EP 157 The One Mistake That Could Wipe Out Your Dental Practice Overnight

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Did you know a single ransomware attack can cost a dental office six figures or shut it down entirely?

A small dental practice is an ideal target for a cyberattack easy to overlook, often underprotected, and rich with valuable patient data. Teresa Pichay (returning guest!) and Katie Fox from the California Dental Association joined me for a scary session. They shared how hackers use phishing emails, malware, and AI-powered scams to break into dental systems, steal information, and demand high ransoms. Many in dentistry assume they’re too small to attract hackers, but that very assumption makes them more vulnerable to hacking attempts. Personal devices, outdated software, and unsecured networks create easy entry points.

Even if the breach occurs through a third-party vendor, the dental office is still held responsible. Without strong cybersecurity protocols, HIPAA compliance, and safeguards in place, practices risk data exposure on the dark web or deep web, legal trouble, and costly service disruptions. Cyber liability insurance can help but prevention through secured systems, trained staff, and regular risk assessments is the only reliable defense in an AI-driven threat landscape.

Resources from the CDA:

Resources from the CDA: 

CDA_2025_Cyber_Safety_Checkup.pdf

CDA_2025_Questions_Software_Vendor.pdf

Want to see the source behind the discussion? Check out the articles below:

Medical and Dental Groups Settle Class Action Data Breach Lawsuits

Aspen Dental reaches $18.7M settlement in data tracking case

Connect with Teresa and Katie 

Email: [email protected] & [email protected] 

Resources at California Dental Association https://www.cda.org/

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