Scams Abound since CrowdStrike Outage Crashed the Web - Don't Become a Victim

 

Unless you've been 'Rip Vanwikiling' away your time since last Thursday of so, you've most likely heard about the disaster that was brought about by an update from CrowdStrike that paralyzed certain parts of the tech landscape.

CrowdStrike is a security vendor that many companies running Windows computers count on.  The company helps protect its clients from malicious actors, usually through a product called Falcon.   Unfortunately, when the company pushed out an update to clients on Friday, there was a bug in the code which was unknown when the update deployed.  The result was that 1.8% of computers running Windows then crashed with the result being the feared 'Blue Screen of Death' which meant the computers wouldn't reboot.  At this point in time, it's my understanding that the only way to fix the problem is to boot the affected machine into Safe Mode and then remove the update manually by finding the file, clicking on it, and then deleting it.  Considering how many computers were affected, you know that the recovery process is going to be slow.

The problem caused all kinds of havoc.  The most noted was probably the effect it had on the travel industry.  Suddenly many airlines were unable to access their systems and the result was flights cancelled and travelers stranded... all over the place, with Delta Airlines being the worst affected.  I was actually flying home to KC on Saturday from a lecture in Tennessee and I consider myself lucky to have made it to my destination.  That day of my life is worth a blog post all on its own, but I'll save the you boring details for some other time.  I happened to be flying American Airlines for that trip.  They suffered some problems but nearly as severe as others.

Now, let's add to all of those troubles the fact that the moment the crash made headlines, into the void stepped the scammers.  Why criminals always jump into these moments to make a quick buck is beyond my comprehension, but you can pretty much count on that happening.  Recently Russia struck a children's hospital in Ukraine with a missile  and within hours, there were fake websites asking for donations to help those affected.  You can always count on the lowest level of humanity to try and take advantage of things.

Following that thread, there are now plenty of scammers attempting to profit from the CrowdStrike debacle.  According to Wired (which is one of my favorite publications) there has been a massive effort to create “CrowdStrike Support” scams targeting the company's customers and anyone who might be impacted by the chaos."  Please be aware of these types of websites, phone calls, etc and don't become a victim.  The impact of this disaster continues to be felt and I certainly don't want any of you nice enough to read my ramblings on a regular basis to end up losing your hard earned cash on something like that.

Wired has a great article on this that I feel is worth the 3-5 minutes it takes to read it.  Stay safe & keep your money safe too!

FTI Consulting Appoints Renowned Cybersecurity Communications Expert Brett Callow to Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Communications Practice

 

It's always a great feeling to see your friends succeed.  Today I get to tell you all about the great success achieved by my friend Brett Callow.  Our friendship is one of those great 'Internet stories'.  About 15 (or maybe longer) years ago, Brett was working for a auxiliary hard drive company that was exploring getting into the healthcare market.  He reached out to me to see about having me test some equipment.  That interaction lead to a long term friendship.  Brett moved on to security company Emsisoft where he became a threat analyst and spokesperson for the firm. He quickly became a well known expert and go-to guy for his perspectives on the data privacy and cybersecurity side of technology.

He's been interviewed by the New York Times and Wired magazine among many, many others.  He's also been quoted in several best selling books including Tracers in the Dark by Andy Greenberg (a book I highly recommend).

Throughout all of his fame and success Brett has continued to be humble and a truly 'good guy'.  He was even gracious enough to write an article for Dental Products Report about cybersecurity back in 2022.

He's now moved on to FTI Consulting to start his next career adventure.  Here's the press release about this new endeavor:

Callow to Serve as Managing Director, Bolstering FTI Consulting’s Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Communications Practice Globally

FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN) today announced the appointment of Brett Callow as a Managing Director in the Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Communications practice within its Strategic Communications segment.

Mr. Callow, who is based in Vancouver, will focus on providing cybersecurity and data privacy communications counsel to C-suites and boards, general counsel, information security and communications executives at U.S.-based and international organizations. Leveraging his extensive expertise, he will help clients effectively communicate through critical moments of crisis, navigate and manage the rapidly evolving policy, regulatory and media landscape and stakeholder relationships around cybersecurity and data privacy, proactively shape narratives, and protect and enhance their corporate reputation.

“We are thrilled to add Brett to our growing Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Communications global team and are excited about the unique perspective he will bring to our clients as we help them to navigate complex cybersecurity matters,” said Meredith Griffanti, Global Head of Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Communications for the Strategic Communications segment at FTI Consulting. “From crisis and incident response situations, to public policy and public affairs challenges, to cyber resilience and preparedness efforts, Brett’s reputation in our industry precedes him. His familiarity with the cybersecurity industry, media, policy makers and data privacy influencers is unmatched, and we look forward to tapping into that skillset to bolster our client capabilities and to expand our market presence and recognition as the leading global cybersecurity communications team.”

Prior to joining FTI Consulting, Mr. Callow served as a threat analyst and spokesperson for the cybersecurity firm Emsisoft, which is a partner in Europol’s No More Ransom project. He has been involved in some of the most high-profile ransomware incidents and has participated in panels and policy-related discussions for bodies including the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Aspen Institute, and served on the advisory board of the Royal United Services Institute’s Ransomware Harms project. His research has been cited in the U.S. Economic Report of the President, by the World Economic Forum, the European Commission for Economic Policy and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, among others.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Callow said, “I am excited to be joining FTI Consulting’s exceptional cybersecurity communications team and look forward to being able to support clients navigate their toughest challenges.”

FTI Consulting’s Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Communications team has grown in response to the increased demand from clients facing cybersecurity crises and high-pressure data privacy challenges. In effort to expand its cybersecurity crisis communications and preparedness capabilities, the team announced dedicated expertise in key markets around the world, including Senior Director Orla Cox in EMEA and Director Eli Serota in Singapore. In addition, leveraging its integrated strategic communications expertise, the team has developed “Secure Your Seat,” a unique board readiness and communications training program specifically for chief information security officers and senior information security leaders.

About FTI Consulting

FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations manage change, mitigate risk and resolve disputes: financial, legal, operational, political & regulatory, reputational and transactional. With more than 8,000 employees located in 33 countries and territories, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges and make the most of opportunities. In certain jurisdictions, FTI Consulting’s services are provided through distinct legal entities that are separately capitalized and independently managed. The Company generated $3.49 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2023. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.

SICAT and Vatech America Create A Powerful Alliance for Streamlined Dental Workflows

 

              Image courtesy of Vatech                                       

The proliferation of tech in both society and especially in dentistry progresses at an astounding pace.  Often a revolutionary shift happens, something new is developed, and the immediate reflex in the industry is to copy or replicate whatever it is.  With that in mind, I love to see collaboration.  Rather than replicate and compete, I feel it's often better to take two originals and put them together.  The result is frequently that sum is stronger than the individual parts.  That''s why today I'm enthusiastic about the collaboration between SICAT and Vatech.

The dental industry is constantly evolving, with advancements in technology leading to more precise and efficient treatment methods. A recent collaboration between SICAT and Vatech America promises to be a provide so great benefits for dental professionals.

