Question 1

Why is disability insurance essential for dentists?

Accepted Answer

Dentistry requires constant manual precision and physical endurance. Even minor hand or back injuries can limit a dentist’s ability to practice. Disability insurance for dentists protects earned income if illness or injury prevents clinical work.

Set for Life Insurance specializes in disability coverage for dentists, offering own-occupation disability income insurance for dentists through carriers such as Guardian, Principal Financial Group, and Ameritas. These policies safeguard both personal income and the continuity of dental practices during recovery. Without coverage, a temporary disability could lead to lost revenue, loan defaults, or forced sale of practice assets.

Question 2

How does own-occupation disability insurance protect dental professionals?

Accepted Answer

Own-occupation disability insurance ensures benefits are paid if a dentist cannot perform their specific clinical duties, even when working in another profession. For example, a periodontist who develops carpal tunnel syndrome may no longer perform surgeries but can still teach or consult. Under own-occupation definitions from Guardian or MassMutual, full benefits continue as long as the insured cannot practice chairside dentistry. Set for Life Insurance emphasizes own-occupation protection because it preserves total income potential, unlike group plans that may reduce or deny benefits when alternate employment continues.

	Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. 4501NC · Enhanced Residual Rider (AERES)	Guardian Berkshire Life Insurance Co. of America ICC16 18ID · Provider Choice + Enhanced Partial Rider	Lloyd's Petersen International Underwriters PDI111521 · Optional Residual Rider	Mass Mutual Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. ICC15-XLIS-RC · Extended Partial Disability (EPR)	Principal Principal Life Insurance Company ICC22-800-IDI · Income Protector	The Standard Standard Insurance Company B180(7/17) · Platinum Advantage + Residual Riders
Physician-Specific Nuances and Notable Provisions
Key nuances for physicians Provisions especially relevant to medical specialists	True specialty own-occupation for physicians/dentists (specimen confirmed) 15% income loss threshold is the lowest tested — ideal for physicians cutting back patient load CPI-U indexing of prior earnings during claim protects against inflation eroding residual benefit Accounting method choice (cash or accrual) accommodates both employed and practice-owner physicians	Surgical Procedure Enhancement and Hands-on Patient Care Enhancement (confirmed in specimen): If more than 50% of income comes from surgical procedures or hands-on care, total disability is triggered solely by loss of that capacity To Age 70 benefit period available Income includes business profits from privately held entities Prior Income = best 24 months OR best 2-of-3 years	Lloyd's specialty own-occupation language confirmed in specimen Subjective Pain exclusion applies — relevant for pain-management physicians Residual rider is optional add-on; base policy is total-disability-only Useful as excess/supplemental layer above group DI limits Expiry-date policy — not lifetime renewable in same way as Big 5 carriers	Participating policy — eligible for dividends (not guaranteed) RetireGuard rider protects retirement contributions during disability — unique to MassMutual Own Occupation Rider available separately from the EPR — both can be elected simultaneously Short-Term Disability Benefits Rider (STR) included within the EPR structure	Specialty own-occupation confirmed: "single professionally recognized specialty in medicine or dentistry" is deemed own occupation True Own Occupation add-on available at additional cost Annual Increase Rider (AIR): automatic 3% benefit increase, no additional cost, to earlier of 20 years or age 50 Pandemic suspension provision — unique feature allowing suspension during declared pandemic	Specialty own-occupation confirmed: "single specialty recognized by ABMS, AOABOS, or ADA" is deemed own occupation Three-tier residual structure: Basic / Enhanced / Short-Term Family Care Benefit: pays if working reduced hours to care for a seriously ill family member — no total disability required Survivor Benefit: 3x basic monthly benefit paid to beneficiary if death occurs while benefits are payable Platinum Advantage specimen is for limited states (CT, DE, DC, FL, MT, ND, SD)

Question 3

What is residual disability coverage and how does it apply to dentists?

Accepted Answer

Residual disability insurance covers partial income loss due to limited ability to work or reduced patient volume after illness or injury. To trigger a residual claim, dentists must have a 15-20% or more loss of income due to a sickness or injury. The policy will pay that proportion of the disability benefit. A dentist returning part-time after surgery may earn 60% of prior income—residual coverage pays the remaining 40%. Set for Life Insurance structures residual disability riders across major carriers like Ameritas, The Standard, and MassMutual to ensure comprehensive disability insurance coverage for dental professionals. This ensures stable cash flow during gradual recovery, protecting practice operations and financial obligations. For dental professionals, residual disability riders provide vital income continuity between total disability and full recovery.

	Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. 4501NC · Enhanced Residual Rider (AERES)	Guardian Berkshire Life Insurance Co. of America ICC16 18ID · Provider Choice + Enhanced Partial Rider	Lloyd's Petersen International Underwriters PDI111521 · Optional Residual Rider	Mass Mutual Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. ICC15-XLIS-RC · Extended Partial Disability (EPR)	Principal Principal Life Insurance Company ICC22-800-IDI · Income Protector	The Standard Standard Insurance Company B180(7/17) · Platinum Advantage + Residual Riders
Physician-Specific Nuances and Notable Provisions
Key nuances for physicians Provisions especially relevant to medical specialists	True specialty own-occupation for physicians/dentists (specimen confirmed) 15% income loss threshold is the lowest tested — ideal for physicians cutting back patient load CPI-U indexing of prior earnings during claim protects against inflation eroding residual benefit Accounting method choice (cash or accrual) accommodates both employed and practice-owner physicians	Surgical Procedure Enhancement and Hands-on Patient Care Enhancement (confirmed in specimen): If more than 50% of income comes from surgical procedures or hands-on care, total disability is triggered solely by loss of that capacity To Age 70 benefit period available Income includes business profits from privately held entities Prior Income = best 24 months OR best 2-of-3 years	Lloyd's specialty own-occupation language confirmed in specimen Subjective Pain exclusion applies — relevant for pain-management physicians Residual rider is optional add-on; base policy is total-disability-only Useful as excess/supplemental layer above group DI limits Expiry-date policy — not lifetime renewable in same way as Big 5 carriers	Participating policy — eligible for dividends (not guaranteed) RetireGuard rider protects retirement contributions during disability — unique to MassMutual Own Occupation Rider available separately from the EPR — both can be elected simultaneously Short-Term Disability Benefits Rider (STR) included within the EPR structure	Specialty own-occupation confirmed: "single professionally recognized specialty in medicine or dentistry" is deemed own occupation True Own Occupation add-on available at additional cost Annual Increase Rider (AIR): automatic 3% benefit increase, no additional cost, to earlier of 20 years or age 50 Pandemic suspension provision — unique feature allowing suspension during declared pandemic	Specialty own-occupation confirmed: "single specialty recognized by ABMS, AOABOS, or ADA" is deemed own occupation Three-tier residual structure: Basic / Enhanced / Short-Term Family Care Benefit: pays if working reduced hours to care for a seriously ill family member — no total disability required Survivor Benefit: 3x basic monthly benefit paid to beneficiary if death occurs while benefits are payable Platinum Advantage specimen is for limited states (CT, DE, DC, FL, MT, ND, SD)

	Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. 4501NC · Enhanced Residual Rider (AERES)	Guardian Berkshire Life Insurance Co. of America ICC16 18ID · Provider Choice + Enhanced Partial Rider	Lloyd's Petersen International Underwriters PDI111521 · Optional Residual Rider	Mass Mutual Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. ICC15-XLIS-RC · Extended Partial Disability (EPR)	Principal Principal Life Insurance Company ICC22-800-IDI · Income Protector	The Standard Standard Insurance Company B180(7/17) · Platinum Advantage + Residual Riders
Recovery Benefit Provisions
Recovery benefit Protections after returning to work — continued payments if income remains depressed	Explicit Recovery Benefit provision (Specimen) Triggers after a disability benefit period ends if the insured has returned to work, is performing material duties 80% or more of prior time, and still has 15% or more loss of monthly earnings demonstrably caused by the prior disability. Duration: Continues up to the residual maximum benefit period.	Recovery Benefit — income-loss based, ongoing (Specimen) Benefits continue post-recovery as long as Loss of Income persists due to the disability. Because Guardian uses an income-loss formula, benefits naturally continue as long as Current Income remains below Prior Income due to the disabling condition. Prior Income protection: Uses the best 24-month or best-2-of-3-years average.	Recovery benefit per rider — verify current rider (Specimen) Lloyd's base specimen does not contain recovery benefit language. Standard Lloyd's/PIU residual riders may include recovery provisions, but this must be confirmed against the current executed rider.	Recovery Benefit included in EPR rider (Standard) After returning to full-time work following a disability for which EPR benefits were paid, if Monthly Earnings remain below Predisability Earnings due to the disability, a proportional recovery benefit continues. Duration: up to the remaining Maximum Benefit Period.	Recovery Benefit — proportional, ongoing post-return (Standard) Provides recovery benefits when an insured has returned to Full Time Work but Earnings remain below prior levels due to the disability. Benefit calculated using the same proportional formula.	Recovery Benefit included — Enhanced Residual Rider only (Specimen) The Basic Residual Rider does not include the Recovery Benefit — the Enhanced version is required. The base policy confirms premiums are waived while Recovery Benefits are payable. Short-Term Residual Rider: does not include recovery benefit.

