After reading my teammate Nick’s article last week, I thought it would be prudent to take a deeper dive into two titles that are treated as synonymous, typically for ease of client understanding, despite being very different in practice and responsibility. An insurance agent is an insurance professional whose duty is to the insurance carrier. A insurance broker is an insurance professional who negotiates on behalf of individuals with insurance carriers. This distinction is key as insurance works a bit counter to how the public thinks. To break it down, an insurance policy is essentially a contract whereby an individual will pay a premium (money) to an insurance carrier that will pay for potential claims (injuries, accidents, property loss, etc.), if these damages occur in a particular fashion. What most of the public is unaware of is that the insurance company is not offering a policy to the individual, it’s the inverse. When an individual completes an application, they are presenting an offer to the insurance carrier of your risk transfer, and if the carrier accepts the offer, they dictate the price. The contract isn’t bound until payment is made, but the initial design of the offer lies in the hands of the client, not the insurance company. Captive Agencies and their agents If you work with an insurance agent, their responsibility is to the insurance company they are affiliated with, not to the purchaser of the insurance policy. The insurance agent only has access to sell products that are offered by their affiliated carrier, and so the options may be limited in scope to what the company is willing to take on themselves. Additional coverage for particular perils (specific causes of loss) may be outside of one insurance carrier’s risk appetite, and so they may not extend coverage for certain actions, or the price may be exorbitant to do so. There may be different insurance companies with wider appetites or lower prices, but an agent doesn’t necessarily have access to those options, so there is a higher likelihood of declinations, lesser coverage offered, or higher-than-market costs for insurance. From an insurance buyer’s perspective, how can this be avoided? Enter the Insurance Brokerage, and their brokers An insurance broker’s job is to negotiate on behalf of the individual, not on behalf of the insurance carrier. A broker has the ability to go to market, shop out the same risk exposure across multiple carriers, and then go back and forth with several carriers to get the best combination of price and coverage limits for their client, the individual. It’s more work, as instead of one application, there are multiple with their own formats and questions to answer. The commission (how an insurance carrier pays the insurance professional) can be less versus the compensation structure with a captive agency, but insurance brokers trade a lower commission payout for a wider net of carrier options that allow for the broker to tackle harder to write risks (coastal exposure, higher percentage of surgical procedures, adverse claims history, etc.). As there is no tie to an individual carrier, if the benefits lessen or the pricing rises above market-rate in a given year, the broker can rinse and repeat the process, going back to market and finding the best solution at the current time. It’s this level of flexibility that allows a broker to serve their clients for years to come as variables in the market change. At CFS Dental Division, we operate as an insurance brokerage across the United States. We take pride in our market offerings, our ability to educate our clients on the pros and cons of their policy choices, and our flexibility to adapt to an ever-changing market. If you’re interested in having a partner who negotiates for you and has your back as life changes, you can reach out to us here . Written by: Conor DePalma

When it comes to protecting your business or personal assets, how you shop for insurance matters just as much as what you buy. While going directly to a single insurance company may seem convenient, working with an independent broker offers significant advantages that can make a real difference when it counts. First, choice matters . A direct insurance company can only offer its own products. A broker, on the other hand, represents multiple carriers. That means instead of getting one option, you get access to a range of coverage forms, pricing structures, and underwriting appetites. This competition often results in better coverage and more competitive premiums. Second, brokers work for you — not the insurance company. Their role is to advocate on your behalf, helping you compare policies objectively and understand the fine print. Insurance contracts can be complex, with exclusions and limitations that aren’t always obvious. A broker helps you navigate those details, so you don’t discover gaps in coverage after a claim. Third, as your needs change, a broker can adapt with you . Whether your business grows, your risks evolve, or the market shifts, a broker can re-shop your policy and negotiate with carriers to ensure your coverage keeps pace. Finally, when a claim happens, having a broker in your corner can be invaluable. Instead of facing the carrier alone, you have a professional who understands the process and can help facilitate communication. To wrap it up, buying direct gives you one perspective. Working with a broker gives you options, advocacy, and expertise — and that combination often leads to stronger protection and better long-term value for you and/or your business. Written by: Nick Cepparulo

