You would not drive without auto insurance or invite patients into your practice without professional liability insurance, so don’t jeopardize your practice by overlooking Specialists and Oral Surgeons/Employment Practices Liability Insurance.
Employment practices liability coverage protects you against allegations like wrongful termination, discrimination, and sexual harassment.
On average the court settlement for most employee lawsuits is over $40,000, with ten percent of wrongful termination and sexual harassment cases settling for over $1 million—this is not a gamble you want to take when protecting the long-term future of your dental practice. If you have not checked out DBC’s EPL Program yet, now is the time.
Why employment practices liability insurance is essential:
- You are the decision maker directly impacting your employees, exposing you to an employment liability risk.
- Three out of five healthcare employers find themselves in suits by former employees.
- A dental practice is more at risk for an employment practices claim versus a general liability or property claim.
- Smaller practices are at higher risk than their larger counterparts. Over 40% of all employment liability insurance claims are against practices with fewer than 100 employees.
As with most employers, dentists are vulnerable to lawsuits initiated by current or former staff. These claims can stem from issues such as retaliation, failure to promote, or unsafe working environments—employment-related exposures that general liability policies typically exclude. While some may offer optional endorsements, they often come with limitations.
Dental offices, especially those run by specialists and oral surgeons, face complex operational hazards that make dedicated coverage crucial. A single claim tied to workplace discrimination or wrongful discipline can result in significant legal and reputational costs. That's why having employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) in place should be a core part of your risk management plan.
This type of insurance complements other key policies such as professional liability, business property coverage, and commercial auto exposure, forming a more complete protection strategy. For example, a dental assistant claiming hostile work environment could trigger a costly legal defense—not normally covered by your standard business insurance.
In addition to employment liability, it's also wise to review related insurance programs for comprehensive protection. Explore options like
Employee Benefits Liability Insurance for Dentists or
Business Property Insurance for Dentists, Specialists, and Oral Surgeons to ensure your practice is fully protected from multiple angles.
We can help you come up with a comprehensive protection package that will ensure that you are covered and provide peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does employment practices liability insurance cover?
It typically covers claims related to discrimination, wrongful termination, harassment, retaliation, and other employee-related disputes.
Is EPLI included in general liability insurance?
No, most general liability policies exclude employment practices claims unless specifically endorsed.
Who needs EPLI coverage?
Any employer with staff—including dentists, oral surgeons, and other healthcare operators—should consider EPLI due to rising employment-related risks.
How does EPLI differ from professional liability insurance?
Professional liability covers malpractice or service-related errors, while EPLI addresses employment-related allegations from staff.
Still have questions? Talk to a local insurance expert.