Imagine that everything in your life (professional career, family, etc.) is perfect. Then out of nowhere the unimaginable occurs: you become disabled! What would you do if you were unable to run the day-to-day operations of your practice tomorrow because you suddenly became disabled? Would you call (a) your colleagues to see your patients and save your practice, (b) a placement service to find an orthodontist to cover your office, or (c) the AAO regarding suggestions about what to do?

Speaking from experience, it happened to me! After 25 short years of a fantastic orthodontic practice, in 1999 I began noticing rapid and progressive paralysis in both hands, then forearms … then motor atrophy followed in both arms from hands to shoulders. Diagnosis: I had a broken neck and lower back from martial arts training, which required immediate and extensive neurosurgery to repair the damage to my cervical spine.

The doctors said that even with surgery, the prognosis of a seven-level procedure was poor, leaving a 50 percent chance of being a quadriplegic and a 30 percent chance of death. The seven-hour surgery was successful but left me with a 75 percent reduction in cervical range of motion, forcing me to give up the practice… but at least I was alive! During the next eight months of convalescence, I was confined to sitting in a chair, unable to do anything except sleeping and eating with plenty of time to think about reinventing my life after the realization that the days of practicing orthodontics had ended forever. I did not have any ducks in a row for permanent disability; it was very poor planning on my part. The only thing I had was a great disability policy, which saved me from a disastrous future.

All practitioners know the importance of thorough planning. Relying on finding help to save a practice falls into this category but only for a very short time. An event that would keep you away from work would not be as simple as a broken leg. Catastrophic injuries can be devastating to you, your practice and your family; how will you advise your office manager or spouse as to all logical decisions that must be made? This is a time of emotional stress and confusion. If you do not have an emergency plan ready to be implemented immediately, it would be smart to formulate one as soon as possible so that your practice and future will not face financial ruination.

Among the many insurance policies that we all must have in place, death and disability are two of the top concerns to all of us. Death certainly is final, but surviving a permanent disability can be devastating to everyone around you. After such an occurrence, the greatest depreciation of a practice typically occurs within 30 days. It is imperative that you have a disability insurance policy and a well-planned agreement between local colleagues ready to be immediately initiated in order to continue your office management with little disturbance to patient management and income flow.

The American Association of Orthodontists has an Endorsed Long Term Disability Policy Form that can be downloaded (AAO_Disability_Application_A-7264-0810W-1 copy.pdf), which is via the New York Life Insurance Company, with the Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. as the plan administrator. This is, of course, one of many policies that can be utilized but the information might be extremely helpful should you become temporarily impaired, permanently disabled or deceased. I would suggest downloading this agreement and modify it according to your needs, but it is important to remember that this document may not be legally binding and that it would be prudent to seek legal advice. I am not an attorney, but there are many items that you might want to consider when establishing your own agreement. Much thought and consideration will be needed on your part and with a little planning, you, your office and your family can have peace of mind should something happen to you. Be smart and avoid disaster… sit on the side of the fence so that if, or when you fall, you will be prepared.