Leaders Unite: SICAT's Software Meets Vatech's Hardware

SICAT, a leading software company renowned for its user-friendly implant planning and surgical guide applications (SICAT Suite), has joined forces with Vatech America, a prominent innovator in dental equipment, particularly 3D CBCT imaging systems. This strategic partnership integrates SICAT's powerful software suite directly with Vatech's Ez3D-i™ 3D imaging software.

This integration offers significant advantages for dentists:

• Streamlined Workflow: Having SICAT Suite readily accessible within the familiar Ez3D-i™ environment eliminates the need to switch between separate software programs. This translates to a more efficient workflow, saving valuable time during treatment planning.  No one likes multiple clicks to get a task accomplished.  By integrating directly into the Vatech systems, this makes things much more simple.
• Enhanced Treatment Planning: The seamless integration allows for a more precise and predictable implant planning process. Dentists can leverage SICAT's advanced features, including Implant, Endo, and Airway modules, directly within the 3D imaging data from Vatech's CBCT scans.
• Precision Surgical Guides: SICAT's software allows for the creation of highly accurate surgical guides directly from the CBCT data. This translates to a more minimally invasive and predictable surgical experience for both the dentist and the patient.  Guided surgery makes implant surgery more predictable and easier to perform
• Improved Patient Care: Ultimately, this powerful combination of software and hardware empowers dentists to provide their patients with exceptional care. The streamlined workflow and enhanced treatment planning capabilities can lead to more better outcomes and potentially shorter treatment times.

A Look Ahead: The Future of Dental Technology

The partnership between SICAT and Vatech America represents a significant step forward in dental technology. By combining their expertise in software and hardware, they are paving the way for a more efficient, predictable, and patient-centered dental experience. As both companies continue to innovate, we can expect even more exciting advancements in the future.

Personally, I love the fact that two companies that make good products have joined forces to create a better outcome for patients.  We are starting to accumulate massive amounts of data as the profession moves to totally digital workflows and having powerful options that work well together are better for everyone involved.

Be Eco-Friendly and Get Rewarded with Hu-Friedy's Environdent Program!

 We all want to help the environment.  That's one of the reasons I'm happy to announce that the HuFriedy Envirodent™ has returned.  The program was paused for a while, but I'm excited to tell you that... it's back!

Looking for a way to declutter your dental instruments and help the environment at the same time? Look no further than Hu-Friedy's Environdent program! This free program allows you to recycle your old scalers, ultrasonic inserts, and surgical instruments, regardless of the brand.

Recycle and Reap the Rewards:

Not only are you doing your part for the environment by keeping dental instruments out of landfills, but you're also rewarded for your participation! Here's how it works:

• Recycle 12 instruments and get 1 FREE Hu-Friedy instrument of your choice!

• Recycle throughout the year – up to 60 instruments and receive up to 5 free instruments!

• Choose from a variety of instruments, including popular scaler designs.

• Enjoy exclusive promotions throughout the year as a participating member.

Easy to Participate:

The Environdent program is simple and convenient. Just visit the Hu-Friedy website or contact their customer service representatives to learn more and request a prepaid shipping label. Box up your old instruments and send them in – it's that easy!

Sustainable Dentistry:

By participating in Hu-Friedy's Environdent program, you're contributing to a more sustainable dental practice. You're reducing waste, conserving resources, and ensuring proper disposal of dental instruments.

Ready to get started? Head over to the Hu-Friedy website or contact them today to learn more about Environdent and be a part of a greener dentistry!

To learn more about the program, follow this link.  

New National Poll Shows Overwhelming Bipartisan Support for Medicare Dental Coverage

 

Here's some pretty interesting info I received from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®.  Access to care is always a hot topic, no matter what healthcare discipline you happen to discuss.  It's unfortunate truth that no matter how good our healthcare system gets, there will always be unfortunate individuals that will struggle to pay for that care.  Many of those folks are forced to simply do without.  This leads to a loss of quality of life.  It would be great to solve that problem or, at a minimum, at least try to reduce that problem as much as possible.  With that in mind, I was excited to see the following information:

9 in 10 Voters Favor Adding Dental Coverage to Medicare; Survey also Finds Broad Support for Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits and Better Coverage for Veterans


July 16, 2024 (Boston, MA) – A new national poll shows that the vast majority of voters across the political spectrum favor adding dental coverage to Medicare. The results of the poll, commissioned by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® and the Oral Health Progress and Equity Network (OPEN), show that more than 9 in 10 national voters (92%) support adding a dental benefit to Medicare.

 “These poll results show that people all across our nation understand just how important oral health is to overall health,” said Melissa Burroughs, director of public policy at CareQuest Institute. “No one in this country should have to choose between getting the care they need and putting food on the table. As candidates consider their health care platforms this year, the informed ones will make Medicare dental coverage a top priority.”

Half of all Medicare enrollees don’t have dental coverage, meaning nearly 24 million older Americans lack access to this essential form of health care. Approximately the same number of Medicare enrollees haven’t visited a dentist in 12 months, which has profound implications for the health and well-being of older adults.

The poll revealed that 85% of respondents who voted for Trump in both 2016 and 2020 and 99% of those who voted for the Democrat candidate in those two elections would like to see a dental benefit added to Medicare. When ranking health care topics they find “most important,” voters rank adding dental coverage to Medicare just as highly as abortion and even higher than the future of the Affordable Care Act. Dental care also ranked the highest on the list of services that voters would like to see added to Medicaid.

Additionally, separate polling showed broad support for dental coverage in Medicare in key states for the 2024 presidential election: in Michigan, 91% of voters support it; in Ohio, 92%; and in Pennsylvania, 93%. 

The poll also revealed that 91% of voters want expanded coverage to include dental services for veterans. Additionally, 74% of voters support adding adult dental benefits to Medicaid at the state or federal level.  

The national polling was conducted by Marketing for Change Co. from May 29 – June 4, 2024, using a representative sample of 1,000 registered voters nationwide from the YouGov online panel. The margin of error is +/- 3.1%. Marketing for Change also conducted separate polling in Michigan (n=765), Ohio (n=761) and Pennsylvania (n=760) using the Centiment online panel between May 30 and June 13. The margin of error for those surveys was between +/- 3.54% and +/-3.55%.

About CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®      

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® is a national nonprofit championing a more equitable future where every person can reach their full potential through excellent health. We do this through our work in philanthropy, analytics and data insights, health transformation, policy and advocacy, and education as well as our leadership in dental benefits and innovation advancements. We collaborate with thought leaders, health care providers, patients, and local, state, and federal stakeholders, to accelerate oral health care transformation and create a system designed for everyone. To learn more, visit carequest.org and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. 

 About the Oral Health Progress and Equity Network (OPEN) 

OPEN, an initiative of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, is a diverse network of individuals and entities who are taking on America’s oral health challenges so that everyone has a chance to thrive. OPEN members use their unique experiences, knowledge, and skills to lead network activities every year, creating collective energy that is driving large-scale change.  

Heading to Pigeon Forge, TN this Friday & Saturday!

 

This Friday & Saturday (July 19-20) I'll be in Pigeon Forge, TN with two of my very best friends.  Dr. Marty Jablow, Dr. Paul Feuerstein, and I are heading to Tennessee to do a 1 1/2 day lecture on tech advancements in dentistry.

