Essential Business Insurance for an Independent Dental Hygiene Clinic (Ontario)

1. Professional Liability Insurance (Malpractice Insurance)
   • Protects you against claims related to professional services, such as alleged negligence, errors, or omissions.
   • Required by the CDHO (College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario) for registration and renewal.
2. Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance
   • Covers non-professional liabilities, such as slips, falls, or property damage occurring on your premises.
3. Commercial Property Insurance
   • Covers damage or loss to your clinic space, equipment, furniture, and dental tools due to fire, theft, or certain natural disasters.
4. Business Interruption Insurance
   • Helps cover lost income and operating expenses if your clinic is temporarily closed due to a covered event (like fire or flood).
5. Cyber Liability Insurance
   • Protects against data breaches or cyberattacks, especially important if you store patient records electronically.
6. Equipment Breakdown Insurance
   • Covers repair or replacement costs if key dental equipment fails due to mechanical issues or power surges.
7. Legal Expense Insurance (Optional)
   • Helps with legal costs if you face disputes related to contracts, employment, or regulatory issues.

• Look for insurers or brokers who understand regulated health professionals and Ontario healthcare clinics.
• Some providers specialize in dental or allied health practices and can bundle policies.
• Make sure coverage limits meet CDHO requirements (e.g. minimum $1M or $2M per claim for professional liability).

Liability Coverage: Medical, Malpractice Insurance/Errors and Omission Coverage

Commercial General Liability

Property Coverage

CDHA PROVIDES OPTIONS TO INCREASE PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY COVERAGE FOR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST