A self-employed dentist suffers a severe hand injury, preventing him from performing delicate dental procedures, but he can still manage the practice's administrative duties. His individual disability policy has an 'Own Occupation' definition for the first two years, then switches to 'Any Occupation'. He cannot teach dentistry, which he could technically do if retrained. After 18 months, is he considered disabled under his policy?

Question: A self-employed dentist suffers a severe hand injury, preventing him from performing delicate dental procedures, but he can still manage the practice's administrative duties. His individual disability policy has an 'Own Occupation' definition for the first two years, then switches to 'Any Occupation'. He cannot teach dentistry, which he could technically do if retrained. After 18 months, is he considered disabled under his policy?

Answer options:

• No, because he can perform administrative duties. ✅ Yes, if he cannot perform the substantial and material duties of a dentist.
• No, because he could be retrained for another occupation.
• Yes, but only if he also qualifies under 'Any Occupation'.

Correct answer: Yes, if he cannot perform the substantial and material duties of a dentist.

Explanation: Yes, after 18 months, he is still within the 'Own Occupation' period. If he cannot perform the substantial and material duties of a dentist due to his hand injury, he would be considered disabled and eligible for benefits, regardless of his ability to perform administrative tasks or retrain for a different field.