Significant data breach and cyber security incidents in dentistry do happen. In one 2020 breach, the protected personal and health information of over 1 million patients was accessed. Dental Care Alliance had to mail notices to all the patients whose records were breached in the intrusion. Practices in Michigan were among the 330-plus offices affected nationwide. In late 2019, a ransomware attack on a Colorado IT company brought about 100 dental practices in four states to a halt.
Take cyber security seriously. In addition to protecting patient data through internal controls, a practice owner should have a cyber liability policy in place to protect the practice if a data breach incident occurs. The Beazley Breach Response program is offered by MDA Insurance. This cyber liability policy also provides extensive risk management assistance to help prevent losses, as well as coverage for consumer notification obligations, credit monitoring services and the cost to hire a forensic expert to determine the cause of a particular security breach. This insurance costs about $500 per year, per dentist.
To learn more about the Beazley Breach Response cyber liability policy, contact Melanie Adler at 800-860-2272, ext. 464, or email madler@mdaifg.com.