Feb 11, 2025
ADA ‘generally supports’ Dietary Guidelines science report
The ADA generally supported a scientific report that will be used to update federal dietary guidelines.
Feb 11, 2025
The ADA generally supported a scientific report that will be used to update federal dietary guidelines.
Feb 10, 2025
The ADA Standards Program will hold multiple meetings March 10-12 in New York City to discuss dental standards on a variety of topics.
Feb 10, 2025
The Partnership for Medicaid is calling on Congress to reject cuts to Medicaid during the budget reconciliation process.
Feb 9, 2025
Here are five facts you may not know about the American Association of Endodontists from its president, Natasha M. Flake, D.D.S., Ph.D.
Feb 7, 2025
The ADA announced Feb. 8 that Raymond A. Cohlmia, D.D.S., has resigned from his position as executive director, effective immediately.
Feb 7, 2025
Give Kids A Smile, the ADA Foundation's annual access to care program, kicked off with a national celebration in Nashville, Tennessee.
Feb 7, 2025
The ADA Foundation’s Give Kids A Smile program kicks off Feb. 7 at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry.
Feb 6, 2025
The ADA Foundation’s Give Kids A Smile program kicks off Feb. 7 at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry.
Feb 6, 2025
Give Kids A Smile, the ADA Foundation's annual access to care program, kicked off with a national celebration in Nashville, Tennessee.
Feb 6, 2025
ADA News spoke with several experts about the rising popularity of these current dental trends.
Feb 6, 2025
After nearly 18 months of advocacy efforts, dental licensure applications in Oregon will no longer include stigmatizing questions.
Feb 6, 2025
This ADA News series shares fun facts about U.S. dental schools.
Feb 5, 2025
The ADA is outlining its priorities on small business tax policy, providing input on policies it said would affect oral health.
Feb 5, 2025
The Washington State Dental Association is campaigning for dental insurance reform.
Feb 4, 2025
Seven scholarships are available for a teacher training program for dental educators and private practitioners interested in academics.
Feb 4, 2025
Existing engineering controls that reduce inhalational exposures during dental procedures might be inadequate.
Feb 2, 2025
The growing use of AI in dentistry has led to an increased need for guidance to ensure the technology is used responsibly.
Feb 2, 2025
Vincent U. Rapini Jr., D.D.S., served as vice president from 2019 to 2021.
Jan 29, 2025
Prior to RFK Jr. appearing before the Senate during his confirmation hearing, the ADA sent a letter to lawmakers outlining its priorities.
Jan 29, 2025
Several high-profile events in recent months raised questions about the safety and effectiveness of community water fluoridation.
Over the past two years of practice disruption due to the pandemic, dentists have become attuned to navigating new challenges and balancing complex risks. However, there are some issues that blindside even the most seasoned practice owners. Imagine coming in ready to start the day, booting up your computer to check the schedule and then … nothing. There’s just a blank screen, or worse yet, a message stating that your system has been locked and a demand for a payment to gain access. When a ransomware attack hits, your practice comes to a screeching halt. A compromised system can mean no access to schedules, billing or patient records.
Cybercriminals have been leveraging practice disruptions to launch ransomware attacks in skyrocketing numbers. Dentists must proactively protect their practice systems, be prepared for the eventuality of receiving a demand and follow sound steps to recover from an attack.
In just one case handled by The Dentists Insurance Company, the total costs to conduct a forensic IT investigation, get systems back online and cover lost business neared $100,000. When the dentist could not access his files, it soon became clear that the system had been hacked and the practice was a victim of ransomware. As patient data was stored in the cloud, the dentist didn’t believe that there had been a data breach but was still paralyzed from doing business because his systems and files were locked.
By the time a forensic IT firm was engaged to regain access to the system, get it back up and running again and unlock the data, the dentist had already paid a $25,000 ransom demand. The insurance claim reflected more than $70,000 in costs due to the amount of time the practice operations were down plus the expertise needed to investigate and reconcile the records and data.
In cases like this, recovering data and reimbursement for the associated financial loss is crucial to practice sustainability. But the investigation into how the system was accessed can be priceless in helping to support and train the practice team in mitigating future crises. In today’s high-risk climate, everyone on the team should understand the potential implications of clicking on an attachment from an untrusted source or opening a malicious email.
Prevention
The dedicated analysts who answer The Dentists Insurance Company’s Risk Management Advice Line field calls from association members across the 15 states TDIC serves, helping them to navigate practice challenges — everything from patient care to documentation to employment to property. These experts have also developed tools that TDIC policyholders can access at any time by logging into their accounts online through the company’s newly enhanced website.
Resources to support cyber incident prevention include:
These tools, in addition to guidance from your IT professional, can help you train your staff on recognizing and mitigating cyber risks.
Protection
A proactive approach also means having the right type and amount of insurance coverage in place. To keep pace with today’s evolving risks, owners — regardless of practice size — need insurance that goes beyond data breach. Look for a policy that is built to help you respond to and recover from a broad range of cyber incidents.
TDIC Business Owner’s policyholders can apply to add Cyber Suite Liability coverage at any time. If you don’t yet have cyber insurance or are unsure about your coverage, request a free policy review to compare your options and determine the solution that best fits your practice needs. Don’t wait until a ransomware attack to realize what your policy does or doesn’t cover.
Response
With ransomware attacks on the rise, even well-prepared and well-protected practices will still be targeted. If you do experience an incident, it can be difficult to maintain the presence of mind to respond in a way that mitigates further risk.
While every incident is different, these six steps are sound guidance to support you:
Following a response plan and sharing accurate information with your insurer are both crucial to your recovery and initiating the claim process. Know that you’re not alone when faced with a cyberattack or ransomware demand. TDIC recognizes the stress and disruption that is created when these cyber events occur and has created resources to assist with implementing a proactive approach for your practice. Stay informed of cybercrime trends and reach out to the experts at your professional insurance company for guidance on setting up prevention plans to lessen the risks of future incidents.