Publications & Resources

Two years into the pandemic, we have the benefit of research and experience to help dentists make informed decisions for their practices. Unfortunately, the end is still not in sight. New York State and the entire country are facing a surge of coronavirus cases due to the incredibly infectious Omicron variant. To help you handle the current situation, read our risk management best practices for dental offices during COVID-19.

A longtime patient of a MLMIC-insured dentist underwent extensive dental work over a period of seven years. The patient filed a lawsuit shortly after the work was completed, alleging a negligent full-mouth restoration resulting in bone loss, extractions, and the need for re-treatment. The dentist being sued reported to MLMIC that he was unable to produce much of the patient’s record as there had been multiple floods in the building that affected his office dental records.

Dentists have to make many big decisions about their first years in practice, from what type of employment model would they prefer to how many vacation days they get. Many of these considerations need to be negotiated for the employment contract. We outlined a few of the most important things dentists should consider about their career.

As a new dentist starting out in practice, one of the key decisions you will make is selecting a dental professional liability carrier. Importantly, you want a professional liability carrier that offers more than just protection against claims. You want a carrier that offers stability and financial security, and one that provides the service and resources that will support you and your practice throughout your career.

Whether you are a new dentist or an established practitioner, choosing a professional liability carrier is a crucial decision for your practice. But what makes one carrier stand apart from another? These are the qualities you should pay attention to.

Since dental practices reopened in June, a concern has arisen about liability claims related to COVID-19 exposure. While this concern is certainly legitimate, an overlooked, likely greater concern is the potential for claims related to delays in diagnosis and treatment that could stem from the closure of dental practices during the peak of the pandemic in New York State.

While MLMIC can’t speak to the coverage of our competitors, we can assure our policyholders that MLMIC’s level of protection remains unchanged. We continue to provide exceptional coverage, a strong risk management program and high quality legal counsel.

Many companies sell medical professional liability insurance (MPLI) at deeply discounted rates. And while this may provide immediate relief to the insureds, the financials of these companies can be a cause of concern.

MLMIC announces the appointment of Michael J. Schoppmann, Esq. as President of our service company subsidiary. Schoppmann’s long history of protecting doctors in New York State will contribute to the superior protection, sound defense and active risk management we offer all of our insureds.

In the September issue of Risk Retention Reporter, it was noted that almost half of the 452 risk retention groups that formed since 1986 have retired.