Protecting Your Dental Practice:
How to Spot and Avoid Common Scams
As the owner of a dental practice, you are responsible for far more than patient care. You are managing sensitive patient data, navigating complex regulations, and running a small business—all of which make your practice a prime target for scammers.
At Oberman Law Firm, we have seen a rise in sophisticated scams targeting dental professionals, often leading to financial loss, reputational damage, and regulatory headaches. Below, we outline the most common scams affecting dental practice owners and offer proactive steps to protect your practice.
License-Related Scams
The Scam:
Dental professionals receive official-looking notices—often via email, phone, or mail—claiming there's an issue with their dental license (e.g., it's about to be suspended or revoked). These notices may demand immediate payment or personal information to “resolve” the issue.
Red Flags:
- Threatening tone with urgent deadlines
- Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or prepaid debit cards
- Caller ID spoofing official regulatory boards
How to Protect Yourself:
- Contact your state dental board directly using verified contact information.
- Never provide payment or personal details in response to unsolicited messages.
- Know that licensing boards do not demand immediate payment over the phone.
Phishing Emails
The Scam:
Hackers pose as vendors, insurance companies, or even internal staff to trick dental practices into clicking malicious links or providing login credentials.
Red Flags:
- Unexpected emails requesting login credentials or sensitive documents
- Poor grammar or subtle misspellings in email addresses (e.g., "dentallab.com" vs. "dentallabb.com")
- Hyperlinks that don’t match the sender's domain
How to Protect Yourself:
- Train your staff to recognize phishing attempts.
- Hover over links before clicking to verify their destination.
- Use a secure, encrypted email platform for sharing sensitive information.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts.
Malware and Ransomware Attacks
The Scam:
Malware embedded in email attachments or unsecured websites can lock your systems, steal patient data, or demand a ransom to restore access.
Red Flags:
- Sudden loss of access to files or systems
- A popup demanding payment in cryptocurrency
- Unusual slowdowns or system crashes
How to Protect Yourself:
- Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software.
- Backup patient data regularly on secure, offsite servers.
- Keep all software (including dental practice management systems) up to date.
- Work with IT professionals familiar with healthcare compliance (HIPAA).
Credentialing Fraud
The Scam:
A fraudulent company claims to offer credentialing or re-credentialing services with pay-to-play schemes or requests for sensitive information.
Red Flags:
- Promises of “fast-tracked” credentialing
- Requests for payment upfront with limited documentation
- Poorly designed websites with limited contact information
How to Protect Yourself:
- Work with verified credentialing companies recommended by trusted dental associations.
- Confirm credentialing requirements directly with insurers.
- Never provide your NPI, license number, or Social Security number without confirming the legitimacy of the requester.
Fake Debt Collection Scams
The Scam:
A caller or email claims you owe money for medical supplies, past insurance claims, or other vendor-related debts. They demand immediate payment to avoid legal action.
Red Flags:
- Aggressive threats of lawsuits or license suspension
- No supporting documentation for the alleged debt
- Refusal to provide written verification of the debt
How to Protect Yourself:
- Request written validation of any debt claim.
- Check with your accountant or office manager before responding to payment demands.
- Report suspicious debt collectors to the FTC and your state attorney general.
General Best Practices for Protecting Your Practice
- Educate Your Team: Regularly train staff on scam awareness, especially phishing and suspicious calls.
- Secure Your Network: Use firewalls, VPNs, and strong password protocols.
- Audit Your Vendors: Vet any third-party vendors handling billing, credentialing, or IT services.
- Document Communications: Keep a log of suspicious emails or calls, including screenshots or recordings.
- Consult Your Legal Team: Before responding to any suspicious request, consult with your legal counsel—especially if it involves license status, insurance contracts, or financial demands.
Final Thoughts
Running a dental practice in today’s digital and regulatory environment demands more vigilance than ever. By staying alert and proactive, you can avoid the traps set by scammers and protect your business, your staff, and your patients.
At Oberman Law Firm, we specialize in helping dental professionals navigate legal risks, including those related to fraud and cyber threats. If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam—or want to strengthen your practice’s legal and data protection policies—contact our Dental Law Division today.