Have you been let down by your dental indemnity provider?

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  Posted by: Dental Design      24th July 2023

Looking for a new insurance provider can seem like a minefield – where to start? Has your scope of work changed? Have you become more anxious about patients making a claim against you? Although we are not as litigious in the UK than in other parts of the world, there are law firms that specialise in dental negligence cases, and who encourage people to pursue their matter on a no-win-no-fee basis.

At Howden, we offer indemnity that is fit for the modern world. We know insurance inside and out and have been working with dentists, practices and dental professionals for a long time. We know that the industry has changed, and we believe that discretionary policies, like those offered by Medical Defence Organisations (MDOs) can no longer offer the level of protection that you and your patients need.

What happens if an MDO chooses to exercise its discretion? 

This can and does happen.

In 2022, 81-year-old Clive Worthington was awarded £116,000 compensation for dental implant work that left him in agony.^[1] The case had taken 14 years to reach court, with Mr Worthington in constant pain and stress during this time. But he didn’t receive a penny, because the dentist who delivered his treatment was a member of a MDO, who exercised their discretion to not provide indemnity. An attempt to go after the dentist’s personal assets was unsuccessful.

Ask yourself, is discretionary indemnity appropriate for modern dentistry?

Cases like this have left many wondering if the lack of regulation can continue for MDOs.

At Howden, you will be in safe hands from the very first call you make to us – and so will your patients. All our policies are contract-backed, and we are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This means that in line with our obligations, we are required to treat all clients fairly, and make a full recommendation as to the most appropriate cover based on the customer’s personal situation. This is a crucial point of difference from discretionary providers, and also means that policy holders are eligible for compensation via the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, should the insurer be unable to cover the cost of a claim.

With Howden policy, our safety net clause also gives an extra layer of certainty so if you were previously with a MDO, Howden can retroactively protect you for that period.

Do the job you love with your mind at ease! It is a fact of life that there will be patients who are unsatisfied, and who feel that the care they received didn’t meet their expectations. So, choose quality insurance and know you’ll have the right people by your side to support you, during what otherwise could be a stressful time.

The 3 Cs

Howden won’t let you down, and will offer you more.

Our approach is based on the 3Cs – Confidence of Cover that is Cost competitive.

A policy tailored to your work, with protection in a wide number of scenarios, you will feel reassured and free to enjoy your dentistry.

We believe that quality insurance should be accessible and affordable; in fact, many have saved money on their premiums when they moved to us!* Get added value with exceptional service, and extras like 24/7 access to a mental health helpline and medico-legal helpline. The claims process can be lengthy and stressful and may take its toll on not just you, but your colleagues as well as a wider network of family and friends.

For a no-obligation free quote from Howden, call our friendly team today.

For more information, please visit www.howdenmedicalindemnity.com or call 020 3918 9127

Howden Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of general insurance business. Registered in England and Wales under company registration number 725875. Registered Office: One Creechurch Place, London, EC3A 5AF.

^[1] Man, 81, takes own life after botched dental work and the loophole that denied him compensation. ITV News, 31 January 2023. Link: https://www.itv.com/news/2023-01-30/man-81-takes-own-life-after-loophole-denied-him-pay-out-for-botched-dentistry (accessed February 2023).

*42 of 49 Dental Indemnity quotations delivered between May-August 2022 showed a saving against their existing terms. 

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