malpractice insurance Archives

Patients’ Refusal of Proposed Treatment or Referrals in Orthodontic Practice

Orthodontic claims involving missed diagnoses or failure to refer often arise when an orthodontist does not direct a patient to another provider whose specialized expertise is needed for proper evaluation or treatment. Even as specialists, orthodontists must recognize when a patient’s needs call for referral to another provider — to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for impacted canines, extractions or orthognathic surgery; to a periodontist for active periodontal disease; to [...]

Lockton Affinity2026-08-27T15:36:35+00:00August 27, 2026|AAO insurance claims, AAO insurance information, Malpractice insurance, Patient communication, Risk management|

One Common Malpractice Claim Orthodontists Face: Failure to Obtain Proper Informed Consent

Malpractice claims can present significant challenges for orthodontists, including damage to professional reputations and costly legal battles. One common malpractice claim orthodontists face is failure to obtain proper informed consent. There are recurring issues that tend to trigger allegations — luckily, many are preventable with the right protocols in place. By understanding the common pitfalls that can lead to malpractice claims for a failure to obtain proper informed consent and [...]

Lockton Affinity2026-05-26T21:48:27+00:00May 26, 2026|AAO insurance information, Malpractice insurance, Practice insurance, Risk management|

LOCKTON AFFINITY, LLC

10895 Lowell Avenue, Suite 300 | Overland Park, KS 66210

(844) 893-9888 | [email protected]

MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 410679 | Kansas City, MO 64141

The AAO-Endorsed Insurance Program is administered by Lockton Affinity, LLC d/b/a Lockton Affinity Insurance Brokers LLC, Affinity Administrator Services, LLC in California Insurance License Number 0795478, in Arizona Insurance License Number 1800004362 and in Arkansas Insurance License Number 100108685. Coverage may not be available in all states and is subject to actual policy terms and conditions. Policy benefits are the sole obligation of the issuing insurance company. Coverage may be provided by an excess/surplus lines insurer which is not licensed by or subject to the supervision of the insurance department of your state of residence. Policy coverage forms and rates may not be subject to regulation by the insurance department of your state of residence. Excess/Surplus lines insurers do not generally participate in state guaranty funds and therefore insureds are not protected by such funds in the event of the insurer’s insolvency. American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) will receive a royalty fee for the licensing of its name and trademarks as part of the insurance program offered to the extent permitted by applicable law.

*Underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010 on Policy Form GMR/FACE, Group Policy Nos. G-14242-0 (TL), G-14243-0 (10 LTL), G-14244-0 (20 LTL), G-14242-4 (POE), G-14242-3 (DI) and G-30270-0 (CI). For more information including features, costs, eligibility, renewability, limitations and exclusions click “Learn More.”

New York Life Insurance Company is licensed/authorized to transact business in all of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada. However, not all group policies it underwrites are available in all jurisdictions. Please check the eligibility sections for current availability. New York Life Insurance Company’s state of domicile is New York, and NAIC ID is #66915.

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