Malpractice insurance is a type of insurance that professionals working in a variety of fields must purchase before they are able to provide certain services to consumers. Most people working in the medical field are required to carry a malpractice insurance policy. The purpose of the insurance policy is to help professionals cover costs should they be sued in a civil medical malpractice lawsuit. In addition to damages, in some cases it can cover defense costs as well.

Medical malpractice may occur when a patient is harmed or damaged as a result of a negligent act or omission by a doctor or a medical professional. Currently in Pennsylvania, doctors are required to carry malpractice insurance, but dentists are not. That could change if a bill recently introduced and approved in the Pennsylvania Senate also passes in the house.

Historically only a few malpractice claims are filed against dentists each year. The average of the claims that have been filed in the past is about $20,000. Sponsored by Sen. Pat Vance, the bill has been referred to the House of Representative’s Insurance Committee.

Under the bill titled SB 388, dentists throughout the state would be required to carry and renew a $3 million policy each year. Gil Davis, CEO of Pennsylvania Dental Association Insurance Services, says the average dentist in the state would pay about $2,400 annually. Failure to purchase the insurance could result in losing one’s license to practice dentistry. The bill is reportedly supported by the Pennsylvania Dental Association.

Source: Insurance & Financial Advisor: “Pa. lawmakers consider making dentists carry malpractice insurance,” Jaime L. Brockway, Aug. 4, 2011