What to Do When Leaving a Group Dental Practice

In your dental career, there may come a time when you consider leaving a group practice to pursue independence or join another group. However, doing so will impact the status of your dental malpractice insurance. In this article, understand how leaving a group practice can affect your malpractice coverage so you can make sure your good name stays protected.

This article should not be construed as legal advice. All actions are subject to local laws and ethical standards.

Considerations When Leaving a Group Dental Practice

Leaving a group practice is a big decision that requires a lot of thought. You may be wondering how to best go about initiating this career transition. Consider these 7 steps to get started:

1. Review Your Employment Contract: It is crucial to review your employment contract before leaving a group practice. This will help you know if there are any agreements or limitations that could stop you from starting your own business or joining another group. If you have any questions or concerns, it is best to consult with an attorney. The subsequent considerations might be dictated by aspects of your employment contract.
2. Notify Your Employer: The next step is to notify your employer of your decision to leave the group practice. This should be done in writing and with ample notice. Be sure to check your employment contract for any specific requirements or guidelines for resigning.
3. Inform Your Patients: Check your employment contract for restrictions on patient solicitation upon departure from the group practice. If contractually permissible, notify your patients that you are leaving, and let them know they have the right to choose who provides their dental care moving forward.
4. Handle Patient Records: Patients have the absolute right to decide which dentist will treat them and whether they want to transfer their records to you or have them remain at the group practice. To the extent that you are able, try to ensure that your patients’ care is not interrupted. Be sure to follow all HIPAA guidelines when transferring patient records.
5. Notify Insurance Companies: If you are a participating provider with insurance companies, you will need to notify them of your departure from the group practice.

6. Update Your Online Presence: If you have a personal website or social media accounts, be sure to update them to reflect your new practice or employment status. This will help you maintain an accurate and up-to-date online presence, making it easy for patients to find you.

   To best protect yourself, avoid painting your previous employer in a negative light online, and be careful not to disclose PHI (protected health information) in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

   Read this article to learn more about managing social media risks.

7. Tie Up Loose Ends: Before leaving the group practice, be sure to tie up any loose ends. This could include completing any outstanding treatments, transferring any personal belongings from your office, and settling any financial obligations with the group practice.

How Your Malpractice Insurance Will Be Affected

After leaving a group practice, you will no longer be protected by the group’s malpractice insurance. If you were covered under your group’s policy, you will need to purchase your own malpractice insurance to guarantee you stay protected during your career transition and in your new practice.

When purchasing your new policy, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Coverage: As a dentist, it’s essential to have comprehensive coverage to safeguard against potential malpractice claims. To remain protected during your career transition, it’s important to verify whether your previous coverage at the group practice was Occurrence or Claims-made.

  Read more about the difference between Occurrence and Claims-made policies in our Guide to Dental Malpractice Insurance.

  Depending on your circumstances, MedPro Group may offer prior acts coverage if you previously had a Claims-made policy, providing seamless protection for your prior exposure without the need to purchase tail coverage.

• Cost: Dentists often handle various expenses, especially when opening a practice after leaving a group, and that includes the cost of malpractice insurance. To learn more about how the cost of dental malpractice insurance is determined, check out this article.
• “Pure” Consent:  When looking for a new policy, make sure it has a “pure” consent clause. With pure consent, you’ll never be forced to settle a claim, and you can prioritize your own interests above those of your insurance carrier.
• Customer Service: Like any healthcare professional, dentists rely on their malpractice insurance carrier for support and assistance. It’s critical to choose a carrier who provides excellent customer service and will be there for you whenever you need it.
• Changes to Your Practice or Scope: Over time, dentists might undergo changes in their practice or scope of care. You should consider this when deciding which carrier to go with. You might need more comprehensive coverage for new services offered, and choosing a carrier, like MedPro Group, with broad, customizable coverage options can help you navigate practice changes with ease. Similarly, if you decide to limit your offered services or retire, you should take that into account when buying a new policy.

Determine your malpractice insurance needs and consider the factors mentioned above before deciding on an insurance carrier. Check out this case study for a real-life example of how leaving a group practice affects malpractice coverage.

Purchasing a New Policy

When comparing new malpractice insurance carriers and choosing one to move forward with, there are a few key steps to follow.

1. Get a Quote: You’ll need to obtain a quote from a new carrier. This can typically be done online or over the phone. To get a quote from MedPro Group, click here.
2. Complete an Application: After you receive your quote, you’ll be prompted to complete a policy application. This will include providing information about your professional history, current practice, and any previous malpractice claims.
3. Approval and Start of Coverage: Once you’re given the green light on your application, your carrier will send you the documents for your policy. Read them over carefully to verify that they meet your needs and expectations. After that, you can secure coverage.
4. Purchase Tail Coverage: To best protect yourself against future malpractice claims, if your previous policy with your group practice was Claims-made, you will either need to choose a carrier that offers prior acts coverage or purchase tail coverage to cover the “tail” of exposure left behind when you leave. Speak with your group about tail coverage and who is responsible for the costs.

Putting It All Together

Leaving a group dental practice and acquiring your own malpractice insurance can seem daunting and time-consuming, but with proper planning and communication, it can be a smooth transition. By keeping the tips outlined in this article in mind, you can make the process of leaving your group practice more seamless.

Whether you are pursuing independence or joining another group, we wish you all the best in your future endeavors and hope you’ll choose MedPro Group for your dental malpractice insurance needs.

To explore MedPro’s coverage options, reach out to our team or start a quote today.

This document does not constitute legal or medical advice and should not be construed as rules or establishing a standard of care. Because the facts applicable to your situation may vary, or the laws applicable in your jurisdiction may differ, please contact your attorney or other professional advisors if you have any questions related to your legal or medical obligations or rights, state or federal laws, contract interpretation, or other legal questions.

MedPro Group is the marketing name used to refer to the insurance operations of The Medical Protective Company, Princeton Insurance Company, PLICO, Inc. and MedPro RRG Risk Retention Group. All insurance products are underwritten and administered by these and other Berkshire Hathaway affiliates, including National Fire & Marine Insurance Company. Product availability is based upon business and/or regulatory approval and/or may differ among companies.

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