Over the years, the 3 of us have done a lot of these events.  It all started back in Montreal in the early 2000s where we were just hanging out together.  I happened to say, "You know, I'll bet if you put the three of us together in a room, there probably isn't a dental tech question that one of us couldn't answer."  From that little spark of inspiration grew the concept of 3 lecturers all working together to bring info to the profession.  The really funny part of that is that I don't think we've ever gotten a question that one of us couldn't answer.

Doing presentations is actually hard work, both for the speaker *and* the attendees.  Listening to one single person for a day or two can be tough on the audience.  It's easy to let you mind drift after listening to the same voice for an extended period of time.  The great part about three people is there is constant variety.  Different voices, different styles, different topics, different information.  We've found that audiences really enjoy it.

The three of us don't always agree, plus we are NOT above interrupting each other... or occasionally harassing each other.  It's always a good time.

So if you happen to be a dentist in the area who follows this blog, try and make the event.  We'd love to see you there and meet you.  Or if you're interested in having "The Three Amigos" put on event for your study club, drop a comment here and I'll see what we can do to make that happen.  We're always happy for an excuse to get together and if we can help educate our peers, those good times are even better!

Nominations are now Open for the 2024 MouthWatch TeleDentistry Innovation Awards

Dental professionals and business leaders invited to nominate teledentistry and virtual dental care pioneers for recognition at the 7th annual “Tellie” Awards in NYC

MouthWatch, LLC, a leader in developing digital technology solutions that drive success for dental professionals, improve oral health care, and enhance the overall patient experience, has opened nominations for its 7th annual Teledentistry Innovation Awards.  These unique awards, known as “The Tellies,” recognize a broad spectrum of individuals, programs, and organizations, utilizing teledentistry and virtual dental care applications to expand access to care, improve oral health and ultimately enhance overall health and well-being. 

“Tellie award winners have mastered the use of teledentistry to improve oral health,” said Brant Herman, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, MouthWatch and Dentistry, One. “We look forward to honoring these dental pioneers for their innovative role in driving the future of virtual care and the success of the teledentistry programs they have implemented to enhance patient engagement and expand reach into the communities they serve.”

The five Tellie nomination categories represent a wide variety of teledentistry applications:  

• Dentists & Specialists using teledentistry/virtual care in ways that have improved patient journeys and/or clinical workflows.
• Hygienists implementing teledentistry to expand access to care and improve patient care in any setting, public or private.
• Oral Health Programs, including organizations, public health programs, DSOs and other care delivery settings that use teledentistry/virtual care to transform and enhance clinical care and the patient experience.
• Educational Institutions, such as dental/hygiene schools, universities and other education settings that integrate teledentistry into the curriculum or services they provide.
• Industry Innovators, including any person or organization innovating in the dental space where teledentistry/virtual care plays a key role.

2024 Tellie Award winners will each receive: 

• A cash grant of $1,000.00.
• An invitation to be honored at the 2024 Tellie Awards ceremony event in New York City.
• Recognition of their business, practice, or program in a nationally distributed press release, social media posts, and as a special feature story for publication.

“Every year the Tellie Awards become more exciting as the nominations reflect technology advances and the application of teledentistry for improved access to care and patient outcomes becomes more sophisticated – including use of teledentistry to digitally bridge dental and medical care,” added Herman. 

Nominations are open until October 1, 2024. Self-nominations are welcome and can be submitted on The Tellie Award website, teledentistryinnovationawards.com. Tellie Award winners will be announced during the 2024 Greater New York Dental Meeting taking place November 29 - December 4, 2024. The location and time of the invitation-only Tellie Awards event will be announced separately. Learn about previous Tellie Awards winners here.

About MouthWatch, LLC 

MouthWatch, LLC, is a leader in developing digital technology solutions that drive success for dental professionals, improve oral health care, and enhance the overall patient experience.

Headquartered in Metuchen, New Jersey, MouthWatch is widely known for its intraoral cameras that help engage patients in treatment planning through high-quality, affordable imaging technology, and its TeleDent teledentistry software that provides practices and organizations with a teledentistry option to engage patients with providers remotely.  

MouthWatch recently launched Dentistry.One, a virtual-first dental care network that addresses the expectations of today’s modern healthcare consumers, the need for greater efficiency in healthcare, and the proven connection between good oral health and total health. Dentistry.One features dental consultations available anytime, from anywhere, personalized care coordination, and oral health coaching for prioritizing oral health. 

MouthWatch hardware and software is in use at over 42,000 practices, over 30 leading Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), and over 100 dental schools. The company has been recognized three times in the Inc. 5000.

For more information, visit mouthwatch.com. or dentistry.one.

HuFriedy Group HVE Mirror Connect

 

I love the concept of 'better mousetraps'.  The ideas that come from improving an existing situation are frequently amazing.  In fact, I recently wrote an article in Dental Products Report about the AdDent company and their outside the box products and ideas.  

However, today's post is from one of the most well known and quality focused instrument companies in the industry.  HuFriedy Group has pretty much become synonymous with high quality hand instruments (among other things).  As most people in the profession know, the company makes incredible products for both doctors and hygienists.  Today's post is about a handy little gadget that can make a hygienist's life a lot easier.

It's called the HVE Mirror Connect.  The idea is a good one, in my opinion.  It allows the hygienist to connect the HVE line to a dental mirror.  This means that you can get vision, retraction, *and* suction all from one device.

It integrates with the #5 double-sided mouth mirrors that HuFriedy sells.  We love those double-sided mirrors and use them almost exclusively in our hygiene department.

I haven't had a chance to use this device... yet.  I've put in a request to the company and I'm hoping to get some samples to try.   My plan is to get them into the hands of our hygiene team to get their opinions and I would like to try it myself.  Obviously once I get a chance to test, I'll post on my clinical experience here.

The only question I have on this is regarding the weight and pull of the HVE hose.  That, of course, is going to depend on the length of the hose and its flexibility.  However, that could be overcome by keeping the hose in the hanger on the unit and only getting enough length to work.  I'm sure you could also figure out a way to deal with that buy using some type of support like 3M Command Hook or something similar.

HuFriedy is offering a free sample of the HVE Mirror Connect, so if you are interested, here is the link to the sample request page.

Orascoptic 5.0X Ergo Magnification Brings High Mag to Declination

 

In the last few years dentistry has seen several companies bring a new type of magnification design to market.  These scopes (loupes) are different than the traditional style of "straight" telescopes.  This new style has been call 'declination' scopes as the magnification system 'declines' or has a bend in the telescope.  As you can see in the image above, the scopes point down toward the patient.

The idea behind them is that because the magnification points down, it allows the operator to sit more upright.  The profession has a well documented history of neck and back injury due to the clinical posture of the operator.

Before I started using magnification in the late 1990s, I was often twisted up like a pretzel as I tried to get adequate vision of the operative field.  Once I started using mag, I found my posture improved dramatically.  In basic terms, because the system had a fixed focal length, I needed to stay in better posture to keep things in focus.  There was a very brief learning curve, but once I adapted my job actually became noticeably easier.

The concept behind 'declination' scopes is that they can get the operator to sit even *more* upright than using standard straight telescopes.  The one thing that has been lacking, to my knowledge, has been high magnification.  The declination models that I have seen up to this point have been in the 2.5-3.5x range.  Now, Orascoptic has announced the HDL Ergo 5.0x which brings 5.0x to the line.  I do most of my dentistry at 5.0-5.5x (and occasionally 6.0x) so I felt that this was something the profession needed.

