The Latest Scams Targeting Dentists and Their License

Print & Go GuidanceBy Paige Anderson, CRDH

Dental and healthcare practices are high-value targets for scammers, as they represent not only a potential source for large amounts of revenue but also house confidential and financial information for hundreds or thousands of patients.

Scammers are getting more creative in how they target dental professionals. Advanced technology like AI, which can be a boon to how you practice, is making it easier for scammers to create convincing materials. Staying informed about these threats is essential to protecting yourself and your team. Let’s take a closer look at the latest scams dentists are facing and how you can safeguard your license and livelihood.

1. License-Related Scams

One increasingly common scam dentists face involves fake threats to their professional licenses. Scammers may call, email, or send letters claiming to represent your state licensing board or a regulatory agency. They might say your license is under review due to fraudulent activity, unpaid fees, or failure to comply with requirements. To add urgency, they’ll often demand immediate payment or action to “prevent suspension.”

These messages can sound convincing, especially when they use official-sounding language and fake agency letterheads or caller IDs. They might claim to need your Social Security number, license number, or payment details to “resolve the issue.” Falling for this scam could mean losing money or putting your professional credentials at risk.

How to Spot It:

• Legitimate licensing boards rarely make unsolicited calls or send emails demanding immediate payment.
• Look for inconsistencies, such as misspelled words, generic greetings, or unfamiliar contact details.
• Always verify the legitimacy of any communication by contacting your licensing board directly using official contact information.

2. Phishing Emails

Phishing emails remain a major threat to dental professionals. These emails often look like they’re from trusted organizations, such as the American Dental Association (ADA), suppliers, or government agencies. They’ll ask for sensitive information, such as your DEA registration, bank details, or account login credentials.

Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using realistic logos and email addresses that appear legitimate. For example, an email might claim you need to update your credentials to avoid losing access to a service. Some may include links that lead to a website designed to harvest your information.

How to Spot It:

• Be wary of emails with urgent or threatening language.
• Hover over links to see where they lead before clicking.
• Avoid sharing sensitive information unless you’ve verified the sender’s identity.

3. Malware Attacks

Malware attacks work by sending malicious software to a computer, which then launches attacks such as sending information to scammers. With most practices going entirely digital and using technology throughout the treatment process, this can be a major threat. Some malware can lock you out of essential systems, which scammers hold hostage and will only restore if you pay them a ransom.

Malware is frequently delivered in email attachments, so your staff should be extremely careful about downloading them. However, scammers use strategies to gain your confidence and convince you to trust malicious downloads.

For example, the FBI has released information about scammers posing as new patients who complain they can’t use your site’s patient portal and ask if they can scan records and send the images as attachments. When they arrive, the attachment contains malware that, once opened, can compromise your systems.

How to Spot It:

• Be cautious of unsolicited emails with attachments, especially from unknown senders.
• Train your staff to recognize suspicious emails and avoid opening unexpected attachments.
• Use robust antivirus software and keep your systems updated.
• If patients ask to send documents as attachments, advise them to print out the paperwork and bring it to their appointment instead.

4. Credentialing Fraud

Credentialing fraud occurs when scammers use your professional credentials to impersonate you. They might steal your license number or DEA registration to obtain drugs, commit insurance fraud, or even open fake practices. This kind of fraud can have serious legal and financial consequences, even if it goes unnoticed.

Scammers may acquire your credentials through phishing emails, public databases, or discarded documents. Once they have your information, they can create a convincing fake identity.

How to Spot It:

• Regularly monitor your professional accounts and credit reports for unusual activity.
• Shred sensitive documents before discarding them.
• Report any misuse of your credentials immediately to the appropriate authorities.

5. Fake Debt Collection Scams

Scammers also target dentists with fake debt collection schemes. They may pose as the IRS, a creditor, or a collection agency, claiming you owe money and face legal action if you don’t pay immediately. These scammers often demand payment through unconventional methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

Their tactics are aggressive and designed to intimidate. They’ll threaten license suspension, lawsuits, or even criminal charges if you don’t comply. It’s easy to panic in these situations, but staying calm and verifying the claims is crucial.

How to Spot It:

• Legitimate agencies won’t demand payment through gift cards or cryptocurrencies.
• Ask for written proof of the debt and verify it with the alleged creditor.
• Hang up on threatening calls and report them to the authorities.

Protecting Yourself and Your Practice

While scams are becoming more sophisticated, there are steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Verify Communications: Always confirm the legitimacy of calls, emails, or letters with the organization using verified contact information.
• Secure Your Systems: Use strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and up-to-date antivirus software.
• Train Your Team: Educate your staff about common scams and establish protocols for handling sensitive information.
• Monitor Your Information: Regularly check your license status, credit reports, and accounts for unusual activity.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a scam, report it to your licensing board, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or your state attorney general.

Scammers target dentists because of their high-value licenses and financial assets. Staying informed about these threats is the best way to protect your practice and reputation. You can stay one step ahead of scammers by recognizing red flags, securing your systems, and educating your team. Protect your license and livelihood by staying vigilant and proactive.

Author: Paige Anderson is a certified registered dental hygienist with eight years of clinical experience and an English degree. She blends her two areas of expertise to create resources for dental providers so they can change lives by giving their patients the highest possible standard of care.