title: Malpractice premiums in 1992: results of a national survey of dentists.
abstract: According to a 1992 national survey, more than 95 percent of general dentists in the United States purchased malpractice insurance. The authors evaluated the survey findings to identify factors that had the greatest effect on dentists' insurance premium costs. Premiums were higher for dentists who had been the subject of previous complaints or claims, as well as for those who owned their practices. States with fewer lawyers had lower premiums. Finally, state limits on use of dental hygienists, number of offices and the extent of water fluoridation also affected premium levels.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Public Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Conrad
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Whitney
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Milgrom
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: O'Hara
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ammons
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fiset
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Vesneski
mesh_terms: D005249:Fees and Charges / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005792:General Practice, Dental / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D007351:Insurance, Liability / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008318:Malpractice / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D011215:Practice Management, Dental / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011365:Professional Practice Location / Q000191:economics; D012494:Sampling Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States