I have not personally worked with this level of magnification in a declination set up, but I have experience with 3.5x.  My experience found that after so long with straight scopes there was a learning curve for me as I got up to speed.  As I usually do with new things, I worked on the bench with them for a bit.  I tinkered with Dentaforms and learned where my hands were in relation to the field of view.  I didn't think the learning curve was too steep.  After about an hour I tried them on a simple one surface restoration and didn't have any problems.

For some doctors that are very used to straight scopes, there may not be a tremendous reason to switch to declination scopes, but many people are now starting with this design in school and have never known any other way.  Up until now, my only concern has been that declination scopes have only been available in lower magnification levels.  That problem is now a thing of the past.

For those younger doctors who have only used declination setups and anyone experiencing neck or back problems, this should be something on your radar.  It might be the solution you are looking for.

If you would like more information on the HDL Ergo 5.0x follow this link.  

Planet DDS Invests in Emerging Dental Groups with New Launchpad Program

 

The industry-first Launchpad Program will help growing dental and orthodontic groups scale by democratizing access to cutting-edge cloud solutions

Planet DDS, a leading provider of cloud-based dental practice management solutions, is announcing the release of its new Launchpad Program, a first of its kind in the dental industry. Designed to support emerging dental and orthodontic groups, this initiative will democratize access to the suite of cloud solutions offered by Planet DDS – Denticon, Cloud 9, Apteryx, and Legwork – for practices looking to scale and grow.

Eligible groups will have access to the best-in-class practice management and imaging solution features at 80% savings, plus education and support from a team of growth experts along with other perks that Planet DDS has carefully curated. Some of the advanced features include AI-powered clinical recommendations to improve patient care, booking features to help fill schedules, automated tools to reduce administrative burdens, and helpful features that reduce outstanding accounts receivable.

“The Launchpad Program represents a strategic investment in the future of dentistry," says Eric Giesecke, CEO of Planet DDS. "By supporting the growth of practices, we're enhancing the health of communities at large and helping to drive the industry forward.”

The Launchpad Program is not just about providing dental and orthodontic practice management tools; it's about achieving a long-term vision for excellence in dental care while increasing access to technology that practices can implement early on to drive expansion and profitability.

As a part of this vision, Planet DDS strives to be the DentalOS™ of the entire dental industry by providing a customizable platform that empowers customers to make the best decisions for their growth – the Launchpad Program is just another example of how Planet DDS is creating more opportunities and pathways for its customers to choose how they serve their patients best.

One of the first customers to join the program is Panhandle Pediatric Dentistry, and with five locations in Panama City, the Launchpad Program is poised to help them grow market share and better serve new and existing patients. Lorany Vazquez, Director of Operations of Panhandle Pediatric Dentistry, shared, “We are excited to join the Launchpad Program. The support and advanced tools from Planet DDS will be instrumental in helping us streamline our operations, enhance patient care, and propel our organization to the next level.”

In addition, Pearl AI has joined the program to provide Launchpad Program members with advanced AI-driven radiologic and case presentation capabilities in Apteryx. “Like Planet DDS, we believe that emerging dental groups committed to growth through clinical excellence should be enabled with the most advanced dental technologies available,” said Ophir Tanz, CEO of Pearl AI. “We’re proud to support this novel initiative to help these practices elevate patient care, recruit leading talent, and grow their value.”

Planet DDS is also inviting other industry leaders to participate in the program, including Thinc Forward and Optimize Dental Consulting. These industry leaders will have the opportunity to contribute educational content and their expertise in IT and technology transformation.

By making cutting-edge software more accessible to practices in early stages of growth, this program will foster a collaborative environment that benefits all participants and elevates the industry. The Launchpad Program is available to eligible dental and orthodontic groups with a minimum of two locations and annual revenue between $3M and $25M. They cannot be backed by private equity firms.

To learn more about the Planet DDS Launchpad Program and to sign up, visit Planet DDS Launchpad.

About Planet DDS:

Planet DDS is the leading provider of cloud-enabled dental software solutions, serving over 13,000 practices in the United States and having over 118,000 users. The company delivers a complete platform of solutions for dental practices, including Denticon Practice Management, Apteryx Cloud Imaging, Cloud 9 Ortho Practice Management, and Legwork Practice Marketing. Planet DDS is committed to creating value for its dental practice clients by solving the most urgent challenges facing today’s dental practices nationwide. To learn more, visit: Planet DDS.

Shofu Announces Availability of new Beautibond Xtreme Universal Bonding Agent

 

Shofu BeautiBond Xtreme: A Game Changer for Universal Bonding?

Shofu's BeautiBond Xtreme has taken the dental world by storm, introducing itself as a revolutionary universal bonding agent. This blog post will delve into the features and benefits of BeautiBond Xtreme, exploring why it might be a game changer for dental professionals.

Single-Step Powerhouse:

Traditionally, universal bonding agents require multiple steps, including etching, priming, and bonding. BeautiBond Xtreme simplifies the process by combining these steps into a single application. This not only saves valuable chair time but also reduces the margin for error associated with multi-step procedures.  The enemy of bonding is contamination.  As all dentists know, controlling the field is critical.  If contamination of the field occurs, the results will suffer.  Because of that, the more efficient we can be in delivery of adhesive restorations, the less time there is for contamination to occur.  It's not about money, working faster to earn more, it's about quality... taking less time to ensure a better result.  Recurrent decay and marginal staining are normally the result of contamination.  By working more efficiently, there is less time for contamination to happen.  BeautiBond Xtreme is a truly universal adhesive formulated to offer flexibility with self-etch, selective-etch, or total-etch techniques.

Strength and Reliability:

Despite its streamlined approach, BeautiBond Xtreme boasts exceptional bond strength. The "Quad-Adhesive Technology" promises a strong and reliable bond for both direct and indirect restorations. This makes it suitable for a wide range of procedures, giving dentists peace of mind.  BeautiBond Xtreme’s technology facilitates bonding to enamel, dentin, zirconia, precious metal alloys, composite resins, and glass ceramics.

Minimally Invasive Dentistry:

The adhesive film of BeautiBond Xtreme is incredibly thin, measuring only around 5µm. This minimal invasiveness makes it ideal for situations where preserving tooth structure is a priority. Additionally, the HEMA-free formulation minimizes the risk of postoperative sensitivity, a concern for some patients with traditional bonding agents.

Universal Compatibility:

BeautiBond Xtreme shines in its compatibility. It works seamlessly with all light-, dual-, and self-cured materials, eliminating the need for multiple bonding agents for different procedures. This versatility simplifies dentists' workflows and streamlines inventory management.  There is nothing worse than asking for a component and then finding out you just used the last of that material.

Precision and Esthetics:

The thin film thickness of BeautiBond Xtreme contributes to excellent marginal adaptation, reducing the chance of marginal staining – a common aesthetic concern. This allows for the creation of highly esthetic restorations that blend seamlessly with the surrounding tooth structure.

Overall, Shofu BeautiBond Xtreme presents a compelling case as a significant advancement in universal bonding agents. Its combination of simplified application, strong bond strength, thin film thickness, and universal compatibility makes it a valuable tool for dental professionals seeking efficiency and predictable results.