When purchasing a personal disability policy to protect your income, it is crucial to purchase a policy that properly reflects your specific needs as a dental professional. Within disability policies there are key features that your policy must include to make sure in the event of a disability, your benefit is paid properly, and you are protected in the way you deserve. What is The Most Important Feature? Own Occupation Rider This rider can be classified by several different names including True Own Occupation Rider, Regular Occupation, or Own Occupation. Own Occupation means that you are considered to be disabled and eligible for your benefit if you cannot perform the duties of your specific job. If you have a broader definition of disability, such as Social Security Disability, to receive your benefit you would have to be disabled to the point you cannot perform any job whatsoever. This is a crucial difference as you may not be able to perform clinical dentistry because of your disability, but you can receive the monthly benefit from your policy as well as performing another line of work, in most cases actually working as a professor at a dental school or residency! Won’t my benefit become less valuable over time due to inflation? Cost of Living Adjustment Rider (COLA) The COLA rider is a guard against inflation to protect your buying power while receiving your benefit. While on disability, your benefit will increase annually by 3% to ensure your benefit does not lose value due to inflation over the period that you are on claim. What if I am not fully disabled but still suffer losses from a long-term injury? Partial Disability Partial disability benefits pay out when you lose 15% of income, time, or duties due to a disabling event. For example, a dental professional hurts their hand and is only able to work 4 days a week instead of 5. This would be a 20% loss of income, time, and duties and would result in a 20% partial disability payout in proportion to your current disability benefit. The difference between policies is in how partial disability is calculated. In calculating your pre-disability income, carriers will refer to what is called a lookback period. A lookback period is the number of years that a carrier will take into account previous earned income to decide the amount of disability benefit given in relation to your total monthly benefit at the time of disability. Some carriers will offer longer lookback periods and take the average of the best two years of earnings. Other carriers offering disability may have shorter lookback periods offering less forgiveness to years with lower earnings. These are the key elements in a disability policy for dental professionals to be aware of when purchasing a policy or evaluating an existing one. There are however different supplemental benefits that the carriers offer with their policies to differentiate themselves. For more information on the key features to look for in a disability policy or the supplemental benefits offered by carriers, contact a CFS Agent, we’re here to help! Written by: Neal Cudahy

Dentistry is a high-income, highly skilled profession that positions individuals for long-term success. During dental school and residency, speakers often emphasize the importance of practice management and financial management as central pillars of a successful career. However, one of the more challenging conversations involves personal life insurance. Proper planning in this area allows dentists to protect themselves enabling them to focus on what they do best — caring for patients. Life insurance is a risk management tool, not just a formality. By understanding its mechanisms and protective benefits, individuals can harness life insurance as a valuable asset that supports them throughout various phases of their career. Compared to many other professionals, dentists typically enter the workforce with significant student loan debt, often ranging from $100,000 to $600,000 or more. After graduation, additional financial responsibilities can follow quickly, including purchasing a home or acquiring a dental practice. Carrying such a heavy debt load early on can make dentists, and their families, more vulnerable to financial strain if unexpected events occur and proper planning is not in place. Dentists can secure life insurance early in their career and use it as a protective tool if circumstances do not go as planned. NOT ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL Life insurance is not one-size-fits-all, especially for dentists whose financial responsibilities tend to grow rapidly. The two of the most common types of life insurance are Term Life and Whole Life, and each serves a different purpose within a dentist’s overall financial plan. TERM LIFE INSURANCE Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period of time, commonly 10, 15, 20, or 30 years. If the insured