How to Choose the Right Dental Malpractice Insurance Limits
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Choosing the right dental malpractice insurance limits is one of the most important financial decisions a dentist can make. While having professional liability insurance is essential, carrying inadequate limits can leave your practice exposed to serious financial risk. Understanding how coverage limits work—and what factors influence them—helps ensure your dental practice is fully protected.
Understanding Malpractice Insurance Limits
Dental malpractice insurance limits are typically structured as:
Per Claim Limit – The maximum amount the insurer will pay for a single claim.
Aggregate Limit – The total amount the insurer will pay for all claims during a policy period.
A common standard for general dentists is $1 million per claim / $3 million aggregate. However, this may not be sufficient for every practice.
Factors That Determine the Right Coverage Limits
1. State Requirements
Some states mandate minimum liability limits to maintain licensure or participate in certain insurance networks. Always confirm requirements with your state dental board.
2. Specialty and Procedures
Specialists such as oral surgeons, periodontists, and endodontists face higher procedural risks. Complex surgeries, implant placements, and sedation procedures increase potential claim severity, often requiring higher limits.
3. Geographic Location
States with higher litigation rates or larger jury awards typically warrant increased coverage limits to protect against large settlements.
4. Practice Size and Revenue
A larger practice with multiple providers and higher patient volume has greater exposure. Higher revenue practices may consider increasing limits to safeguard assets and cash flow.
5. Personal Asset Protection
If you have significant personal assets, higher liability limits can provide an additional layer of financial security.
Occurrence vs. Claims-Made Policies
When evaluating limits, also consider your policy type:
Claims-Made Coverage – Covers claims filed while the policy is active. May require tail coverage upon cancellation.
Occurrence Coverage – Covers incidents that occurred during the policy period, regardless of when the claim is filed.
Understanding your policy structure ensures long-term protection beyond just limit selection.
Should You Carry Higher Limits?
Many dentists choose to increase limits to $2 million per claim / $4 million aggregate or higher, particularly if they perform advanced procedures or operate in high-risk states. The premium difference may be modest compared to the additional protection provided.
Get Expert Guidance on Coverage Limits
Selecting the right dental malpractice insurance limits requires careful evaluation of your specialty, state regulations, risk exposure, and financial goals.
If you are reviewing your liability coverage or opening a new practice, consider contacting Wexford Insurance for a customized dental malpractice insurance quote. Our team specializes in helping dentists determine appropriate limits and secure competitive, comprehensive coverage tailored to their practice.
Choosing the right limits today protects your practice, your license, and your long-term financial future.
