As a dentist, your career depends on precision and skill—so when an illness or injury prevents you from working, the consequences can be devastating. At Marc Whitehead & Associates, our doctor disability claim lawyers understand how vital it is to secure the benefits you’ve earned.
Whether you’re facing a denied Long Term Disability coverage claim or the appeals process, our Disability claim denial attorneys are here to help. We fight back against profit-driven insurance companies that prioritize their bottom line over your well-being.
With over 120 years of combined experience, our team has the experience to guide you through every step of your claim. If you need a Long Term Disability lawyer for dentists, trust Marc Whitehead & Associates to fight for your future. Let us help you get the benefits you paid for.
Call or text (800) 562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Why Choose Our Long Term Disability Law Firm for Dentists?
Marc Whitehead & Associates stands apart because of our dedication, experience, and results. Here’s why dentists across the country trust us with their disability claims:
- Disability Is All We Do: We’ve devoted over 30 years to helping professionals secure the benefits they deserve.
- Double Board–Certified Leadership: Marc Whitehead is board-certified in both disability law and civil trial law, giving us unique expertise.
- Proven Results: Our team has recovered millions of dollars for clients, including dentists whose claims were wrongfully denied.
- Client–First Approach: We know this is a challenging time. That’s why we provide compassionate guidance, clear communication, and personal attention.
- No Fee Unless We Win: For appeals, we work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay unless we secure your disability benefits.
When you choose us, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re gaining a team that fights relentlessly to protect your future.
For a free legal consultation with a Disability lawyer serving Nationwide, call (800) 562-9830
How to Get Long Term Disability Coverage for Dentists
As a dentist, you likely have access to disability insurance through your employer or an independent policy. But having coverage is just the first step. To ensure your policy truly protects you, it’s important to:
- Understand Your Policy: Read the fine print to know what your plan covers. Does it include “own-occupation” coverage specifically for dentists?
- Document Your Condition: Insurance companies require substantial evidence. Work closely with your doctors to record how your condition impacts your ability to work.
- Act Early: File your claim as soon as your disability prevents you from practicing. Delays can weaken your case.
Our Long Term Disability attorney for dentists can guide you through the process of understanding and filing your claim. If you’ve been denied, we’ll help you fight back.
Nationwide Dentist Disability Insurance Lawyer Near Me (800) 562-9830
How to Appeal a Long Term Disability Denial for Dentists
If your claim has been denied, don’t give up. Insurance companies often deny claims to protect their profits, but you have the right to appeal. Here’s how to strengthen your case:
- Understand the Denial: Review the denial letter carefully. It will outline the reasons your claim was denied and the steps for appeal.
- Gather Evidence: Collect additional medical records, expert opinions, and documentation of how your disability prevents you from working as a dentist.
- Follow Deadlines: Appeals have strict deadlines. Missing one could cost you your benefits.
- Work With an Attorney: A disability denial lawyer can manage your appeal, ensuring all evidence is presented and deadlines are met.
We’ve successfully appealed countless denied claims. Let us handle the paperwork and fight the insurance company so you can focus on your health.
Challenges Dentists Face in the Claims Process
When you bought your insurance policy, you dealt with a helpful sales rep. Now that you are filing a disability claim on that policy, dealing with the insurance company’s claims examiner is a different experience. Even with valid medical conditions, dentists often encounter unique hurdles when filing a disability insurance claim.
Insurers may unfairly deny claims by:
- Questioning the Severity of the Condition: Insurers may argue that a dentist can still perform administrative duties or other tasks unrelated to their specific specialty.
- Ignoring “Own–Occupation“ Provisions: Some policies specifically cover disabilities that prevent dentists from performing their specialty (own-occupation coverage), but insurers may try to interpret this provision narrowly to deny benefits.
- Demanding Extensive Evidence: Insurers may require excessive documentation, including detailed medical records and proof of how the condition directly impacts the ability to perform dental procedures.
Insurance companies have diverse and resourceful tactics aimed at denying insurance benefits. Even under an own occupation rider, many dentists’ disability insurance claims are denied. Insurers find ways to claim that you can still perform the duties of your own occupation.
