The Hidden Occupational Risks of Dentistry: Conditions That Lead to Disability
Dental professionals are exposed to risks which cause an increased risk of disability including holding static position for a lengthy period to perform certain dental procedures, dealing with anxious patients on a daily basis and working in such close proximity to patients. Examples of common conditions which cause disability from dental practice include:
- Physical medical conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive strain injuries, shoulder and neck strain, rheumatoid arthritis, trigger finger, tendinitis, and joint pain
- Mental illness including anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD and bipolar disorder
- Chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
- Autoimmune conditions such as irritable bowel disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
Types of Disability Insurance for Dentists
Most dentists purchase private disability policies providing own occupation coverage. These policies will allow a dentist who has a reduced ability to earn income by practicing clinical dentistry to receive benefits to replace a portion of their lost income. Dentists may also have additional coverage for business overhead costs during a period that a medical condition causes partial disability or total disability. Because most dentists are self employed, they may not have access to a group policy for long term disability. However, there may be coverage options through a professional association allowing lower cost long term disability coverage.
Qualifying for Disability Insurance Benefits
To qualify for disability income or long term disability benefits, you will need to prove that you are experiencing a loss of income due to an illness or injury. Many dentists have coverage for partial disability from work as well as total disability. You may need to undergo medical examinations arranged by the insurer and will need to provide medical evidence of disability.
Common Reasons for Dentist Disability Insurance Claim Denials
Claim denials may occur for any of the following reasons:
- Failure to provide adequate medical information
- Failure to submit complete application forms along with all relevant information including financial information
- Not meeting the insurance company’s deadlines for submission of a disability claim
- The disability insurer’s in house doctors disagree that your medical evidence supports partial disability or total disability
- The insurance company obtains a medical exam by an independent physician which disagrees with your doctor’s opinion that your medical condition is disabling
How to File a Disability Claim
In order to qualify for long term disability benefits, you need to complete the forms required by the disability insurer. Those forms generally include an attending physician statement and other medical records outlining the symptoms and functional limitations caused by the illness or injury which restrict your ability to work. In addition, occupational information will be required which shows the extent of income loss, and the procedures and other aspects of professional work impacted by the disability.
The Role of a Disability Claim Lawyer
At Burn Tucker Lachaine, our lawyers have extensive knowledge of disability law and can assist you in submitting a thorough application for benefits which is more likely to be accepted avoiding a discouraging denial. We can guide you through the appeal process if your claim is denied. If your appeal is denied, we will start a lawsuit for you to obtain your benefit payments.
Representation for Disabled Dentists
We understand that you have invested heavily in your professional education and building your dental practice. We have experience working with sophisticated clients who want to understand the legal process and be provided with clear expectations about the possible outcomes following a disability claim denial. We understand the value of your coverage and will work with you to gather the medical records to prove your claim and persuade the disability insurance company that you are disabled from your own occupation.
Proving Your Disability Claim
In order to gain access to your valuable disability insurance, we will gather medical evidence which shows that you cannot perform your own occupation. You may need to provide imaging studies and specialists’ reports depending on the nature of your disability claim. The insurance company will conduct a telephone interview to obtain more information about your illness and functional restrictions and limitations.
Maximizing Your Disability Benefits
In order to maximize your disability benefits, you will need to provide detailed financial information showing the loss of income caused by your disability. It might be necessary to obtain accounting evidence to support your claim and your entitlement to benefits under your insurance policy. An expert disability lawyer will know what disability insurance companies require in order to pay your claim.
Avoiding Common Mistakes in the Claims Process
Engaging a lawyer with years of experience litigating long term disability denials before you submit your claim for benefits is the best way to avoid common mistakes in the claim process including:
- Missing application deadlines
- Making inconsistent statements on your occupation statement or claimant’s statement
- Providing insufficient medical evidence of disability
- Failing to explain treatment challenges
How Our Disability Claim Lawyers Can Help Dentists
We provide dentists with advice early in the application process as you consider whether you can make a claim under your policy. We know the common reasons that insurers deny claims and can help you submit a thorough, detailed application. We will represent you through the claim process, including appealing a denial if necessary. Burn Tucker Lachaine’s legal team will obtain your claim file and start a lawsuit. Most long term disability lawsuits are capable of being resolved by settlement with an agreement to pay monthly benefits or a suitable lump sum. If an appropriate settlement is not possible, our firm has a proven track record of trying cases involving insurance disputes and achieving results in court.
March 6, 2025 