passes away during that term, the policy pays a death benefit to the beneficiaries. Term life insurance is often the most cost-effective way to obtain a large amount of coverage, making it especially valuable during high-liability years. It can help protect a spouse or family while student loans, a mortgage, or practice debt are still outstanding. Term life insurance ensures loved ones are not burdened with debt or forced to make significant lifestyle changes should the unexpected happen. Some Term policies are also convertible, allowing dentists to convert term coverage into whole life insurance later without additional medical underwriting—an attractive option for future practice owners who may want access to cash value in the future. WHOLE LIFE INSURANCE Whole life insurance, on the other hand, provides lifelong coverage. In addition to a guaranteed death benefit, Whole life policies build cash value over time. This cash value grows on a tax-advantaged basis and can be accessed during the insured’s lifetime through policy loans or withdrawals. For dentists with stable income and long-term planning goals, Whole life insurance can serve as both a protection and a cash accumulation tool supporting legacy planning, future expenses, or conservative diversification alongside traditional investments. LIFE INSURANCE WORKS FOR YOU The most effective strategy is not choosing one option over the other but understanding how each fits into different stages of life. Discussing life insurance can often feel uneasy because it requires contemplating potential future situations that no one wants to imagine. However, life insurance ultimately empowers dentists to pursue their goals confidently, knowing their loved ones and financial obligations will be protected. Written by: Julia Breneman

When applying for life insurance, many people believe that age is the most important factor in determining their premium. While age does play a role, your health and lifestyle habits often have an even greater impact on your eligibility, coverage options, and overall cost. Life insurance carriers evaluate risk carefully. Understanding what factors they review can help you prepare for the application process and make more informed decisions. Health History and Medical Conditions One of the first things an insurance carrier evaluates is your overall health and medical history. This includes both current conditions and past diagnoses. Carriers commonly review chronic conditions, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, height and weight, prior surgeries or hospitalizations, and family medical history. Having a health condition does not automatically disqualify you from coverage. In many cases, well-managed and well-documented conditions are viewed more favorably than untreated or inconsistent care. Tobacco and Nicotine Use Tobacco use is one of the most significant factors affecting life insurance premiums. This includes cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, vaping, and other nicotine products. Applicants who use nicotine typically pay higher premiums due to increased health risks. However, many carriers will offer non-smoker rates after a period of nicotine-free use. Proper timing and disclosure can make a substantial difference in cost. Lifestyle and Dangerous Activities Insurance carriers also consider how you spend your time outside of work. Certain hobbies and activities are considered higher risk and may affect pricing or coverage terms. Examples include skydiving, scuba diving, rock climbing, racing, and private or recreational aviation. Participation alone does not necessarily result in higher premiums. Frequency, training, certifications, and safety precautions all play an important role in underwriting decisions. Driving Record and Legal History Many applicants are surprised to learn that their driving record can impact life insurance premiums. Carriers may review DUI or DWI convictions, reckless driving citations, multiple moving violations, and license suspensions. A clean driving record reflects responsible behavior, while recent or repeated violations may raise concerns. Serious criminal history may also affect eligibility depending on severity and timing. Alcohol and Substance Use Moderate alcohol consumption is generally acceptable. However, excessive use or a history of substance abuse can significantly impact underwriting decisions. Applicants may be asked about alcohol intake, prior treatment or rehabilitation, and prescription medication usage. Accuracy and transparency are critical during this portion of the application. The Advantage of Working With a Brokerage As an insurance brokerage, we are not tied to one carrier. This allows us to evaluate multiple companies and identify the carrier that best suits your health profile, lifestyle habits, and long-term goals. Different carriers view risk differently, and our role is to advocate on your behalf and match you with the most appropriate option available. The Bottom Line Life insurance underwriting is about accuracy, not perfection. An informed applicant is a stronger applicant. Understanding how your health and lifestyle affect your application allows you to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary surprises. Choosing the right policy and carrier is an important decision. By working with a brokerage that understands both insurance and your profession, you can feel confident knowing your coverage is tailored to you and will be there when it matters most. Written by: Reghan Handley

