • Failure to give a patient all the information she needs.   A patient could claim that you didn’t fully describe all possible treatment options and associated risks,  meaning the patient wasn’t able to make an informed decision about their dental care.

• • • Failed treatments or procedures. This could include claims of tooth damage or injury from botched restorations, root canals, implants, veneers, crowns, and more. Patients can also claim that you failed to spot decay or another problem during a routine oral exam, which led to greater, more expensive problems.

• • • Questionable professional advice.  Claims that you failed to provide solid professional counsel or that you failed to refer the patient to a specialist when it was necessary.

• • • Products liability. Dentists can be blamed for using faulty products, oral devices, and materials – regardless of whether the dentist manufactured the items.

• • • Nerve damage.  A claim could allege that a lingual nerve or inferior alveolar nerve was damaged while the patient was given anesthesia or having teeth removed.

• • • Misdiagnosis. Patients can claim that you failed to diagnose a condition, that your diagnosis was incorrect, or that you diagnosed it late.

Dental malpractice policies vary so it is important to review the coverages provided and policy exclusions prior to selecting an insurance company. Your best resource for dental malpractice insurance is a knowledgeable agent who does not charge fees for their service.   Desert Mountain Insurance is a no-fee, no-obligation agency.  As an independent agency, we can gather information and quotes from multiple carriers to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your coverage.    Call us with questions regarding insurance protection for your practice or complete the questionnaire for a free quote!