Whether you are an associate dentist or own a practice, you will need malpractice insurance. If you're an associate, the terms of your agreement will describe what insurance is provided and what coverage you are expected to provide yourself. Malpractice laws vary by state.
Be sure that the company you use specializes in dental malpractice so that your representative is familiar with your profession. Your state dental society can provide you with a list of insurers it endorses.
The following organizations can help you determine which insurance companies are the most reputable:
A.M. Best Company (A.M. Best)
Standard & Poor's (S & P)
Weiss Research (Weiss)
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Having malpractice insurance affords you a team of experts to help you respond to any complaints brought against you--something that happens to even the best dentists.