When we think about healthcare, we want our patients to know the importance of preventive medicine. We don't want to see them with a mouthful of disease before coming in to us. Our practices are built on proactive cleanings and curing diseases before they become problematic. Patients come to us on a regular basis to ensure they are safe and healthy.

We can think about cybersecurity the same way. We proactively put in place measures to ensure that we are prepared if we accidentally click on anything. And we certainly try to prevent anything from taking root with staff training and the right tools. Now however we are starting to shift, from lying in wait for something to strike, to proactively preparing our systems. What are we doing right, and what can we do better?

A risk assessment is a great way to start on this proactive cybersecurity journey. But it’s not a one and done. We must continue to ensure we are staying on top of things. Regular risk assessments, spot checks or cyber readiness exercises can continue to protect your business.  There are several options out there now for integrating these assessments into your everyday processes, and as part of HIPAA, these need to happen at least on an annual basis. We must remember that cybersecurity is a journey, not a destination.

Your job as a dentist is to always provide the best possible service and solutions to your patients. You must continue to keep up to date. Think of all of the innovation over the last 1 to 5 years! Our cybersecurity and technology needs evolve too. What worked a year ago, has changed, and will change again tomorrow. It's both exciting and daunting! Let us help you explore where you are on your cybersecurity journey. A single risk assessment will reveal how safe you are today. But remember, innovation happens in cybersecurity just as it does in dentistry.