Question 4

What is the difference between individual and group disability insurance for dentists?

Accepted Answer

Individual disability insurance policies are portable, customizable, and based on a dentist’s own occupation. Group disability insurance, offered through employers or associations such as the American Dental Association, provides limited coverage under broader “any occupation” definitions. Individual policies through Set for Life Insurance offer stronger protection, especially for specialists such as endodontists and oral surgeons.

Group policies may terminate upon job change, while individual coverage remains in force regardless of practice location. Many dental professionals choose both—a group plan for baseline benefits and individual coverage for comprehensive, own-occupation protection.

Question 5

What are the main factors that determine disability insurance premiums for dentists?

Accepted Answer

Premiums depend on factors such as age, gender, occupation class (classification varies between specialties such as pediatric dentistry, orthodontists, endodontists, periodontists and oral surgeons), benefit amount, elimination period, and benefit duration. Younger dentists and male applicants generally pay lower premiums due to actuarial differences. Specialties involving surgical procedures or higher physical demands—such as oral and maxillofacial surgery—often carry higher risk classifications.

Set for Life Insurance compares rates among carriers including Guardian, MassMutual, Principal, Ameritas and The Standard, identifying discounts available through group affiliations or multi-life arrangements. Choosing a 90-day elimination period and benefits to age 65 typically balances cost with strong income protection.

Question 6

Do dental residents have access to discounted disability insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dental residents and fellows may qualify for own-occupation disability insurance for dentists through Set for Life Insurance. Dental students must be in their last year of dental school to qualify for benefits. Set for Life Insurance has discounts for dental students and residents at most hospitals nationwide. These discount range from 10-15%.

By enrolling during training, residents lock in insurability before health changes or career transitions. Set for Life Insurance assists residents nationwide in securing comprehensive disability income insurance tailored to the dental profession’s specific coverage needs.

Question 7

How long do disability insurance benefits last for dentists?

Accepted Answer

Long-term disability insurance for dentists typically pays benefits until age 65 or 67, covering income loss through traditional retirement age. Shorter options, such as two- or five-year benefit periods, lower premiums but reduce long-term protection. Set for Life Insurance advises matching the benefit period to expected career duration, particularly for dental practice owners with extended financial commitments. Carriers like Guardian and Ameritas offer non-cancelable, guaranteed-renewable contracts, ensuring benefits cannot be changed or terminated as long as premiums are paid. This stability is essential for sustaining personal and business financial goals.

	Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. 4501NC · Enhanced Residual Rider (AERES)	Guardian Berkshire Life Insurance Co. of America ICC16 18ID · Provider Choice + Enhanced Partial Rider	Lloyd's Petersen International Underwriters PDI111521 · Optional Residual Rider	Mass Mutual Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. ICC15-XLIS-RC · Extended Partial Disability (EPR)	Principal Principal Life Insurance Company ICC22-800-IDI · Income Protector	The Standard Standard Insurance Company B180(7/17) · Platinum Advantage + Residual Riders
Benefit Period for Residual Disability
Residual benefit period Maximum duration for which residual benefits can be paid	Remaining unused portion of the Total Disability Maximum Benefit Period (Specimen) The Residual Maximum Benefit Period equals the total unused portion of the maximum benefit period for total disability shown on the schedule. Combined total and residual payments cannot exceed this period. Typically to Age 65/67 when selected.	Same Benefit Period as Total Disability — to Age 65, 67, or 70 (Specimen) Benefit Periods of To Age 70/67/65 or 10/5/2 Years are available. The Enhanced Partial rider benefit period matches the policy benefit period. To Age 70 option available for physicians — distinctive among carriers.	Per Schedule of Benefits / rider terms (Specimen) The residual rider benefit period is set at time of issue and shown on the Schedule of Benefits (Section 1-D). Confirm with current rider.	To Age 65 (base); Extended to Age 65 via Maximum Benefit Period Endorsement (Specimen) Specimen shows coverage end date for Extended Partial Disability corresponding to the policy's non-cancellable period to age 65. A separate Maximum Benefit Period Endorsement is available with its own premium schedule.	Same as base policy Maximum Benefit Period — 2 years, 5 years, To Age 65/67/70 (Specimen) Options include To Age 65, 67, and 70. Residual benefits run within this same period. To Age 70 available depending on occupation class.	Same as base policy Maximum Benefit Period — to Age 67 in this specimen (Specimen) Maximum Benefit Period schedule applies (e.g., if disability begins at 62: 60 months; at 63: 48 months). Enhanced Residual Disability Benefit Rider matches base benefit period.

