What to Do When the Dental Board Comes Knocking

In this Blog I will speak about Dentists under investigation, receiving complaints, or facing disciplinary action. I will share my experience in board defense and calm panicked doctors.

Healthcare contracts are agreements between parties that outline the terms of services, responsibilities, and expectations. They can cover a wide range of topics, from patient care to billing practices. By grasping the basics of these contracts, you can unlock success in your professional journey.

Key Words:

• “dental board investigation help”

• “dental license complaint California”

• “dental board lawyer"

• "CDA TDIC

• What triggers Dental Board investigations

• What not to do when you receive a notice

• How early legal intervention saves licensesCTA: “Facing a board complaint? Before you respond, speak with someone who knows the process inside and out.”

🧾 Understanding Liability Insurance: What Every Dentist Should Know

By Steve Barrabee, Esq.

Protecting Your Practice Begins with Understanding Your Policy

Dentists are healers, caregivers, and business owners. But in a profession that involves complex procedures, patient care, and staff management, liability risk is part of the job. That’s why having the right insurance coverage — and understanding it — is non-negotiable.

As a healthcare attorney who has worked with dental professionals across California, I often help clients understand, review, and negotiate the terms of their malpractice and liability policies — often after a claim has been made or an issue has surfaced. The truth is, being proactive now can save your license, your finances, and your reputation later.

📄 Types of Liability Insurance Dentists Should Know

1. Professional Liability (Malpractice Insurance):This protects you if a patient alleges harm due to your treatment. Policies typically cover legal fees, settlements, and damages — but the scope of coverage varies greatly.

2. General Liability:This protects you from incidents like a patient slipping and falling in your waiting room. It’s essential even if you don’t own the building.

3. Employment Practices Liability:Covers claims related to hiring, firing, discrimination, or harassment made by employees.

4. Cyber Liability:With increasing digital recordkeeping and online communications, protecting yourself against data breaches and HIPAA violations is more important than ever.

🔍 What Dentists Commonly Overlook

🛑 Claims-Made vs. Occurrence Policies

This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of malpractice coverage.

• Claims-Made policies only protect you if the claim is made while the policy is active.

• Occurrence policies cover any event that happened during the coverage period — even if the claim is made years later.

If you’re switching providers, selling your practice, or retiring, you may need tail coverage to stay protected under a claims-made policy. Don’t overlook this detail.

🚨 Coverage Gaps

Your policy might not cover:

• Cosmetic procedures

• Volunteer work

• Treating patients in non-traditional settings (like mobile clinics or at-home visits)

Always review exclusions and ensure endorsements are in place if your scope of work changes.

💼 The Entity is Not Always Covered

Even if you are covered, your dental corporation or practice entity might not be. Make sure both you and your business are named insureds.

🧠 Why Legal Review Matters

Too often, dentists assume that insurance brokers will “take care of it all.” But brokers are not attorneys, and their job is to sell policies — not interpret legal risk or advocate for you during a claim.

An attorney can:

• Review your policy to ensure it aligns with your practice’s services and risks

• Identify exclusions that might hurt you later

• Support you during investigations or legal challenges

• Help with negotiation if coverage is denied or insufficient

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🤝 Partner with Legal & Insurance Professionals Who Know Dentistry

At Barrabee Law, I work with dentists at all stages of their careers — from first-time practice owners to established specialists — to ensure they’re legally and financially protected.

I’ve collaborated with insurance providers like TDIC and supported clients through real-world investigations, claims, and audits. My goal is simple: to give you clarity and confidence.

📞 Schedule a Coverage Review

Before you sign that next policy or renewal, let’s make sure you know exactly what you’re covered for — and what you’re not.

👉 [Contact me today] or call my office to schedule a review.

A healthcare professional examining a contract for clarity and understanding.