2015 claims statistics

This has stayed consistent over many years with almost one in three claims paid to members for musculoskeletal issues.

Over the last seven years there have been, on average, 250 new claims for musculoskeletal disorders every year, including general back pain, lumbar problems, sciatica, spondylitis and prolapsed intervertebral discs.

“It’s no surprise musculoskeletal issues are very common for dentists,” explains Bryan Gross, head of claims and underwriting at Dentists’ Provident. “What is surprising is that people assume that musculoskeletal problems are an age related issue, but in reality our experience shows that they can occur at any time. We regularly hear accounts of rapid onset back pain – one day you’re happily caring for patients, the next day the pain hits and you’re barely able to move. Many musculoskeletal conditions can also be prevented with the right support and guidance from healthcare professionals.”

The 2015 claims included a dentist in their late 30s who was paid benefits of over £12,000 for a herniated disc over the three months they were off work.