The History of NORDIC

The idea of creating a company dedicated to serving Northwest dentists began as early as 1986 when the Washington State Dental Association (WSDA) decided it wanted more for its members than what existing professional liability insurance companies could offer.

WSDA's goal was to have a company that would not only provide stable rates and lower premiums - but give dentists a strong voice as well. More importantly, the company would be committed to addressing the interests and issues affecting dentists throughout the Northwest.

In an effort to turn this innovative idea into reality, WSDA leaders began to seriously explore opportunities for starting their own dental insurance company. At the same time, they also looked for an existing company which could be endorsed by WSDA, but offer policy holders better benefits and local service.

In the 1980s, several dental associations around the country formed successful alliances with their state physician-owned insurance companies. In early 1989, the WSDA decided to follow this growing trend and approached Physicians Insurance, a respected leader in the state’s medical professional liability insurance field, about developing an insurance program for dentists.

Physicians Insurance clearly had the ability to offer the WSDA the expertise and financial security necessary to provide Washington dentists with the most comprehensive and reliable insurance programs available.

The result was the formation of the Northwest Dentists Insurance Company (NORDIC), a unique insurance company endorsed by WSDA and structured specifically to include participation by the dental community.

In addition to its financial strength, NORDIC allows dentists to play an active role in formulating company policy and direction. Practicing dentists sit on NORDIC’s eight-member Board of Directors.  

NORDIC’s commitment to serving dentists has made it the fastest growing dental professional liability insurance carrier in Washington and the exclusive dental professional liability carrier endorsed by the Washington State Dental Association. Our goal is to consistently offer Northwest policy holders flexible plans that provide the broadest coverage available at affordable, competitive rates. Another important benefit we offer is the convenience of complete practice protection through NORDIC’s Business Owners Policy.

Outstanding benefits and competitive rates are just two reasons for NORDIC’s success. Another is NORDIC’s excellent reputation for superior service, which is reflected throughout the company. NORDIC is large enough to offer comprehensive protection, but small enough to provide personal attention.

A new chapter in NORDIC's history is being written.  On January 1, 2010 the Idaho State Dental Association (ISDA) began endorsing NORDIC.  The ISDA has taken note of NORDIC's success in Washington and they believe the same thing is possible in Idaho.