Why Florida Dentists Lose Their Long-Term Disability Benefits

Dentistry is one of the most physically demanding professions in medicine. Florida dentists spend years in training to develop the precise manual dexterity, postural endurance, and fine motor control their work requires, and they spend entire careers putting those skills to use on tight schedules, in awkward positions, and under sustained physical stress.

When an injury or illness ends or limits that ability, long-term disability insurance is supposed to step in. However, getting those benefits approved and keeping them is far more difficult than most expect. Our experienced Jacksonville long-term disability lawyer explains common obstacles dentists face and what you can do about them.

The Physical Realities of Dentistry and Why Insurers Push Back

Dentists are at high risk for potentially disabling conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 80 percent of dentists experience musculoskeletal symptoms during their careers, with neck, lower back, and shoulder problems being the most common. In addition to these, other common issues include carpal tunnel syndrome, focal tremor, and vision loss.

Despite this, insurers routinely challenge these claims. Among the leading reasons include:

• Relying on a generic job description that ignores the fine motor precision, postural demands, and endurance required for dental work.
• Arguing that the dentist can still perform administrative or management duties.
• Independent medical examiners assess the claimant in a clinical setting rather than observing the actual physical demands of performing dental procedures.
• Using surveillance footage of routine daily activities to suggest the claimed limitations are exaggerated.

Most employer-provided LTD plans are subject to ERISA (the Employee Retirement Income Security Act). Under ERISA, you only have one opportunity to appeal a denial before the case moves to federal court.

How Insurers Use Policy Definitions Against Florida Dentist Claims

In addition to surveillance and documentation disputes, another key factor in a dentist’s LTD claim is how the policy defines disability. An own-occupation policy covers you if you can no longer perform the duties associated with being a dentist, even if you could work in another capacity. An any-occupation policy only pays if you cannot work in any role for which you have education or training.

Dentists are highly educated, and insurers frequently argue that even with severe impairments, they may be able to consult, teach, or work in non-clinical roles. To protect your claim against these or other challenges, take these steps:

• Provide a detailed, first-person account of the work you do.
• Obtain objective diagnostic evidence, such as nerve conduction studies, grip strength testing, or imaging.
• Ask treating specialists to document functional limitations in clinical terms tied to the duties of dental practice.
• Request your full claims file under ERISA before the appeal deadline passes.

Consult Our Experienced Jacksonville Long-Term Disability Lawyer

If you get denied long-term disability benefits, take action now. At Farrell Disability Law, we understand the unique challenges dentists face when dealing with insurers and can help you build the strongest possible case.

To request a consultation at our Orlando or Jacksonville office, call or contact our experienced Florida long-term disability lawyer online today.

Sources:

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3283973/

dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/laws-and-regulations/laws/erisa