Question 8

Can self-employed or private practice dentists qualify for disability insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Independent dentists and practice owners can qualify for individual disability insurance using financial documentation such as tax returns or profit-and-loss statements. Set for Life Insurance helps structure policies that include business overhead expense coverage—reimbursing costs like staff wages, utilities, and rent if the dentist becomes disabled. Carriers including MassMutual, Principal Financial Group and The Standard specialize in these riders, ensuring the practice can continue operations during recovery. For self-employed dentists, disability insurance serves as both personal income protection and business continuity coverage.

	Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. 4501NC · Enhanced Residual Rider (AERES)	Guardian Berkshire Life Insurance Co. of America ICC16 18ID · Provider Choice + Enhanced Partial Rider	Lloyd's Petersen International Underwriters PDI111521 · Optional Residual Rider	Mass Mutual Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. ICC15-XLIS-RC · Extended Partial Disability (EPR)	Principal Principal Life Insurance Company ICC22-800-IDI · Income Protector	The Standard Standard Insurance Company B180(7/17) · Platinum Advantage + Residual Riders
Benefit Period for Residual Disability
Residual benefit period Maximum duration for which residual benefits can be paid	Remaining unused portion of the Total Disability Maximum Benefit Period (Specimen) The Residual Maximum Benefit Period equals the total unused portion of the maximum benefit period for total disability shown on the schedule. Combined total and residual payments cannot exceed this period. Typically to Age 65/67 when selected.	Same Benefit Period as Total Disability — to Age 65, 67, or 70 (Specimen) Benefit Periods of To Age 70/67/65 or 10/5/2 Years are available. The Enhanced Partial rider benefit period matches the policy benefit period. To Age 70 option available for physicians — distinctive among carriers.	Per Schedule of Benefits / rider terms (Specimen) The residual rider benefit period is set at time of issue and shown on the Schedule of Benefits (Section 1-D). Confirm with current rider.	To Age 65 (base); Extended to Age 65 via Maximum Benefit Period Endorsement (Specimen) Specimen shows coverage end date for Extended Partial Disability corresponding to the policy's non-cancellable period to age 65. A separate Maximum Benefit Period Endorsement is available with its own premium schedule.	Same as base policy Maximum Benefit Period — 2 years, 5 years, To Age 65/67/70 (Specimen) Options include To Age 65, 67, and 70. Residual benefits run within this same period. To Age 70 available depending on occupation class.	Same as base policy Maximum Benefit Period — to Age 67 in this specimen (Specimen) Maximum Benefit Period schedule applies (e.g., if disability begins at 62: 60 months; at 63: 48 months). Enhanced Residual Disability Benefit Rider matches base benefit period.

Question 9

How do elimination periods affect disability insurance premiums for dentists?

Accepted Answer

The elimination period—the time between disability onset and when benefits begin—directly affects premium cost. Longer elimination periods reduce premiums but delay benefits. A 90-day elimination period is standard among carriers such as MassMutual and Ameritas.

Set for Life Insurance helps dentists balance short-term savings with liquidity needs, ensuring they maintain enough emergency funds to cover expenses during the waiting period. Selecting a 90- or 120-day elimination period often yields optimal affordability while maintaining comprehensive own-occupation protection for dental professionals.

Question 10

What discounts are available on dentist disability insurance?

Accepted Answer

Set for Life Insurance offers exclusive group and multi-life discounts through hospitals, universities, and professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Discounts range from 10–15% and apply permanently once activated. Guardian, MassMutual, Ameritas, Standard and Principal Financial Group extend additional savings for multi-life groups of three or more applicants within the same employer or association.

These reductions, negotiated through Set for Life Insurance, make own-occupation disability insurance for dentists more affordable without compromising policy quality. Group discount programs also allow early-career dentists to secure coverage before health changes increase premium rates.

Question 11

Which insurance companies offer the best coverage for dental professionals?

