Libby McCurry
WDIA Medical Insurance Specialist

For dentists who own their practices success is about more than providing excellent patient care, it’s also about building a strong and loyal team. One of the most critical investments you can make as a practice owner is in high-quality group medical coverage for yourself and your employees. While healthcare costs continue to rise faster than the average rate of inflation, offering good medical benefits delivers a competitive advantage and offers a way to care for your team members. Group medical coverage helps secure the future of your practice and ensure its lasting stability.

Many practice owners conduct a mid-year business review around now. This is a good time of year to check on your practice’s group medical insurance and learn about policy options available at your time of renewal. During May, June, and July our team has more availability to meet with you.

“Each year we review our group medical policy and work with WDIA to see if there are better medical policies for our staff,” says Port Orchard General Dentist Dr. Peter Grieser. “WDIA are experts at looking at different group medical policies to find the right medical policy that fits your office's needs.”

At Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency (WDIA) we help practice owners identify quality group medical coverage that fits their needs and the needs of their team. For many practice owners, these needs shift year-over-year as new team members join or policies change. It’s a good idea to check in and shop competitively for group medical coverage.

When you do assess your group medical policy, you might consider its structure. It can be wise to pay particular attention to shared cost scenarios as there are several policy options. In some cases, practice owners can bundle insurance policies to streamline costs.

“Libby found options that maximize medical benefits against the cost of the policy for our staff,” says Grieser. “Libby was always available to take my calls and emails. She helped guide us through the difficult process of finding the right medical insurance plan. I cannot overstate how lucky we are to have Libby as our medical insurance specialist!”

Competitive Advantage in a Tight Talent Market

The healthcare industry is highly competitive, and dental professionals including hygienists, assistants, and administrative staff have plenty of employment options. Offering high quality healthcare benefits gives you an advantage with attracting and retaining skilled employees.

A strong benefits package is often a deciding factor for potential hires. Many job seekers prioritize pay and healthcare coverage. For existing team members, high-quality coverage fosters affinity and loyalty; it reduces turnover and creates a more engaged workforce. Employees who feel valued are more likely to stay long-term, thus reducing hiring costs and improving the consistency of patient care.

Furthermore, good healthcare coverage leads to a healthier workforce. Employees with access to preventative care and necessary treatments are less likely to miss work due to illness, ensuring your practice runs smoothly and efficiently.

Unique Health Risks for Dental Professionals

Dental professionals face unique occupational health risks including musculoskeletal problems, exposure to infectious diseases, and stress-related conditions. Without reliable healthcare, employees may delay necessary treatment worsening health issues that could have been alleviated with early intervention. As an employer, providing comprehensive medical coverage keeps your practice running reliably because team members can access the care they need to stay well.

The group medical policies we offer include preventative care coverage for health risks unique to dental professionals. Our policies cover Chiropractic care, Acupuncture, and physical therapies including prescribed massage therapy. Some group medical policies offer virtual physical therapy, gym memberships, and access to wellness programs. In the State of Washington healthcare insurance companies must cover behavioral (mental) health therapy too.

Quality Group Medical Coverage is a Worthy Investment

With an aging population, limited number of care providers, and the advancement of medical treatments and technologies, the cost of quality healthcare coverage continues to outpace inflation averages. This can make it tempting to seek out lower-cost, minimal-coverage plans. However, the true cost of inadequate group medical coverage is far greater than the price of your practice’s policy.

A major health crisis, whether it affects you or a member of your care team can have a significantly negative financial impact on your practice. Without proper coverage, an employee facing a medical emergency may struggle to afford necessary treatment, leading to prolonged absences or inability to work.

Investing in quality healthcare coverage is not just about avoiding worst-case scenario, it’s about securing the long-term stability of your practice(s). A well-insured workforce is a resilient workforce, capable of weathering health challenges without jeopardizing careers or the business.

We’re here to help you find insurance that fits the needs of your practice. Please get in touch with questions about your insurance coverage or needs.

info@wdiains.com | 800-282-9342

This article originally appeared in Issue 2, 2025 of the WSDA News.