Podcast Episode #575: Ben Glass
Episode #576: Dentist Freedom Blueprint Podcast
Ben Glass
Most dentists assume they’re protected—until they actually need to file a claim.
In this episode, David Phelps sits down with nationally recognized disability attorney Ben Glass to unpack the hidden traps inside professional disability policies. From misleading “own occupation” definitions to partial disability misunderstandings and income-offset surprises, Ben explains why having a policy isn’t the same as being protected.
This conversation goes far beyond legal technicalities. Ben shares what really causes claims to be denied, how progressive conditions are treated differently than catastrophic injuries, and why preparation before filing is everything.
If you’re a dentist or healthcare professional who depends on your hands, vision, and stamina to earn a living, this episode is a critical reminder: bulletproofing your income requires more than paying premiums—it requires understanding what you actually bought.
Minute Markers:
00:00 – Intro
01:19 – Why disability insurance is a cornerstone of financial health
04:39 – The truth about “own occupation” policies and fine print traps
09:21 – How claims get denied when definitions are too broad
12:07 – Preexisting conditions and the danger of incomplete disclosures
15:22 – Partial and residual disability: what most dentists misunderstand
19:40 – Why medical records and documentation determine approval
22:09 – Income complexity, ownership roles, and unintended offsets
27:54 – Bulletproofing your income with annual policy reviews
29:28 – Partnership agreements, disability clauses, and succession risk
32:18 – Where to connect with Ben Glass and get informed before filing
Featured on the Show:
Ben Glass: Website | LinkedIn
eBook: Your Profession, Your Policy, Your Fight by Ben Glass
Book: Exit Optional Playbook by David Phelps
Private Facebook Group: The Exit-Ready Dentist
Download the Exit Strategy Playbook
Schedule your Freedom Founders discovery call
P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you’re closer than you think) :
In this episode, we finish up the second part of my interview with Rob Swanson and his eight rules of investing. (If you haven’t listened to part 1, be sure to go back and give that a listen before jumping into this one.) Today, we pick up where we left off, covering rules four through eight and talking about everything from decision-making to cash flow and risk reduction.
Listen in as Rob shares his incredible insight and experience in real estate and investing to give us a few rules that help make our decisions and investments more solid. You will hear about the importance of looking at margins before buying and what boxes need to be checked when it comes to predicting a solid income stream. Rob also discusses how to define and mitigate the different risks involved so that you can come out on top.
Alastair MacDonald is a private advisor to established entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners, as well as a TEDx speaker who lectures on economic, social, and financial forecasts. Join me today to hear part two of our conversation at the Freedom Founders Mastermind, where we dive into the concept of certainty, how to hedge against a volatile economy, and why the abdication model is no longer one that works.
Listen in to learn the reasons why Alastair is not worried about consumer price inflation (and what he’s really worried about instead) and why the 401(k) is not always the investment that it is made out to be. You’ll learn why he is most concerned about the issue of division and polarity in the Western world, why your business is your best asset in a volatile economy, and how you can maintain its viability to weather the most intense economic storm.
1. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard:
Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Go to www.FreedomFounders.com/Scorecard to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.
2. Attend A Workshop:
If you’re committed to Freedom, but still building a practice, paying down school debt, or growing investment capital, our hands-on Freedom Blueprint Workshops are your entrance ramp onto the fast track! Visit www.freedomfounders.com/workshop to claim your seat!
3. Apply To Visit The Mastermind:
If you’d like to join dozens of dentists, docs, and practice professionals on the fast track to Freedom (5-7 years max), visit www.freedomfounders.com/step-1 to apply for a seat.
4. Want to Work Directly with Me?
If you’d like to work directly with me and a small group of my closest investment colleagues, with direct access to the dealmakers and asset classes that I invest in, just send a message to my Executive Assistant (Lindsey@FreedomFounders.com), and put “Fast Access” in the subject line. Or, call (972) 203-6960 Ext 144 and leave a brief voicemail for Lindsey. Let her know you’re interested in the Fast Access program – we’ll set up a time with you to talk, find out about your goals, and see if there is a fit.