Dental School Debt Rewritten: What the OBBB Act means for Future Dentists It’s no secret that the cost of dental education has reached a breaking point. Today, nearly 78% of dental school graduates begin their careers carrying more than $312,000 in student loan debt , a financial burden that can shape career decisions long before the first patient is seen(1). As changes to federal student loan policy loom, students considering a dental career must un derstand not only how we arrived here—but how to prepare for what’s coming next. Why Dental Education Comes With a High Price Tag Becoming a dentist requires a minimum of eight years of postsecondary education , often followed by additional training. Unlike medical residents, however, most dental and orthodontic residents do not receive a salary or stipend during training. Instead, many continue paying tuition while interest accrues immediately on borrowed funds. As a result, federal loans have become the backbone of dental education financing: Approximately 85% of dental students rely on Direct Loans (1) Nearly 80% of those students also use Grad PLUS loans to cover costs beyond Direct Loan limits (1) Until now, these federal options provided flexibility, borrower protections, and access to income-driven repayment plans—features not typically available in private lending (2). What the OBBB Act Changes for Dental Students Beginning July 1, 2026 , provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act will significantly reshape how graduate education is financed (3). Key changes include: Direct Unsubsidized Loan limits capped at $50,000 per year , with a $200,000 lifetime maximum Elimination of the Grad PLUS loan program entirely For dental students, whose cost of attendance often far exceeds these limits, this creates a substantial funding gap. The Shift Toward Private Lending With federal options restricted, many students will be pushed toward private or commercial loans to bridge the difference. These loans often: Carry higher interest rates Require stronger credit profiles or co-signers Lack federal borrower protections such as income-driven repayment, deferment, or forgiveness options This shift places greater importance on something students don’t often think about early enough: creditworthiness. Why Creditworthiness Will Matter More for Dental Students Creditworthiness affects far more than student loans—and in a post–Grad PLUS environment, it may determine whether private financing is available at all . As federal lending options narrow, lenders will place greater emphasis on an applicant’s credit profile when evaluating risk. A strong credit history can influence: Interest rates: Higher credit scores often qualify borrowers for lower interest rates, which can translate into tens of thousands of dollars in savings over the life of a loan. Loan approval and terms: Lenders review credit history to determine not only whether a borrower is approved, but also the structure of the loan—including required co-signers and repayment terms. Housing opportunities: Many landlords assess credit scores during tenant screening, and lower scores may result in higher security deposits or limited rental options. The good news? Several of the most important factors that contribute to creditworthiness are within your control—and building them early can significantly improve your financial flexibility during and after dental school. Practical Ways Students Can Build Credit Now Even during school, small habits can make a meaningful difference: Pay every bill on time Payment history is the single most important factor in your credit score. Automate payments whenever possible. Keep credit utilization low Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit limit on credit cards. Limit new credit applications Each hard inquiry can temporarily lower your score—only apply when necessary. Keep older accounts open Length of credit history matters. Even unused accounts can help your score if kept in good standing. Review and dispute errors Regularly check your credit report and challenge inaccuracies that could unfairly drag your score down. Preparing for Dental School in a Changing Student Loan Landscape Being mindful of when you apply to dental school—and how you prepare financially beforehand—has never been more important. Establishing strong credit habits early won’t just help you adapt to upcoming loan changes; it can also reduce borrowing costs and improve financial flexibility long after graduation. In a shifting lending landscape, preparation is power. References Istrate EC, Samanta A, Booker CL, West KP. Dentists of Tomorrow 2024: An Analysis of the Results from the ADEA 2024 Survey of U.S. Dental School Seniors. ADEA Education Research Series, Issue 7, December 2024. U.S. Department of Education, “Federal vs. Private Loans,” FederalStudentAid, https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/federal-vs-private (Accessed August 20, 2025.) Sec. 81001, One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Pub. L. 119-21) Stripe. How to Determine Creditworthiness and Build Your Credit Written by: Dr. Beatrice Williams

