Even Small Practices Have Big Exposure
A lot of Louisiana dental offices assume workers’ comp is something only “big companies” need. But the truth is:
If you have employees, you have risk.
Slips, strains, repetitive use injuries—these aren’t just problems in warehouses. They happen in dental offices all the time.
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A hygienist hurts her back adjusting the dental chair
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A receptionist trips on cords under the desk
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An assistant develops carpal tunnel from years of suctioning and assisting
And if you don’t have coverage? The financial fallout lands squarely on your desk.
Is It Legally Required in Louisiana?
Yes. In Louisiana, most employers are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance—even if you only have one employee. Dental practices are not exempt.
Failing to carry coverage can result in:
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Fines and penalties from the state
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Responsibility for 100% of medical bills and lost wages
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Potential lawsuits from injured employees
What Does Workers’ Comp Cover?
If one of your employees gets injured on the job, workers’ comp can help with:
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Medical treatment
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Physical therapy and rehabilitation
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Lost wages during recovery
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Disability benefits
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Death benefits (in the worst-case scenario)
It also protects you, the employer, from being sued in most cases.
Common Misconceptions (That Get Expensive Fast)
“We’re just a small office—nothing dangerous happens here.”
Injuries happen everywhere. A slip on a wet floor or a sharp twinge from moving equipment can turn into a big claim.
“My team’s like family. They’d never sue me.”
They might not intend to. But if an employee needs surgery or can’t return to work right away, they might not have a choice.
“We don’t do anything physical.”
Repetitive motion injuries are one of the most common reasons dental workers file claims—especially hygienists and assistants.
What It Costs vs. What It Saves
Workers’ compensation insurance is based on:
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Payroll size
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Job duties
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Claim history
For a small dental office, it’s typically affordable—and far less expensive than a single serious injury.
Skipping coverage might save you a little upfront. But one claim could cost you thousands in treatment, weeks of lost productivity, and months of stress.
We Help Louisiana Dental Offices Protect Their People (and Their Practice)
At Kastner Insurance, we work with dental offices across Lafayette, Youngsville, Broussard, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Acadiana to get the workers’ comp protection they need—without overpaying.
We’ll walk you through the policy, explain exactly what’s covered, and show you how to stay compliant without breaking your budget.
You’ve built a practice that people trust. Let’s make sure you’ve protected the people who help you run it.
Levi Kastner
