Frequently Asked Questions
What is PI Insurance and why do I need it?
PI insurance protects you against a claim alleging that you have been negligent in the practise of the profession of
dentistry. It covers the costs and expenses of defending a legal claim, as well as any damages
(compensation) payable.
The Dental Board requires the PI policy to cover all aspects of your practice, all locations where you practice and include appropriate retroactive cover and automatic reinstatement. The ADAQ QBE policy meets these requirements, as standard.
You are personally responsible for meeting the Dental Board’s registration standards relating to PI
insurance. Ahpra undertake random audits to ensure that you have appropriate coverage. If you are practising
without adequate PI insurance, AHPRA can take action against you which may include, for example, suspending your
registration. Having appropriate PI insurance also provides you with personal security, it means that you
are not personally liable to make payment for claims made against you.
What fields of dentistry does the ADAQ QBE Policy cover?
The ADAQ QBE PI Policy covers the practise of dentistry in any of the following fields:
- dento-maxillofacial radiologist/oral and maxillofacial radiologist/dental radiologist;
- endodontist;
- specialist in oral medicine/oral medicine specialist;
- oral pathologist;
- orthodontist;
- specialist in paediatric dentistry/paediatric dentist/paedodontist;
- periodontist;
- prosthodontist;
- specialist in public health dentistry;
- specialist in special needs dentistry;
- forensic odontologist/forensic dentist;
- dental hygienist;
- dental therapist;
- oral health therapist;
- dentist;
- clinical supervision of other practitioners;
- audit of other practitioners; and
- training of other practitioners.
*Please note the policy does not provide coverage to oral and maxillofacial surgeons.
The ADAQ QBE PI Policy also provides limited additional cover (at no extra cost) for:
-
Official investigations and enquiries
- Defamation
- Intellectual property
- Medicare fraud and audit
- Health fund audits
- Privacy complaints
- Consumer law claims
- Loss of documents
- Court attendance costs
- Public relations expenses
- Molestation cover
- Emergency first aid
Do I need to notify that I am performing implants? I want to be sure I am covered for
this treatment.
Yes. Provided you notify ADAQ that you are placing implants as part of your practice and pay the loading, you will be appropriately covered. Anyone who places implants as part of their practice needs to notify ADAQ, except registered specialist periodontists.
Restorative procedures on implants do not require notification and are covered under the standard PI policy.
Do I need to notify that I am placing orthodontics as part of my practice? I want to be sure I am covered for
this treatment.
Yes. Provided you notify ADAQ that you are performing fixed orthodontic treatment as part of your practice and pay the additional loading, you will be appropriately covered. Anyone who performs fixed orthodontic treatment as part of their practice needs to notify, except registered specialist orthodontists.
Removable appliances, such as clear aligners, and fixed retainers do not require notification and are covered under the standard PI policy.
Is Botox included in my policy?
Non-Cosmetic Botox
If a dentist is undertaking a treatment (Botox) which falls within the scope of practice as a dentist, and the use of Botox is in conjunction with a dental procedure and not for cosmetic improvement, they the dentist will be covered under the standard PI insurance policy and they will not need to take out the Botox extension. This may include Botox used in conjunction with dental procedures and as a treatment for headaches and TMJ issues.
For cosmetic improvement
Members insured by QBE may obtain extended professional indemnity insurance cover for the use of botox and dermal fillers that is for cosmetic improvement. The standard ADAQ QBE Insurance Policy remains in force. This botox and dermal filler option is an extension available on request and on payment of an additional premium. The cover is available either for $1 Million or $2 Million, and Members may choose which amount of cover meets their needs. The Policy is extended by an amended definition to your profession as follows:
The ADAQ QBE PI Policy covers the practise of dentistry in any of the following fields:
- Cosmetic application of botulinum toxin outside of the oral cavity or jaws;
- Injections of dermal fillers within the perioral region, as well as the face; or
- Use of acrylic-containing materials, silicones, and hydroxyapatite fillers in the lips, cheeks and peri-oral region.
Provided always that any injectable product administered is approved for use by the Australian Government Therapeutic Goods Administration.
The cosmetic application of Botox is limited to the face, as are injections of dermal and other fillers.
QBE’s total liability in respect of all claims made under this extension during any Period of insurance, will not exceed $1,000,000 (or $2,000,000 if that option is taken), or the remaining Limit of indemnity, whichever is the lesser. In all other respects the policy will remain unaltered.
I am based in another state, can I purchase insurance through ADAQ?
As long as you maintain your ADA membership you can insure through ADAQ. ADA Members from different states who wish to purchase QBE Insurance through QBE, please contact [email protected].
I would like to transfer my insurance from another insurer to ADAQ/QBE, is there a risk my past activities will not be covered, or will I have retroactive cover?
The ADAQ QBE policy will provide indemnity for Your past activities as far back up as the
Retroactive Date shown in your quotation schedule. In most instances this will show Unlimited which means you
are covered for your activities back to when you first commenced practice in your current discipline or one
similar. The issue to be aware of is really focused around any potential claims you are aware of but have not
informed your existing insurer of. It is important to note therefore that if you are aware of circumstances from
past treatments that might reasonably be known to have the potential to give rise to a claim in the future, it
should be notified to your existing insurer prior to any move.
I am planning on retiring or ceasing practice indefinitely, what do I need to do to ensure I am still covered for claims that may arise from my previous practice?
Unlimited run-off cover is available to qualifying members upon application to ADAQ. For qualifying members applying for this cover within
90
days of ceasing practice, Your policy will be endorsed to provide ongoing indemnity for Your activities
performed up until the date You ceased practice.
It is important to notify ADAQ of the cessation of Your
practice. If you don't advise ADAQ, Your policy will not be endorsed to provide run-off cover which may
expose you to liability arising from claims, you first learn about beyond the date you ceased
practice.
Terms and Conditions for complimentary New Graduate PI Insurance.
ADAQ understands the jump from student to practitioner is a big step. To help support you, we offer up to 18 months of complimentary QBE PI Insurance upon graduation.
Terms and Conditions:
- Must be an ADA member and retain a current ADA membership throughout the period of insurance.
- Must complete new insurance proposal form for each policy period (prior to 30 June each year). ADAQ will contact you when this is due.
- The complimentary policy applies to Professional Indemnity Insurance only and any additional insurance is available for purchase.
- The 18-month policy period commences from date of graduation and will be on a pro rata basis if applying throughout the 18-month period.
- All applications for insurance are at the discretion of ADAQ and the insurer. The offer for complimentary PI Insurance is not transferrable to another party, for cash or any other service.
Join the insurance provider preferred by ADAQ Members.