{ business solutions } by Missouri Dental Insurance Services Hidden Liabilities in


may not have previously considered. While you probably already realize the importance of professional/malpractice liability, how much do you know about your business owner’s policy and its liability coverages?


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Often, we notice our clients use the term liability or general liability interchangeably when referencing premises liability or profes- sional liability.


General liability from a commercial stand- point is typically in reference to premises liability. If you are a practice owner and/or independent or sub-contractor, make sure you have general liability in place. In the event a patient or other third party were to be injured on the premises, this is the only way to insure your exposure. For example, a patient falling on their way to an operatory: Whether you own the practice or are work- ing as a sub/independent contractor, your premises liability is the same. A patient was in the office to see YOU. Therefore, you or your legal entity can be held liable for an injury on the premises. Because this is not a treatment related issue, professional liability would not come into play. However, general liability does because the incident occurred in/on the premises in which you practice.


If you are a practice owner who also owns the building your practice occupies, you have an even greater exposure! In this instance, your liability is not limited to the office space in which you practice, but extends to com-


22 focus | SPRING 2025 | ISSUE 1


s a dentist, you face a fair amount of liability in your day-to-day practice and if you own a practice, you face additional liabilities you


Your Dental Practice Can You Survive a Loss with Your Current Policy?


mon areas of the building, space occupied by other tenants (if applicable) and even the parking lot.


You’ve heard it before: you get what you pay for. That said, not all business owners’ policies are created equal. While most cap- tive agencies are hyper focused on property, contents and general liability coverage, MDIS knows these are just a few of the many cover- age considerations you should be aware of to protect your practice from what could be detrimental loss. Some of the most utilized coverages by our insureds aren’t even includ- ed in a captive agency’s policy and when they are, the limits tend to be insufficient. Such as:


BUSINESS INTERRUPTION


What would you do if your practice sustained a tremendous physical loss, such as a fire? Would your current policy provide business interruption coverage helping to pay over- head expenses for your practice while you’re


not able to work? It’s likely if you have a loss, you’ll need to find a temporary practice loca- tion while restorations take place. This type of coverage will help pay rent, utilities, staff salaries and other business-related expenses when your practice suffers a physical loss.


COMPUTERS AND MEDIA


Does your policy have a separate limit of coverage for computers and media? If not, it should. The replacement of computers and media (i.e. digital x-rays) could be time- consuming and costly. Some agencies might tell you that these items are covered in your business personal property (or content limit) but may not increase your limit of coverage accordingly. If your policy does have coverage outlined for computers and media, make sure your business owners/contents limit will suffice.


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