Availability

BeautiBond Xtreme is currently available through your preferred distributor.   It is available in a 50-unit, 0.1ml unidose set with microbrushes (my personal favorite) (MSRP $169.99), and a 5ml, ergonomic-designed, 1-hand-controlled dispensing bottle (MSRP $164.99).

Off for a Few Days...

 I'm taking some time away from the blog for a little mind refreshing.

Posts will resume Monday July 8th.  Thanks for your understanding & for reading.  I truly appreicate the loyalty you all have shown me over the years!

-John

Bluesky Bio Announces New Photogrammetry Scanner

 

For several years now BlueSky Bio has been a leading force in helping doctors to read, analyze, and create patient solutions with CBCT.  Over the years, I've gotten a chance to know the creators of the company and I feel they are good people doing good things for the profession.

The company first came to market with BlueSky Plan which gave doctors a *free* platform to read CBCT datasets.  They paired this with ability to design things like implant surgical guides and occlusal guards and pay for them on a per case basis.  Many doctors have made BSB their choice due to the free software and quality of their components.

Now the company has announced a photogrammetry scanner to increase clinical efficiency and accuracy.  The science of photogrammetry is basically the extraction of 3D information from a series images and then converting them into 2D or 3D models.  Doctors are finding this is a great adjunct to delivering incredible prosthetic implant results.  The basic process is to screw in specially made scanning abutments which the scanner can then "see" and identify.

The device is called the BlueSkyBio Grammee and is now available for purchase.

There is a ton of info available from BSB on the Grammee and rather than putting that all here, I'll let those of you interested follow this link to the website.  It looks impressive although I have not had any hands on experience with it.

You can also download a pdf brochure from this link.  

Security Thoughts from Aspida Mail

For the past several years now, I've been using Aspida Mail to host my email server.  My reason for that is pretty simple.  Aspida Mail is a top notch provider of email services.  They are lightening fast in delivery, their SPAM filters do a terrific job, and you can easily use them to send encrypted emails that are HIPAA compliant.  Email has become critical to life and it certainly is critical to running a successful dental practice.

I also happen to know the people who run the company and they are top-notch techies as well as the right kind of people.  One of the things I make a strong effort to do is to work with 'good people' and that term certainly applies to the team that runs and supports Aspida Mail.

A few years ago I was looking to move my email service provider and reached out to Aspida Mail since they were on my short list of companies to evaluate.  Over my years of dealing with them, I've even had the opportunity to take a tour of the data center that houses their servers and it was one of the most impressive and techno-cool places I've ever had the chance to visit.

Their services are *highly recommended*.  

Recently the company sent an email out to their customers.  Personally I appreciate these kind of interactions as they help all of us as a reminder to stay vigilant in our security protocols.  In a way, security is similar to dentistry.  It's a very specific area of our world and it's difficult to keep up with all of the changes.  I'm a firm believer is relying on the help of experts and when it comes to security, the people in the trenches that do the job every day are the ones to listen to.

 

Something Smells Phishi(ng) - June 25, 2024

Dear Valued Customer, 

We have noticed an uptick in SPAM/Phishing attempts, so we wanted to reach out with tips on how to practice safe email techniques. Aspida Mail's robust filters will often classify these emails as SPAM and deliver to the Bulk Folder. However, A zero-day attack is an advanced offense that is a "new", not yet reported, email scam. These may pass through the filters before they are reported and classified so it's best to continue to practice caution.

Below is a classic example of a phishing email we received. It happens to all of us! This message is designed to trick the recipient to take quick action and click the link in the email, which could potentially infect their network with malware or ransomware. In this case, the actual sender domain is susan@parichitfashion.com.np and it is clearly unrelated to Sirius XM.

Here are some Tips to keep in mind when reviewing your received emails:

1. First and foremost, you should consider, do you even have this kind of subscription, completed this payment or have any relation to the subject?
2. Then, compare the Sender Display name and the address that is being send from (e.g. Sirius XM and parichitfashion.com.np is an obvious culprit).
3. Finally, do they ask you to log in, transfer a payment or review your account (especially within a quick time window!)? Make sure to call or contact the legitimate company if the email passed the last two checks.

If you ever have any questions or concerns, please contact us. We're here to help!

If you are interested in having Aspida Mail help you, follow this link for more info.

Question & Answer from 3D Webinar held on 6-28

 When I do a webinar I usually build in a lot of content.  My thought process is that if people are gracious enough to listen in, I have an obligation to give them as much content as possible.  That means that I don't normally don't get a lot of time or even any time at all for Q&A.  Due to that, I've recently had the idea of keeping the questions that come up via the chat function and answering them here.

Last Tuesday evening, June 18th, 2024, I did a webinar on the basics of 3D workflow and how that tech can improve your outcomes.  I had a great time.  It's always nice to know that people are wiling to listen to my experiences.  I am really fortunate in that I get the opportunity to work with a lot of amazing tech due to my role at Dental Products Report and then I get to tell my peers about my experiences.

When I do any type of slide presentation, whether it's live or over the Internet, I always make a disclaimer when I start.  That disclaimer is this:

I work with a lot of companies in my role at DPR.  Frequently, but not always companies will provide me products to test or things to evaluate.  Some of those companies have products I like.  Some I don’t like…

I bring that up because almost all of the things I talk about are things that I have hands-on experience with.  If things work, I talk about them.  If things don't perform, I tell the company that had me try it and I do my best to let them know where I found problems.  Frequently that kind of feedback from myself and other clinicians helps to improve products that I can then recommend.  However, I will never tell my audience to use and believe in something that I know doesn't measure up.  I want my audience to know that if I don't use it and believe in it, I won't tell YOU to use it.

Now on to Q&A.  Last night I only had one question show up in the chat.  

Tamer asked:

Do you think we are ready to shift to in office milling, or are there still some downsides to the milling machines as far as aesthetics?

My answer:

I think for speed, efficiency, and quality,  in-office milling is just as good as what comes from a lab.  The mills now on the market create incredibly accurate and aesthetic crowns.  Plus the materials we now have available provide great long term results.  Depending on the situation I currently use VOCO Grandio Blocs, Chairside Zirconia powered by Roland DGShape, and Ambermill Direct powered by Roland DGShape.  All 3 of those materials come out of the mill beautiful and ONLY need to be polished before being delivered.

My one caveat would be on the subject of staining & glazing.  Because the materials we are currently in-office milling are "pre-sintered", this means they can be placed without the need for an oven.  That fact can affect results in the cosmetic zone.  As any dentists knows, the most difficult cosmetic problem we encounter is trying to match a single crown to an existing dentition in the cosmetic zone.  In that instance or if you are going for a custom shading solution, that will require an oven, staining, and glazing.

Now, there ARE ways to overcome that in many instances.  Ambermill Direct Powered by DGShape has an option to use multi shade layered  blocks which can sometimes provide a solution.  My main point here is that there isn't always a perfect solution that will eliminate the need to stain & glaze.

However, I am incredibly happy with the results we are currently getting from in-office milling.  It is definitely a technology that is viable and provides phenomenal results.  The times when an oven is needed are becoming more and more rare.  I think that dental labs will always be needed for certain cases that require the "artist's eye" that only human hands and eyes can deliver.  However, for overall, every day bread & butter restorative solutions, in-office milling has evolved to be a great solution and is definitely something I believe in. 

