Florida Dental Malpractice Insurance: Important Considerations

Dental malpractice insurance for a Florida dentist protects the dentist from claims by patients alleging malpractice in treating or failing to treat that patient, or errors or omissions in providing dental treatment. Dental malpractice insurance is also referred to as Dental Professional Liability Insurance.

When purchasing a Florida dental malpractice insurance policy, it is important to consider the limits of liability, the total dollar amount the dental malpractice insurance company is willing to pay in the event of a loss. Most Florida dentists purchase limits of liability of $1 million per occurrence/$3 million aggregate. Other limits are available. The dental malpractice insurance policy is usually written without a deductible. It is important to purchase limits of liability sufficiently high enough to cover the Florida dentist in the event of a catastrophic claim—a death or failure to diagnose oral cancer, for example.

In choosing the right Florida dental malpractice insurance carrier, it is important to know the reputation of the carrier. Be sure to choose a dental malpractice insurance carrier with at least a rating of “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best, the nation’s premier insurance company rating agency. Be sure the company is skilled in insuring dentists, and that you do not take a back seat to other physician or surgeon specialties. Remember that your assets and your professional reputation are at stake. No one thinks they will have a loss; however, if you do, you will be glad you are insured by the strongest, most aggressive dental malpractice carrier.

John Gracey Backer, CPA
John Gracey Backer, CPA

John Gracey Backer, CPA, is the Treasurer of Gracey-Backer, Inc., an Insurance Agency in Delray Beach, Florida specializing in All Lines of Malpractice, Professional and Personal Insurance for the Healthcare Provider. He can be contacted at (561) 404-5828, or at john@gbifl.com.

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