Or, although you have never “changed” your occupation of dentistry, they will reclassify your practice to say you were also an administrator or other classification.
We Can Fight Back When Your Insurer Unfairly Says No
When your Long Term Disability claim is unfairly denied, it’s critical to take action immediately. Delays can weaken your case and put your benefits at risk.
Our experienced Long Term Disability lawyers for dentists know how to tackle these denials head-on and fight for the benefits you deserve.
How We Build a Strong Appeal
Our team starts by carefully reviewing the language and terms of your policy to assess the merits of your claim and develop a winning strategy for appeal.
Here’s how we approach your case:
- Policy Analysis: We analyze how your duties as a “dentist” are defined in the policy, how “total disability” is interpreted, and whether the insurer is attempting to classify you as “partially disabled” to deny full benefits. Many dental disability insurance policies are intentionally confusing, but we know how to cut through the jargon.
- Insurer Tactics: We understand how insurance carriers handle dentist disability claims and are prepared to challenge any unreasonable denial tactics they may use.
Gathering Definitive Evidence
To build a compelling appeal, our lawyers prepare and submit exhaustive evidence to prove your disability. This includes:
- Updated Medical Records: Complete and current documentation of your condition from your healthcare providers.
- Proof of Earnings: Records showing how your condition has impacted your income and the status of your dental practice.
- Vocational and Medical Expert Opinions: Statements from experts that establish how your disability prevents you from performing your job as a dentist.
- Functional Capacity Exams: Testing that objectively measures your physical or cognitive limitations.
- Legal Briefs: Detailed arguments addressing the medical, occupational, and legal issues in your case.
If your claim has been denied, don’t face the insurance company alone. Contact us today to learn how we can fight back and help you regain control of your future.
What Issues Are Specific to Dentist Disability Insurance Claim Denials?
Disability can affect anyone, but dentists face unique challenges when it comes to their profession and the disability claims process.
The physically demanding nature of dentistry, combined with the precision it requires, makes dentists particularly vulnerable to certain musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.
These factors often complicate disability insurance claims and can lead to denials.
The Physical Demands of Dental Professionals
Dentists and dental surgeons spend long hours in physically taxing positions:
- Awkward Postures: Dentists often bend over patients, holding their hands and arms away from their bodies while performing intricate procedures.
- Repetitive Motions: Tasks such as drilling, filing, and using vibrating instruments require constant, repetitive hand and wrist movements.
- Precision Tasks: Dentists must maintain steady, precise hand movements while gripping tools like chisels, elevators, files, and retractors.
- Prolonged Fixed Positions: Maintaining specific postures for extended periods can lead to strain and chronic pain.
These daily physical demands place an extraordinary burden on the body, leading to wear-and-tear injuries over time.
Common Medical Conditions Affecting Dentists
Due to years of repetitive motions and prolonged strain, dentists are prone to a range of medical conditions that can severely impact their ability to work. These conditions often include:
Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Spinal Disc Degeneration: Years of bending over patients can lead to degenerative disc disease and herniated discs in the neck, back, or lumbar spine.
- Chronic Pain: Persistent pain in the back, hips, or shoulders is a common complaint among dentists.
Neurological Conditions
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Repetitive flexing of the wrist can compress nerves, causing pain, numbness, and reduced dexterity.
- Hand Tremors: Even minor tremors can make precise dental work impossible and jeopardize patient safety.
- Arthritis: Chronic inflammation in the hands and fingers can limit mobility and grip strength.
These conditions don’t just make it harder to perform dental procedures—they can make continuing in the profession entirely impossible.
Attorneys Representing Disabled Dentists Nationwide
If your disability insurer failed to live up to the terms of your policy and wrongly denied benefits, you need strong, experienced representation to appeal. We deal with the major disability insurance companies every day.
To request a free case evaluation and learn what options are available to you after a dentist disability insurance claim denial, contact Marc Whitehead & Associates today to get the effective assistance you need.
