Dentist and Dental Hygienist Disability Claims Attorneys
Dental professionals can experience many occupation-related injuries. They must work for long hours in uncomfortable static positions, putting strains on their backs and necks. If a dentist or dental hygienist suffers an injury to the hand, elbow or wrist, this can prevent the dental professional from performing many types of procedures, or limit the number of procedures the professional can perform each day. In addition, dental professionals are subject to injuries and diseases outside the workplace that can prevent them from working.
You may be covered by an individual or group disability policy. However, that does not mean that you will receive the disability benefits you deserve. Insurance companies frequently deny claims, and they often limit the duration of benefits.
If your disability claim has been denied or you have been informed that your benefits will last for only 24 months, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
For dentists, dental hygienists, oral surgeons, orthodontists, periodontists, endodontists, and other dental professionals, a disability claim often turns on more than the underlying diagnosis. The insurer may examine whether your condition prevents you from performing the material and substantial duties of your particular dental occupation, including fine motor work, prolonged static positioning, repetitive hand movements, patient procedures, and sustained clinical productivity.
Why Disability Claims for Dentists Can Be Different
Dentistry is physically demanding in ways that may not be obvious from a job title alone. The American Dental Association recognizes that dental professionals can experience musculoskeletal problems related to repetitive movements, awkward positioning, prolonged sitting, and clinical posture.
A condition that might allow someone to perform sedentary office work can still prevent a dentist from safely and consistently performing clinical procedures. Disability insurers may therefore need to evaluate duties such as:
- Fine motor control and manual dexterity;
- Repetitive use of the hands, wrists, fingers, and elbows;
- Sustained neck and back positioning;
- Bending or leaning over patients;
- Performing precise procedures for extended periods;
- Maintaining a full clinical schedule; and
- Safely performing procedures while experiencing pain, weakness, tremor, fatigue, or medication side effects.
Experienced Advocates for Dental Professionals
DarrasLaw is a nationally recognized disability claim law firm. We have extensive experience representing dentists, dental hygienists and other medical professionals. This experience spans the spectrum of injuries and disabilities, including:
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Hand, elbow, wrist and tendon injuries
- Disabling mental conditions
- Self-reported disabilities, such as fibromyalgia and chronic pain
Other conditions that can interfere with dental practice may include arthritis, cervical or lumbar spine disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendon injuries, neurological conditions, tremors, vision problems, cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue, and complications following surgery or serious illness.
When you retain DarrasLaw to represent you, we will work tirelessly to obtain the best possible result for you.
Own-Occupation Disability Insurance for Dentists
Many dentists purchase individual disability insurance with an own-occupation definition of disability. Depending on the specific policy language, benefits may be available when an illness or injury prevents you from performing the important duties of your regular dental specialty—even if you could potentially work in another occupation.
Policy wording matters. Some policies distinguish between true own-occupation coverage, modified own-occupation coverage, transitional definitions, and any-occupation standards. Insurers may also dispute how your occupation should be defined or whether your clinical duties are truly the primary duties of your profession.
What Evidence Can Strengthen a Dentist Disability Claim?
A diagnosis alone may not establish disability. The stronger question is usually: How does the condition prevent you from performing the actual duties of your dental practice?
Helpful evidence may include:
- Medical records and diagnostic testing;
- Detailed physician statements describing restrictions and limitations;
- Procedure logs or schedules showing the work you performed before disability;
- Documentation of reduced production or reduced procedure volume;
- Occupational or vocational evidence;
- Information about hand strength, dexterity, range of motion, tremor, pain, or endurance; and
- Evidence showing why your limitations prevent you from safely and consistently treating patients.
Disability Claim Denials for Dentists and Dental Hygienists
In the event of a claim denial, you generally have a limited time in which to file an appeal. For many ERISA-covered disability claims, federal regulations require the plan to provide at least 180 days after receipt of an adverse benefit determination to submit an appeal. Individual disability policies may follow different procedures and deadlines.
Federal ERISA disability-claim procedures are outlined in 29 C.F.R. § 2560.503-1. Because deadlines can vary depending on the policy and type of coverage, claimants should always review the denial letter and policy immediately.
Can a Dentist Receive Disability Benefits and Still Work?
Possibly. Some policies contain residual or partial disability provisions that may provide benefits when a dentist can continue working but experiences a significant loss of income or cannot perform the same volume or type of procedures as before the disability.
The answer depends on the policy’s definition of residual disability, income-loss requirements, elimination period, and other contractual provisions. Dentists should carefully review these provisions before reducing hours, changing specialties, selling a practice, or altering their clinical responsibilities.
Contact a Dentist Disability Insurance Attorney
For a free consultation with a lawyer about a dentist or dental hygienist disability claim, contact DarrasLaw. Whether you are preparing an initial claim, facing an insurer review, appealing a denial, or challenging the termination of previously approved benefits, DarrasLaw can evaluate your policy, occupation, medical evidence, and claim history.
Disclaimer: This page is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Disability insurance rights, deadlines, and available benefits depend on the language of the specific policy or plan and the circumstances of the claim. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Testimonial
Review: 5/5 – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Frank, Jo-Ann and Heather, If it wasn’t for all of you! I can’t tell you what this means to me. I have changed my mind about lawyers, you are great. Thanks”
– Kathy F.