Accepted Answer

Occupation Class Special-Case Handling — How Each Carrier Treats Edge Cases

	Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. Field Underwriting Guide	Guardian Berkshire Life Insurance Co. of America Provider Choice · IDI Field Underwriting Guide	Mass Mutual Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. Radius Choice · Underwriting Guide	Principal Principal Life Insurance Company Income Protector · Disability Product Guide	The Standard Standard Insurance Company Platinum Advantage · Product Guide
Distinct dental class tiers in the underwriting guide	0 — combined with medical classes	2 (4D, 3D)	2 (4D, 3D)	5 (4D+, 3D+, 3D, 2D, 1D)	1 (3D only)
Physicians classified by specialty	Yes — within M classes	Yes — full specialty listing in Section 7-7	Yes — split among 5P, 4P, 3P	Yes — extensive specialty listing in M classes	Yes — split among 5P, 4P, 4S (surgeons), 3P
Dental specialties broken out separately	No — combined into M classes	All specialists at 4D; general dentists at 3D	All specialists at 4D; general dentists at 3D	Specialists at 4D+ / 3D+; general dentists at 3D	All dental occupations consolidated into 3D
Working-from-home guidelines	Yes — addressed in occupation guide	Yes — addressed in underwriting rules	Yes — separate guidelines for self-employed vs telecommuter	Yes — addressed in occupation schedule	Yes — 75% home-time threshold triggers underwriting restrictions
Entertainment industry handling	Industry category 5.2 with subcategory rules	Special-occupation section	Self-employed 3-year rule; freelancers ineligible	Most entertainment occupations rated "No"	Three eligibility groups (3A, 2A, A) with named occupation lists
Government employees (FERS / PERS)	Yes — addressed	Yes — addressed	Yes — 40% offset rule applied to issue/participation limits	Yes — addressed in occupation schedule	Yes — 40% (federal) / 60% (state, local) disability benefit assumption
Business owner upgrade path	Yes — Business Owner Upgrade Program	Yes — Move-Up Option criterion N (5+ years ownership)	Yes — five-step income / ownership / employee matrix	Yes — three-tier income matrix (6A / 5A / 3A)	Yes — Business Owner Upgrade and Earned Income Enhancer
Label used for uninsurable occupations	"No"	"Class 1" or "Uninsurable"	"N/A" or "IC" (Individual Consideration)	"No"	"NO"
Hazardous-exposure handling	Industry-by-industry within the occupation guide	Built into Class 1 definition — heights, chemicals, fumes, extreme temps	Built into Class A definition plus special-occupation list	Built into "No" rules for hazardous occupations	Class B is the floor; anything riskier is rated "NO"

Source: Field underwriting guides published by each carrier. Edge-case rules are subject to underwriter discretion and may vary by state. Set for Life Insurance confirms applicable rules with each carrier at the time of submission.

Question 12

How can dental professionals increase coverage as income grows?

Accepted Answer

Dentists can increase disability insurance benefits through future purchase options, available from carriers such as Guardian and MassMutual. This rider allows policyholders to expand coverage later without new medical exams or underwriting.

Set for Life Insurance typically adds this rider for residents and young associates, enabling incremental benefit increases as earnings rise. For dental professionals whose income doubles within their first five years of practice, the future purchase option prevents gaps between lifestyle expenses and policy benefits while maintaining stable premium rates.

Question 13

Disability Insurance for Dentists – Secure Long-Term Protection

Accepted Answer

Disability insurance for dentists preserves the earning power and financial stability of dental professionals across all career stages. Set for Life Insurance, founded by Jamie K. Fleischner, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, brings more than three decades of experience serving healthcare professionals nationwide.

Working with leading carriers including Guardian, Principal Financial Group, MassMutual, Ameritas, The Standard, and Lloyd’s, Set for Life Insurance tailors own-occupation disability coverage to meet each dentist’s individual income, specialty, and business structure.

	Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. 4501NC · Enhanced Residual Rider (AERES)	Guardian Berkshire Life Insurance Co. of America ICC16 18ID · Provider Choice + Enhanced Partial Rider	Lloyd’s Petersen International Underwriters PDI111521 · Optional Residual Rider	Mass Mutual Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. ICC15-XLIS-RC · Extended Partial Disability (EPR)	Principal Principal Life Insurance Company ICC22-800-IDI · Income Protector	The Standard Standard Insurance Company B180(7/17) · Platinum Advantage + Residual Riders
Prior Total Disability Requirement — Can Residual Trigger Independently?
Independent trigger Does residual require a prior period of total disability, or can it trigger on its own?	Fully independent — no prior total disability required (Specimen) Ameritas AERES rider states benefits begin the later of: (1) the day after the end of the Elimination Period, OR (2) the day following a period of total disability for which benefits have been paid. Either path is valid. Days of both total and residual disability satisfy the elimination period.	Fully independent — no prior total disability required (Specimen) Guardian’s Enhanced Partial Disability Benefit Rider uses its own Elimination/Accumulation Period. The insured must satisfy the Accumulation Period but does not need to first be Totally Disabled. Residual days count toward satisfying the Elimination Period.	Rider-dependent — verify current rider (Specimen) Lloyd’s specimen confirms residual is an optional rider. The base policy elimination period can be satisfied by successive periods of Total Disability or Residual Disability, but rider must be reviewed for independence trigger language.	Fully independent — no prior total disability required (Standard) MassMutual’s EPR rider allows residual disability claims to trigger directly after the elimination period without a prior total disability period. Both total and partial disability days satisfy the elimination period.	Fully independent — no prior total disability required (Standard) Principal’s residual/partial disability rider triggers after the elimination period regardless of whether any total disability period occurred. The elimination period can be met by residual disability days alone.	Fully independent — no prior total disability required (Standard) Standard’s Enhanced Residual Disability Benefit Rider triggers after the Benefit Waiting Period is satisfied, independent of any total disability. Days of Disability during the Benefit Waiting Period need not be consecutive.

	Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. 4501NC · Enhanced Residual Rider (AERES)	Guardian Berkshire Life Insurance Co. of America ICC16 18ID · Provider Choice + Enhanced Partial Rider	Lloyd’s Petersen International Underwriters PDI111521 · Optional Residual Rider	Mass Mutual Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. ICC15-XLIS-RC · Extended Partial Disability (EPR)	Principal Principal Life Insurance Company ICC22-800-IDI · Income Protector	The Standard Standard Insurance Company B180(7/17) · Platinum Advantage + Residual Riders
Monthly Benefit Calculation Formula
Residual benefit formula How the monthly residual check is calculated	Residual Monthly Benefit = (Loss of Monthly Earnings / Prior Monthly Earnings) x Base Monthly Benefit (Specimen) First 6 months minimum: The greater of (a) 50% of base monthly benefit OR (b) the formula result. 75%+ loss rule: If loss exceeds 75% of prior monthly earnings, treated as 100% loss and full base benefit is paid. Prior earnings: Average of highest 12-month or 24-month period before disability, indexed annually for CPI-U after year 1.	Partial Disability Benefit = (Loss of Income / Prior Income) x Monthly Benefit (Specimen) Prior Income: Average monthly income for either (a) last 24 calendar months, or (b) the two calendar years with highest earnings in the three years before disability — whichever is greater. Current Income: All income for services during disability, excluding pre-disability earned-but-not-yet-received income. Full benefit floor: If loss of income is 100% or more of Prior Income, full monthly benefit is paid.	Proportional formula — rider required (Specimen) Rider language not included in this specimen. Lloyd’s/PIU residual riders typically use a proportional income-loss formula: (income loss / pre-disability income) x base benefit. Confirm with current rider filing.	EPR Benefit = [(Predisability Earnings – Monthly Earnings) / Predisability Earnings] x Monthly Benefit (Standard) Full benefit if earnings are less than 20% of predisability earnings. No benefit if earnings are greater than 80% of predisability earnings. Prior earnings: Average of the 24 months before disability began.	Residual Benefit = (Loss of Earnings / Prior Earnings) x Maximum Monthly Benefit (Standard) Prior Earnings: Average monthly Earnings for the 12 months before disability. Current Earnings: Earnings during the disability period, excludes passive/unearned income. Minimum benefit: Typically 50% of base benefit for first 6 months.	Residual Benefit = [(Predisability Earnings – Monthly Earnings) / Predisability Earnings] x Basic Monthly Benefit (Standard) Full benefit trigger: If Monthly Earnings are less than 20% of Predisability Earnings, full Basic Monthly Benefit is paid. Basic Residual Rider: Flat 50% of base benefit when qualifying criteria met. Enhanced Residual Rider: Proportional formula above; includes Recovery Benefit.

Disability Insurance for Dentists

Own-Occupation Disability Insurance for Dentists

Dentist Disability Insurance Quote Request

Dentist Disability Insurance

Own-Occupation Disability Insurance

Residual Disability Income Coverage

Future Purchase Option Rider

Dentist Disability Insurance FAQ