 

 

Introducing Renamel® OPALITE™ and Renamel® Flowable OPAL™ from COSMEDENT®

 

Advancements are continuing at an incredible pace in the world of composite dentistry.  Here is the latest info on a couple of new materials from Cosmedent.

Renamel® OPALITE™

Renamel® OPALITE™ is a new enamel microfill shade with subtle opalescent effects that brighten the tooth and give it optical depth and vitality. This particular microfill will have a color adaptive effect as well as maintaining the value of your restorations. Use as a final layer on your anterior restorations to emulate a bright natural enamel.

Renamel® Flowable OPAL™

 Renamel® OPAL™ is a flowable translucent microfill with opalescent optical properties that is unique to anything on the market. This material recreates the subtle dichroism found in natural enamel. Due to the transmission of light, when illuminated, opals and enamels will appear at times a delicate orange or blue. Use beneath the final enamel layer to create a natural incisal opalescence that is built into the restoration. 

For information,  contact toll-free at 800-621-6729 or visit www.cosmedent.com. 

Pearl Launches Groundbreaking AI-Powered Dental Insurance Verification

The proliferation of Artificial Intelligence in the dental space continues at an amazing pace.  While most dental professionals are aware of the diagnostic improvements that can be achieved with AI, the technology is making inroads in other aspects as well.   We depend on Pearl's Second Opinion radiographic analysis on a daily basis, but that isn't the only way AI is progressing in the profession.  Companies are working on AI for things such as restoration design, implant placement, and a myriad of other uses as well.  As the developers of AI get more experience with designing these neural networks, it's difficult to predict where this will all lead.  At this point I'm more inclined to try to figure out what AI *won't* affect instead of what is *will* affect.

Today's post deals with a new announcement from Pearl regarding a way to boost front office productivity.  This is hot off the digital press as Pearl just made this announcement today...  Here is the press release I just received:

 

New Precheck™ software is primed to increase accuracy and enhance efficiency for practices utilizing Pearl’s leading dental AI technology 

Pearl, the global leader in dental AI solutions, today announced the launch of Precheck™, a groundbreaking new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered insurance eligibility and benefits verification tool. Leveraging natural language processing (NLP) to seamlessly compile and synthesize patient insurance data, Precheck™ streamlines the insurance verification process and provides dental practices and their patients with comprehensive coverage information. 

 Precheck™ is available as an add-on to Pearl’s clinical performance platform Practice Intelligence®, which synthesizes radiologic AI findings with patient treatment data synced from practice management systems to deliver actionable insights that facilitate greater operational efficiency, better clinical care, and increased growth for dental practices. With Precheck™, Pearl gives users a powerful tool for extending Practice Intelligence® benefits to insurance-based revenue cycle management. 


Enabling dental practices to eliminate time spent on manual benefits verification, Precheck™’s AI-based capabilities deliver more robust and accurate information than other verification solutions. Armed with more comprehensive benefits data, practices using Precheck™ can provide patients with upfront, detailed information about their coverage, increasing transparency and trust. Among the capabilities that make Precheck™ unique are:
 

• Multi-Source Verification: AI-driven multi-origin data sourcing – leveraging multiple clearinghouses, payors, and patient EOBs – ensures more complete coverage information and hacker-proof data availability. 
• Code-Level Feedback: Precheck™ helps practices enhance patient trust and satisfaction by  providing granular insight into which specific treatments insurance will cover for each patient, enabling smarter treatment planning and reducing unexpected patient expenses. 
• Comprehensive Coverage Breakdowns: Downloadable breakdowns detail benefits, limitations, including frequency and age, and treatment history, enabling dental professionals to make coverage-informed treatment decisions with confidence. 

 “What makes this product truly innovative is its unique approach to aggregating data from diverse sources, enabling Pearl to identify coverage for 30% more patients compared to other insurance verification platforms on the market,” said Pearl founder and CEO, Ophir Tanz. “By eliminating the guesswork and providing patients with the most reliable and comprehensive coverage details, Precheck™ enables dental professionals to spend more time on what is most important: providing quality patient care.”

 To learn more about how Precheck™ can help your practice or to request a demo, visit hellopearl.com/precheck. 

 About Pearl

Pearl is leading the global dental AI revolution with groundbreaking computer vision solutions that elevate efficiency, accuracy, and the standard of care in dentistry. Founded in 2019 by Ophir Tanz, Pearl is backed by Craft Ventures and other leading venture capital firms. To learn more, please visit: hellopearl.com

Looking for a Way to Save Endo Sealer? Try Vista-Apex MST Tips

 

Endodontics has come a long way in the last decade or so.  Instruments keep getting better, irrigation has gotten better with a lot of new products, plus ultrasonic irrigation.  Of course the latest and greatest innovation in the last 2 or 3 years has been bioceramic sealers.

The new bioceramic sealers are tissue friendly and make placement easy... or usually easy.  We all have our little tricks for getting the sealer placed, but what if there was a better way?

If you perform endodontics, you know that sealer is precious.  Wasting sealer wreaks havoc on your inventory control, not to mention the costs involved.  Plus, some bioceramic sealers require a dual-barrel syringe and a spiral mixing tip.  Other have tips come with a fairly large connection to the syringe containing the material.

Placing sealer is more difficult with a dual-barrel material since it is more difficult to deliver it where it's needed, while the larger connectors can make it difficult to have visual access to the field.

That's why I've become a big fan of the MST from Vista-Apex.  MST stands for "Material Saving Tip".  That's because a lot of tips trap sealer in them that has to thrown away when the tip is disposed of.  The MST fits any standard Luer-lock syringe and is designed to get the material where you need it with minimal waste.  It will not attach to a dual barrel syringe, but if you are using a Bioceramic sealer delivered by a single barrel, this is something I think you should consider.

I especially like the MST Visco-tip that is designed to deliver viscous sealer.  The tip itself is a 25 gauge and can be easily curved or bent to help with delivery.  The feature that I really appreciate is because it is smaller in size than most endodontic sealer tips, it is easier to see into the access and canal orifice.  That makes the actual delivery of the sealer easier and more predictable.  It can be used to deliver both Bioceramic sealers as well as Calcium Hydroxide for 2 visit cases.  

I have been using MSTs for several months and I really like them.  It is available in both a polymer tip as well as stainless steel.  If you're interested, you can find more info here.  

Intiveo Launches Two-Way Referral Management For A Complete Referral Solution

 

Today, Intiveo, the patient engagement software designed to empower dental practices to enhance the patient experience, announced its two-way referral management solution to make it even easier for dental practices to manage referrals.

With this new product, dental offices can now send and receive patient referrals directly through their Intiveo software. It is one of the only solutions available today that helps track each patient's progress, providing status updates at every step of the process. This ensures all parties have a clear understanding of where they are in the referral process, facilitated by secure communication between dental and specialist offices. 

"We are always looking for ways to allow practices to focus on providing great dental care and our customers have consistently told us that handling referrals is a major pain point for front office staff, with current solutions falling short," said Josh DeVries, CEO and co-founder of Intiveo. "In response, we've enhanced our referral offering with features that address the entire referral lifecycle that are overall and are designed to improve the referral process, making it faster, clearer, and more convenient for everyone.”

