As the dental laboratory industry continues to evolve, many labs are expanding their role beyond simply fabricating restorations. Today’s successful laboratories often provide chairside consultations, case planning support, and treatment guidance — including complex procedures like All-On-X cases.
While these value-added services strengthen relationships with dentists, they also increase exposure to professional risk. The more involved your lab becomes in treatment decisions, the greater the need for proper professional liability protection.
Dental laboratories are no longer just fulfilling prescriptions. Many technicians and lab owners now contribute expertise during:
This deeper involvement can improve outcomes — but it also increases accountability.
If a case does not produce the expected results, questions may arise:
Without professional liability insurance, the financial impact can fall directly on your laboratory.
In today’s litigious environment, defense costs alone can reach thousands of dollars — even before any settlement or judgment is considered.
It’s important to understand that most Business Owner’s Policies (BOPs) — approximately 98% — exclude professional liability coverage.
Professional Liability Insurance protects:
Coverage applies when a dentist or patient alleges that services rendered — or advice provided (or not provided) — failed to meet expectations or caused financial loss.
Insurance professionals commonly recommend:
In many cases, increasing limits results in only a modest premium adjustment while significantly strengthening protection.
There are generally three ways to secure coverage:
Ask your agent to add occurrence-based professional liability coverage to your existing BOP.
If endorsement isn’t available, you can secure a separate professional liability policy.
This is often the most expensive option.
Some agents specialize in dental laboratory insurance programs and include professional liability coverage within their Business Owner’s Policies — often at competitive pricing and with multiple carrier options.
Dental laboratories operate in a niche industry with unique exposures. Working with an insurance professional who understands:
can make a significant difference in both coverage design and cost.
No. Most standard Business Owner’s Policies exclude professional liability unless specifically endorsed.
Yes. It applies when claims arise from services rendered or professional advice provided — or alleged failure to provide appropriate guidance.
Absolutely. Even small labs providing case planning or treatment advice face exposure to defense costs and potential claims.
In many cases, increasing limits results in only a small premium increase compared to the additional protection provided.
As dental laboratories continue expanding into advisory and collaborative roles, professional liability coverage is no longer optional — it is essential risk management.
Before your next consultation or chairside case, ensure your insurance protection matches your level of involvement.