The Drill Stops Here: A Dentist’s Wake-Up Call
Picture this: You’ve got a full schedule. Eight patients, two crown preps, and one particularly anxious root canal. You’re gloved up, mask on, tools sterilized. Then it hits—a searing pain shoots through your wrist. You shake it off. Again. But by the end of the week, you’re fumbling instruments and dropping trays. A specialist confirms it: you’ve got nerve damage, and your days of practicing are on hold.
No one plans for that kind of disruption. But it happens more than you’d think—especially to dentists.
The Problem? Your Income Is in Your Hands—Literally
Dental professionals rely on a unique combination of fine motor skills, focus, and physical stamina. If you lose the ability to work chairside—even temporarily—your income can vanish overnight. And here’s the kicker: most of your overhead (like your office lease, equipment loans, and staff salaries) doesn’t vanish with it.
That’s where disability insurance comes in—not as a luxury, but as your financial backstop.
The Coverage Dentists Really Need (Hint: It’s Not What You Think)
Let’s get one thing straight. Most group disability plans or basic coverage options won’t cut it for dentists. Why?
Because they:
- Often cover only a portion of your base salary (not total collections or practice income)
- May require that you be totally disabled and unable to work in any job to qualify
- Can leave out partial disabilities or fluctuating work capacity
- Usually don’t include business overhead expense protection
That’s a recipe for a financial cavity. You need a policy built around your actual risks.
4 Questions Every Dentist Should Ask Before Buying a Policy
- What counts as a disability?
You want a true own-occupation policy that pays benefits if you can’t work as a dentist—even if you’re able to do another job.
- Will it help if I’m only partially disabled?
Residual or partial disability riders can cover lost income if your production drops due to reduced hours or abilities.
- Does it keep up with my growing practice?
Future increase options let you scale your coverage as your income grows—no new medical exams needed.
- Am I covered for my business expenses?
If you own your practice, a Business Overhead Expense (BOE) rider can pay for your office bills while you recover.
Real Talk: You Don’t Have Time to Fight an Insurance Claim
Let’s face it—dentists don’t have time to chase paperwork or argue with claims adjusters. That’s why it’s critical to work with an advisor who understands dental professionals and can guide you toward a strong, portable, individually owned policy.
At PlanSimple, we specialize in working with professionals like you—whether you’re an associate just out of dental school, or an established practice owner protecting what you’ve built.
Final Thought: You’ve Insured the Chair. Don’t Forget Who Sits In It.
You’ve insured your equipment, protected your building, and trained your team. But none of that works if you can’t pick up the handpiece.
Disability insurance isn’t just for “what ifs.” It’s for when life throws a curveball—so your finances stay steady while you heal and decide what’s next.
📅 Want to review your coverage or see what a custom policy might look like?
CLICK HERE to schedule a call.