Intiveo’s new and improved solution aims to simply the referral process and includes: 

• Two-Way referral capability: Ability to effortlessly send and receive referrals within the Intiveo platform, securely.
• One place to manage all activity. Whether forwarding patient details to a specialist, another practice, or receiving incoming referrals, customers can manage all referral activities in one place.
• Complete patient tracking: Monitor the referral status from both ends. Track the patient’s journey from initial referral to the completion of their treatment, providing visibility and ensuring continuity of care throughout the patient experience.
• Integrated communication tools: Maintain clear and effective communication with both sending and receiving practices. Exchange notes, manage attachments, and stay updated on every patient’s progress.
• Unified internal and external portals: A cohesive interface for sending or receiving referrals. Each function is integrated into the Intiveo software, simplifying the management of referrals and patient data.
• Secure data management: Ability to download and upload necessary forms and attachments with ease. All documents are compatible with existing Practice Management Systems (PMS), ensuring a seamless and secure workflow that maintains HIPAA compliance.

This new solution provides a more robust support system for managing referrals. By implementing this referral system, practices can now handle requests more efficiently, saving time and reducing the manual workload for already understaffed offices. It simplifies the referral process, giving staff more time in their day to focus on patient care.

“Intiveo’s Referral Management saves our receptionists at least 1 hour of work per day, allowing them to focus on providing better care for our patients,” said Cindy Castilloux from Centre Dentaire Caron.

This referral solution is also in compliance with Quebec's Law 25 to help practices transform how practices handle referrals and patient information, all while staying compliant and secure.

Intiveo’s new two-way referral management solution is available now to all customers. To learn more about this solution visit www.intiveo.com/two-way-referral-management. 

About Intiveo 

Intiveo is a patient engagement software, designed to empower dental practices to enhance the patient experience. Our platform improves patient engagement and outcomes through two-way chat, recall reminders, quality improvement surveys, and online review management tools. With comprehensive integrations across major PMS systems, Intiveo streamlines front office workflows, centralizing patient engagement and communication management. Intiveo serves over 3,000 dental practices across North America, helping them improve their patients’ experience, streamline operations, and drive revenue growth while improving staff morale. For more information, please visit intiveo.com.

OMNIVISION Announces Smallest Camera Module for 3D Intraoral Dental Scanners

As we all know, intraoral scanners are gaining serious acceptance in dentistry.  A recent survey I saw (unfortunately can't remember where)  stated that digital impression scanners are now in over 30% of dental offices.  Personally, my gut tells me that percentage is probably a bit higher, but it goes without saying that if an office doesn't yet have a scanner, it is for sure on the 'want list', probably sooner as opposed to later.

Of course one of the part of intraoral scanners that doctors would like improvement in is the size of the wand.  Many units are still a bit too bulky for some users and/or some applications.  Every scanner that I am aware of works and works well yet, when working in the mouth, normally smaller is better.  Like any kind of tech, as things progress and improve the footprint gets smaller.  Units from around 2010 were considerably larger than today's devices, but they could certainly reduce in size for easier access in the mouth.

Progress is being made in that direction and the post for today is from a press release by OMNIVISION.  The company makes the chips that can be used in intraoral scanners and they are announcing the availability of a new device called the CamerCubeChip®.  This is good news because the chip inside the scanning wand determines how big that wand needs to be.  Smaller chips should lead to smaller scanning wands... and that is great news for the industry.  Here is all of the info and links:

New OCH2B30 CameraCubeChip® module is a compact wafer-level module with superior video quality

 

OMNIVISION, a leading global developer of semiconductor solutions, including advanced digital imaging, analog, and touch & display technology, today announced the new OCH2B30 camera module for three-dimensional (3D) intraoral dental scanners. The OCH2B30 features a compact CameraCubeChip® package in an ultra-small form factor (2.6 mm x 2.6 mm) with exceedingly high image quality and MIPI interface for cameras in benchtop, standalone and portable intraoral scanners.

 “Intraoral scanners are quickly replacing the use of traditional dental impression in dentistry today. We are leveraging our proven technology from the medical endoscopy market to help advance intraoral scanners for dentistry,” said Aaron Chiang, marketing director, OMNIVISION. “Our CameraCubeChip® technology enables the smallest camera modules for 3D intraoral dental scanners. Similar in size to the actual CMOS image sensor inside the camera, the CameraCubeChip® enables ultra-compact, high-resolution cameras, which is especially important when there are multiple cameras in each scanning device. We expect the new OCH2B30 camera module to play an important role in driving the growth of the intraoral dental scanner market and, ultimately, in improving patient care.”

 The global dental intraoral scanner market is growing with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1% in the forecast period of 2023 to 2030 and is expected to reach USD 1,325.80 million by 2030 from USD 573.76 million in 2022.1 This growth is being driven by the increasing demand for cosmetic dentistry, the prevalence of dental diseases and new technological advancements in dentistry. Intraoral scanners are used primarily by orthodontists, endodontists, periodontists, prosthodontists and general dentists.

 The OCH2B30 camera module has a 2-megapixel (MP) resolution square-format CMOS image sensor with a 1.12-micron (µm) pixel built on OMNIVISION’s latest PureCel®Plus-S stacked-die technology, which enables its ultra-small size. At 1500 x 1500 resolution, the OCH2B30 achieves 60 frames per second (fps), and at 720p resolution, 120 fps.

 Medical Certifications Streamline FDA Approval Process

OMNIVISION is ISO13485-certified. The OCH2B30 is tested for EMC/EMI compliance and sterilization, and it is biocompatible and waterproof. Because it passes OMNIVISION’s rigorous production testing, it is guaranteed to be within the stated electrical, mechanical and optimal specifications, and hence does not require tuning or calibration.

 Samples of the OCH2B30 CameraCubeChip® are available now and in mass production. For more information, contact your OMNIVISION sales representative: www.ovt.com/contact-sales.

 About OMNIVISION

OMNIVISION is a global fabless semiconductor organization that develops advanced digital imaging, analog, and touch & display solutions for multiple applications and industries, including mobile phones, security and surveillance, automotive, computing, medical, machine vision and emerging applications. Its award-winning, innovative technologies enable a smoother human/machine interface in many of today’s commercial devices. Find out more at www.ovt.com.

 1Source: Data Bridge Market Research: Global Dental Intraoral Scanners Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2030. Published July 2023. https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-dental-intraoral-scanners-market

 PureCel®Plus-S, CameraCubeChip®, OMNIVISION® and the OMNIVISION logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of OMNIVISION. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

White House Forges Deal with Microsoft & Goggle to Help Cyber Defense for Rural Hospitals

 

Today's post is good news for healthcare and especially for patients who live in rural areas of the US.  The White House recently announced an effort to help protect the cybersecurity of hospitals through a partnership with Microsoft and Google.  As we all know data security is a serious issue.  Attacks using Ransomware are on the increase with healthcare attacks growing faster than any other sector.

Even well funded efforts have been defeated lately (see the post I made last week on UHG).  These attacks can, quite literally put hospitals in a situation where it impacts needed and sometimes emergency care.  This is especially a critical issue for rural areas where residents may only have a choice of one hospital.  In a major metropolitan area it can still wreak havoc, but patients at least have the potential of other hospitals in their area being unaffected and able to provide care.  That isn't the case if there is only one option.

