Professional Liability Insurance Program

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much coverage will I have?

  Every registrant will automatically be insured for base coverage of $2 million per year. Registrants will have the opportunity to purchase additional, excess insurance up to $25 million in total annual coverage during the application for their practice permit. All dentists will be asked if they wish to purchase additional coverage. If you answer ‘Yes’, once you have completed your registration a confirmation email will contain a link to our Insurance Partner Navacord Insurance Services. 

• Why $2 million per claim and $4 million aggregate?

  Prior to June 2021, the required amount of liability insurance in Alberta was $1 million. The Governing Council of CDSA raised the requirement to $2 million per year with $4 million aggregate to increase public protection. This amount is consistent with other dental regulatory colleges in Canada.

  For registrants that require additional insurance, excess coverage up to $25 million is available.

• How do you know the aggregate is sufficient?

  The aggregate is based on knowledge of other similar programs and expert advice. There is an option allowing the CDSA to increase the shared annual aggregate by an additional $25 million.

  Comparatively, RCDSO with 11,000 dentists has a shared aggregate of $30 million compared to the coverage of $25 million for 2900 dentists at the CDSA.

• Does the College have any duty to report patient complaints to Navacord?

  No, there is no requirement at all.

• How does the PLIP work for members with dual or other provincial licenses?

  Your base liability coverage through Navacord protects you across Canada. However, in some jurisdictions it is mandatory to have CDSPI coverage (Manitoba), or their own provincial coverage (Ontario and Quebec). Registrars in various provinces may choose to accept the PLIP insurance or not. It is up to the discretion of provincial registrars whether they will recognize this insurance. We know however that coverage under the PLIP has been accepted by other provincial regulators (BC and Saskatchewan for example). Please ensure you have the adequate coverage for the jurisdiction before you practice in another jurisdiction.

• Does the PLIP cover my Professional Corporation(s)?

  Yes, Professional Corporations (PCs) are specifically mentioned in the policy.

  Part 1, Section 14 states an insured is:

  • a dentist with a permit to practice in Alberta,
  • a personal or professional corporation of an insured member.
• Can I cancel the Navacord coverage?

  No, there is no option to cancel the primary insurance that is included with your practice permit. Once you are registered, you are covered for the year. All Alberta dentists must have PLIP as a condition of their registration as a dentist in Alberta.

• If I have a malpractice claim, will my fees go up?

  No, premiums will not go up. The deductible is $2,500. The deductibles will increase with more than one claim. For further information, click on the button entitled Premium & Deductible Overview.

• Are any other provinces doing this?

  The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) has had their own program since 1973. The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ) has had their own program since 1990.

• Why are there so many insurance companies underwriting the policy on a percentage basis?

  The insurance market has changed significantly in last 36 months. Insurance companies are not willing to take on as much risk as they have in the past. By layering risks, insurance is more affordable.

• What do I do if I need to make a claim or think I might have a claim but am unsure at the moment?

  Immediately notify Navacord Insurance Services (AB.PRG.Dentist@navacord.com or 1-888-444-1295) of any incident you believe could give rise to a claim.

• What do I do if I need to make a claim?

  There is a claims reporting link which will allow registrants to directly report claims to Navacord Insurance Services. No data will be passed to the CDSA other than anonymous aggregate data for reporting purposes.

  Incidents/claims must be reported as soon as you first learn of an allegation, claim or that one could potentially be brought against you. This is extremely important as coverage could be denied if you do not advise in a timely manner or if a delay in reporting jeopardizes the potential of an early defense, should it be required.

  There is also a Report a Claim link and a Claims Reporting Information – PDF link. No information will be passed to the CDSA other than generic aggregate data for reporting purposes.

• I want to sign up to take a course in the United States. Will my professional liability insurance cover me?

  Yes! We have obtained coverage from the insurer by way of endorsement (you won’t find it on the policy).  Members will be covered for a maximum of four (4) weeks for course work in the U.S.A.