What types of insurance should a dental practice have?

Dental practices typically require cover for public liability, property, glass, money, business interruption, equipment breakdown, cyber events, management liability and medical malpractice. These protect your clinic, staff, and patients from unexpected events.

How much does dental practice insurance cost in Australia?

Premiums vary depending on your clinic’s size, services, and location. A typical small to mid-size dental practice might expect annual costs from $2,000 to $5,000 for comprehensive business cover.

What factors influence the cost of dental practice insurance?

Premiums are affected by factors such as equipment value, annual turnover, staffing levels, claims history, location of premises, construction details and whether you perform advanced treatments like implants or sedation.

What does public liability insurance cover?

Public liability insurance protects your clinic against claims of injury or property damage caused to patients, visitors, or third parties during your business activities due to your negligence.

Does my insurance cover staff and locums?

Yes, your business insurance can be extended to include cover for dental assistants, hygienists, and administrative staff. Locum arrangements should be discussed to ensure adequate cover applies.

What is business interruption insurance and why is it important?

If your practice has to close temporarily due to fire, storm, or another insured event, business interruption insurance helps replace lost income and cover ongoing expenses.

Does insurance cover dental chairs, X-rays, and other equipment?

Yes, dental equipment and fit-out items are covered under business property insurance for events such as fire, theft, or accidental damage. Optional equipment breakdown cover protects against mechanical or electrical failure.

What happens if my equipment breaks down suddenly?

Equipment breakdown insurance provides financial protection for repairs or replacement if vital machinery such as autoclaves, compressors, or X-ray units fail unexpectedly.

Why is cyber insurance essential for dental clinics?

Dental practices hold sensitive patient data and payment information. Cyber insurance protects against data breaches, ransomware attacks, and privacy breaches, covering recovery and legal costs.

Can I reduce or suspend my cover if the clinic closes temporarily?

Yes, in some cases policies can be adjusted. Contact your broker to ensure any changes don’t leave you underinsured or non-compliant with lease or lender requirements.

How often should I review my dental practice insurance?

It’s best to review your insurance annually or whenever your business changes — for example, adding new staff, equipment, or premises.

Can I switch insurers easily?

Yes, your broker can help manage a smooth transition between insurers, ensuring continuous protection and avoiding gaps in cover.

How can I reduce my dental practice insurance costs?

You can reduce premiums by maintaining good security, updating equipment, bundling multiple covers, and demonstrating a strong claims history.

What is medical malpractice insurance?

Medical malpractice insurance (also known as practice indemnity) covers claims arising from alleged negligence, errors, or omissions in the professional treatment of patients where the entity is named as a defendant.

Does Bruce Insurance offer medical malpractice insurance for dentists?

Bruce Insurance does not directly issue medical malpractice cover but can assist dental clients by integrating malpractice policies (arranged through specialist providers) into their overall business insurance package. This ensures seamless protection across all practice risks.

What’s the difference between medical malpractice and public liability insurance?

Public liability covers third-party injury or property damage occurring in your clinic (for example, a patient slipping in the waiting room), while malpractice or professional indemnity covers claims about your clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Do I need both malpractice and business insurance for my dental practice?

Yes. Medical malpractice covers clinical risks, while business insurance protects your property, staff, equipment, and finances. Together, they form a complete protection plan for your practice.

Can I arrange both business and malpractice insurance through Bruce Insurance?

Yes — while the malpractice component is typically underwritten by a specialist provider, Bruce Insurance can coordinate both on your behalf, ensuring the policies align and no gaps exist in your coverage.

What is Management Liability insurance?

This is designed to protect a company and its directors, officers and managers against claims that arise from their management decisions or actions. It includes Employment Practice liability as well as statutory liability.

What is the difference between Management Liability and Medical Malpractice insurance?

Management Liability protects the way a business is managed, whereas Medical Malpractice protects the way medical services are delivered.

Do I need both Management Liability and Medical Malpractice insurance for my dental practice?

Yes, as Management Liability protects against business and compliance risk, and Medical Malpractice protects against patient-related risks. Together, they ensure comprehensive protection for both professional services and business operations.

Is theft or vandalism covered under dental practice insurance?

Yes, property insurance covers theft, vandalism, or accidental damage to your clinic and its contents.

What risk management steps can reduce insurance claims?

Regular staff training, cyber awareness, data backups, electrical safety checks, and robust record-keeping can all reduce your risk profile and may lower premiums.

What are your insurance obligations under a lease agreement?

A commercial lease often requires the following insurance: property/contents, glass, and public liability. You should carefully review the lease, in particular relating to who will be responsible for fit-out.

Dental Practice Insurance. Done Right.

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30+ Years

Partnering with industry

3,800

Dental Professionals Serviced

Australia Wide

Service and Support

1,750

Dental Practices Serviced

Rolling your cover over with an existing provider without tailoring it to your needs may not be easier nor cheaper in the long run.

It might seem that way, but this approach leaves you vulnerable.

Dental Essentials will carefully assess your current policy, backed by over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, and without the bias you’d encounter going directly to an insurer.

Practice buildings, equipment and contents
Practice interruption
Public liability
Machinery and electronic equipment breakdown
Crime
Business interruption
Burglary and theft
Plate glass
Loss of money
Tax audit cover

What Our Clients Say

"Dental Essentials have always provided 5-star service... to anyone needing expert insurance advice, we highly recommend them."