To help with this issue in protecting rural healthcare, the Biden administration on June 10th announced that Microsoft and Google will both be working to help with the problem.  The American Hospital Association and the National Rural Health Association are also partnering in the initiative.

Microsoft has created the new Microsoft Cybersecurity Program for Rural Hospitals to help with this situation.  According to AHA...

For independent critical access hospitals and rural emergency hospitals, Microsoft will provide nonprofit pricing and discounts for its security products optimized for smaller organizations, providing up to a 75% discount. In addition, for some larger rural hospitals already using eligible Microsoft solutions, the company will provide its most advanced security suite at no cost for one year. Microsoft also will provide Windows 10 security updates to participating rural hospitals for at least one year at no additional cost, and the company will provide free cybersecurity assessments through Microsoft and its trusted partners to evaluate risks and gaps and offer free cybersecurity training to staff in rural hospitals.

 While the AHA states for Google...

Google will provide endpoint security advice to rural hospitals and non-profit organizations at no cost and a pool of funding to support software migration. In addition, Google is committing to launch a pilot program with rural hospitals to develop a packaging of security capabilities that fit these hospitals’ unique needs. 

This is a nice step forward in helping protect the care and lives of patients in rural areas.   The next step should be to improve small medical and dental practices in those areas.

Microsoft has a page detailing their involvement.  

Senators Marsha Blackburn & Margaret Wood Hassan Tell UnitedHealth Group They are in Violation of HIPAA

 

The mess from the hack of Change Healthcare (owned by UnitedHealth Group) just keeps getting worse.

A few months ago (February 2024) Change was subjected to a massive security breach.  The hack shut down multiple systems that affected both patients and doctors.  Patients could not get life needed medications due to pharmacies being affected, while doctors could not be reimbursed for submitted procedures. It was a *huge* cluster and I've actually been told by a few doctors that they are STILL trying to get reimbursed for some procedures billed months ago.   The event was such a big news item that we even discussed it as part of my appearance on Dentists In the Know "Hump Day Happy Hour" back in March.

As problems piled up from the hack, Change Healthcare finally ended up paying a $22 million ransom to get their systems back online.  The event was a massive story due to the impacts that spread out like a tidal wave generated by an asteroid landing in the ocean.  Change eventually stated that a "substantial proportion of people in America" had data stolen during the hack.  Of course, Change is now back online, but that data which was copied and whisked away into the ether still exists on some hidden servers somewhere and is now in the hands of the type of people who perpetrated the attack in the first place.

I've discussed the paying of the ransom a bit here in the past and I think Change probably didn't have much of a choice in doing so.  Never mind the doctor side of things, the patients affected needed medications and other things and getting the systems back online to provide those things was most likely the best way to rectify the problem quickly.  

The breach was a huge HIPAA violation and Change went on the record as saying that they would handle the patient notifications and other things HIPAA requires for all the entities involved.  Providers were scrambling trying to understand if they would need to bear the costs of notifying patients of the breach, among other things.  Change stepped in and said they would handle those things for every healthcare provider affected.  I thought that was absolutely the right thing to do.

However, if UnitedHealth Group didn't want any more bad PR, the company should have done everything necessary to keep this moving forward.  Now comes word that the company still hasn't sent out the notifications to patients that are required by law under HIPAA.  US Senators Marsha Blackburn & Margaret Wood Hassan announced they sent a letter to UnitedHealth Group's CEO on June 7th to point out that HIPAA requires notifications be sent to patients within 60 days and yet 3 months later, those have not been sent.  The letter also gives UHG a bit of an ultimatum stating "We ask that you immediately commit to doing so and send us your plan to notify individuals and business partners, with those data breach notifications no later than June 21, 2024."

I'll admit that trying to get all this together, especially when you are covering every entity affected, is daunting and I'm sure a task fraught with complications.  I cannot begin to imagine the scope of trying to get all of this figured out.  There are probably legal commitments and things to sign between UHG and the parties covered by HIPAA that they are representing.  However, the law is the law.  If UHG is having a problem meeting a deadline, that should have been made publicly clear.  I've followed this situation pretty closely and I haven't heard anything about this delay.  To be fair though, I am not reviewing every covered moment of this.  Perhaps UHG has made this slip up known to the proper agencies and I have simply missed it.  However I think if they *had* made it known, these senators would not have felt the need to write a letter pointing out the missed deadline.

The letter can be found here, in a pdf format that can be downloaded if you'd like to have it.  However I'm also providing the content here:

June 7, 2024 

Mr. Andrew Witty 

Chief Executive Officer 

UnitedHealth Group 

P.O. Box 1459 

Minneapolis, MN 55440 

Dear Mr. Witty: 

We write to urge UnitedHealth Group (UHG) and its subsidiaries, including Change Healthcare, to assume full and immediate responsibility for notifying all affected patients and providers, as well as federal and state regulators, about the impact of the ransomware attack on Change Healthcare. 

As you are aware, patients and providers continue to deal with the aftermath of the ransomware attack on Change Healthcare in February 2024, which plunged many health care providers into a financial crisis and compromised personal information for “a substantial proportion of people in America.”(1) On May 1, you acknowledged during a House Committee hearing that the Change Health Care hack exposed the Protected Health Information and Personally Identifiable Information of "maybe a third" of Americans. (2) Yet, more than three months after UHG discovered the attack, millions of Americans are still in the dark about the vulnerability of their personal data and health information.(3) 

UHG claims to have been undertaking a comprehensive analysis to identify and notify impacted individuals and has committed that the company will “make notifications and undertake related administrative requirements on behalf of any provider or customer.” (4) However, as of June 6 UHG continues to be in violation of the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which requires covered entities to notify individuals of a known or suspected data breach within 60 days of discovering the breach. UHG must also formally notify impacted business partners, including health care providers, in accordance with HIPAA and state law. 

Without urgent action from UHG, patients and providers will continue to be left without any information about the scope of the data breach. To mitigate any confusion among the affected parties, we urge UHG to assume sole responsibility for all breach notifications by formally notifying OCR, state regulators, Congress, the media, and health care providers that it intends to complete all breach notifications on behalf of all HIPAA-covered entities. 

We ask that you immediately commit to doing so and send us your plan to notify individuals and business partners, with those data breach notifications going out no later than June 21, 2024. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

1 UnitedHealth Group Updates on Change Healthcare Cyberattack, April 22, 2024. https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/newsroom/2024/2024-04- 22-uhg-updates-on-change-healthcare-cyberattack.html 

2 UnitedHealth CEO Testifies Before House Subcommittee on Cyber Attack Against Change Healthcare, May 1, 2024. https://www.cspan.org/video/?535213-1/unitedhealth-ceo-testifies-house-subcommittee-cyber-attack-change-healthcare 

3 UnitedHealth Group was made aware of the breach on February 21, 2024; https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731766/000073176624000045/unh-20240221.htm 

4 UnitedHealth Group Updates on Change Healthcare Cyberattack, April 22, 2024. https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/newsroom/2024/2024-04- 22-uhg-updates-on-change-healthcare-cyberattack.html