Vital statistics

Given the position of dentists as they tend to patients, it should come as little surprise to learn that back and neck problems are the single most common causes of incapacity. Analysis of more than 5,500 income protection claims made to Wesleyan Assurance Society between 2002 and 2012 showed more than a quarter of claims were due to musculoskeletal disorders, such as back or neck pains. This is more than twice as many as the next most common ailments.

Overall, the vast majority of dentists (86 per cent) claim income protection for less than a year before returning to work. However, Wesleyan’s analysis shows those who are unable to work for more than 12 months, on average claim for almost eight-and-a-half years.

This is a stark reminder of how debilitating some conditions can be and how long you may be away from your surgery without an income.

Protecting yourself