The Importance of Choosing a Highly Rated Carrier When choosing an insurance carrier for your policy, you may only be worried about what your monthly premium will be. So, you will more than likely pick the cheapest option. While it may be tempting to save a few dollars, picking a low rated insurance carrier may cost you in the long run. Evaluating a Carrier's Financial Stability When looking into a carrier, the first item to look at is their Financial Credit Score. This is similar to your own credit score, as it indicates if a carrier is financially healthy. You may be asking, why would I care? A low rated carrier may not be able to pay a claim or may delay payment for a claim due to their poor finances. When buying insurance, you are placing trust in a company for when you will be at a loss. The purpose of insurance is to transfer risk, and that transfer of risk only works if both ends of the relationship can uphold their promise. If you were to pick a highly rated carrier rather than the cheaper option, you can live without the fear of not being covered if you were to make a claim. Understanding the Value of a Highly Rated Carrier Beyond financial stability, highly rated carriers usually demonstrate reliability in every aspect of their business. A high rating not only comes from a great financial history, but also claim-handling performance, customer satisfaction, and the ability to perform during a disaster. Achieving this status also means that your premium is less likely to increase and will more than likely stay stable. In essence, a higher rating shows that your insurance carrier will survive a recession/financial hardship and is virtually too big to fail. The Bottom Line At the end of the day, choosing a policy is ultimately your choice. An informed decision is the best decision. An informed decision will secure dependable protection for yourself, your family, and your assets. A cheaper carrier may be enticing at first glance, but fear of an insolvent insurer, unreliable claims practices, and an inability to survive financial hardship far outweigh saving a quick buck. By selecting a carrier with proven financial strength, you are ensuring that your coverage will be there when you need it most. In a world full of uncertainty, the peace of mind that comes from partnering with a trusted, highly rated carrier is truly invaluable. Written by: Nate Young

Check out this article from our partners at Bank Of America

The thought of dying isn’t the most enjoyable subject but it’s something every person needs to prepare for. If your family, business, or any other dependents rely on your income, then life insurance is the easy solution to any financial burden you may leave behind. In its simplest form, term life insurance requires you to pay a set premium for a certain length (term) that you want to be covered, and if you die during that time, the insurance company pays your beneficiaries a tax-free lump sum. Below are some common myths about life insurance: Myth #1: Young People Don’t Need Life Insurance It’s human nature to procrastinate, especially when it comes to planning out your future but applying for life insurance when you’re young and healthy will lock in the cost-effective rates and insurability. There is no timeline for a person’s major life events, so it’s better to be prepared before it’s too late Myth #2: Life Insurance is only for people with kids Even if you’re single, you still want to make sure you have enough assets to cover any debts, expenses, or bills that you could leave behind. Married couples without kids should both have life insurance to cover loans, mortgages, and any potential lost income. Stay-at-home parents are often overlooked but the economic value of their childcare and household responsibilities need to be accounted for. Business owners who are succession planning or need to protect a key employee also benefit from term life insurance Myth #3: My job offers coverage; I don’t need it While employer paid life insurance has benefits, it usually doesn’t offer enough benefit to adequately cover you, has limited flexibility, and may not come with you if you leave your job. Myth #4: The application process will take too long; I don’t want to do an exam Insurance companies have streamlined the process of quoting, applying, and approving life insurance. Advancements in technology have provided insurers with various scans, checks, and questionnaires to determine a person’s eligibility without needing a medical exam or a deep dive into medical records if healthy. Myth #5: Companies won’t pay and if they do, it will be a huge tax burden You may hear horror stories, but the vast majority of life insurance claims pay out without a problem if the premiums have been paid and the representations made during the application process were accurate. Life insurance pay outs come tax free to beneficiaries. You can’t control what happens in the future so it’s best to plan today to protect the people you love. Life insurance is a step to make that happen Written by: Jeremy Alfano