David Nguyen

Principal Dentist, Nguyen & Associates

"We’re extremely satisfied with their fantastic service. Knowledgeable with all insurance coverage and very helpful in assisting us in the turnover of all our dental clinic’s insurance."

Jessica Miles

Practice Manager, ADG Dental

We offer a complimentary, obligation-free review of your current dental practice insurance policy, supported by a written report outlining our recommendations.

You can book this now by calling 1300 136 339 or by using our enquiry form here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of insurance should a dental practice have?

Dental practices typically require cover for public liability, property, glass, money, business interruption, equipment breakdown, cyber events, management liability and medical malpractice. These protect your clinic, staff, and patients from unexpected events.
How much does dental practice insurance cost in Australia?

Premiums vary depending on your clinic’s size, services, and location. A typical small to mid-size dental practice might expect annual costs from $2,000 to $5,000 for comprehensive business cover.
What factors influence the cost of dental practice insurance?

Premiums are affected by factors such as equipment value, annual turnover, staffing levels, claims history, location of premises, construction details and whether you perform advanced treatments like implants or sedation.
What does public liability insurance cover?

Public liability insurance protects your clinic against claims of injury or property damage caused to patients, visitors, or third parties during your business activities due to your negligence.
Does my insurance cover staff and locums?

Yes, your business insurance can be extended to include cover for dental assistants, hygienists, and administrative staff. Locum arrangements should be discussed to ensure adequate cover applies.
What is business interruption insurance and why is it important?

If your practice has to close temporarily due to fire, storm, or another insured event, business interruption insurance helps replace lost income and cover ongoing expenses.
Does insurance cover dental chairs, X-rays, and other equipment?

Yes, dental equipment and fit-out items are covered under business property insurance for events such as fire, theft, or accidental damage. Optional equipment breakdown cover protects against mechanical or electrical failure.
What happens if my equipment breaks down suddenly?

Equipment breakdown insurance provides financial protection for repairs or replacement if vital machinery such as autoclaves, compressors, or X-ray units fail unexpectedly.
Why is cyber insurance essential for dental clinics?

Dental practices hold sensitive patient data and payment information. Cyber insurance protects against data breaches, ransomware attacks, and privacy breaches, covering recovery and legal costs.
Can I reduce or suspend my cover if the clinic closes temporarily?

Yes, in some cases policies can be adjusted. Contact your broker to ensure any changes don’t leave you underinsured or non-compliant with lease or lender requirements.
How often should I review my dental practice insurance?

It’s best to review your insurance annually or whenever your business changes — for example, adding new staff, equipment, or premises.
Can I switch insurers easily?

Yes, your broker can help manage a smooth transition between insurers, ensuring continuous protection and avoiding gaps in cover.
How can I reduce my dental practice insurance costs?

You can reduce premiums by maintaining good security, updating equipment, bundling multiple covers, and demonstrating a strong claims history.
What is medical malpractice insurance?

Medical malpractice insurance (also known as practice indemnity) covers claims arising from alleged negligence, errors, or omissions in the professional treatment of patients where the entity is named as a defendant.
Does Bruce Insurance offer medical malpractice insurance for dentists?

Bruce Insurance does not directly issue medical malpractice cover but can assist dental clients by integrating malpractice policies (arranged through specialist providers) into their overall business insurance package. This ensures seamless protection across all practice risks.
What’s the difference between medical malpractice and public liability insurance?

Public liability covers third-party injury or property damage occurring in your clinic (for example, a patient slipping in the waiting room), while malpractice or professional indemnity covers claims about your clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Do I need both malpractice and business insurance for my dental practice?

Yes. Medical malpractice covers clinical risks, while business insurance protects your property, staff, equipment, and finances. Together, they form a complete protection plan for your practice.
Can I arrange both business and malpractice insurance through Bruce Insurance?

Yes — while the malpractice component is typically underwritten by a specialist provider, Bruce Insurance can coordinate both on your behalf, ensuring the policies align and no gaps exist in your coverage.
What is Management Liability insurance?

This is designed to protect a company and its directors, officers and managers against claims that arise from their management decisions or actions. It includes Employment Practice liability as well as statutory liability.
What is the difference between Management Liability and Medical Malpractice insurance?

Management Liability protects the way a business is managed, whereas Medical Malpractice protects the way medical services are delivered.
Do I need both Management Liability and Medical Malpractice insurance for my dental practice?

Yes, as Management Liability protects against business and compliance risk, and Medical Malpractice protects against patient-related risks. Together, they ensure comprehensive protection for both professional services and business operations.
Is theft or vandalism covered under dental practice insurance?

Yes, property insurance covers theft, vandalism, or accidental damage to your clinic and its contents.
What risk management steps can reduce insurance claims?

Regular staff training, cyber awareness, data backups, electrical safety checks, and robust record-keeping can all reduce your risk profile and may lower premiums.
What are your insurance obligations under a lease agreement?

A commercial lease often requires the following insurance: property/contents, glass, and public liability. You should carefully review the lease, in particular relating to who will be responsible for fit-out.

Together, we manage the complexities of dental practice insurance with tailored, expert advice.

Request a customised quote