The Dental Group of Amarillo (DGA), a prominent dental services provider in Texas, has announced a significant data breach that compromised sensitive consumer information. The breach, which took place between October 3 and October 19, 2023, involved unauthorized access to DGA’s computer network, exposing personal data such as names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, and health information. The breach was detected on October 26, 2023, prompting DGA to launch an internal investigation and collaborate with external cybersecurity experts to evaluate the extent of the intrusion.
Upon confirming unauthorized access to files containing confidential patient information, DGA swiftly initiated a review of the compromised files to identify affected individuals. On January 9, 2024, the breach was officially confirmed, and DGA began the process of notifying those impacted. Data breach notification letters were sent out on May 9, 2024, informing affected individuals about the specific data compromised and advising them to take necessary precautions to protect against identity theft and fraud.
The Dental Group of Amarillo has emphasized the importance of affected individuals carefully reviewing the notification letters and seeking guidance from a data breach lawyer to understand their legal options and safeguard their personal information. The company has expressed deep regret over the incident and is committed to enhancing its cybersecurity measures to prevent future breaches.
DGA is renowned for its comprehensive dental and cosmetic services, including orthodontics, teeth whitening, and dental sealants, operating six locations in and around Amarillo, Texas. With an annual revenue of approximately $6 million and a dedicated team of over 34 employees, DGA plays a crucial role in meeting the community’s dental needs. This incident underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity practices in protecting sensitive patient information.
