Welcome Dentistry Data Breach Lawsuit Investigation
Did you recently receive a data-breach notice from Welcome Dentistry? Thousands of patients’ personal and health records may now be in the hands of hackers. Find out how to protect your identity and whether you can pursue compensation.
What Happened?
On August 13, 2025, Welcome Dentistry—a multi-location dental practice in California—filed a breach notification with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The incident was classified as a “hacking/IT incident,” indicating that cybercriminals successfully infiltrated the practice’s computer systems and accessed sensitive files.
According to the HHS submission, at least 1,001 patients are affected. Because the investigation is ongoing, that number may grow as forensic specialists uncover the full scope of the attack.
What Information Was Exposed?
The compromised databases contained both personally identifiable information (PII) and protected health information (PHI), including:
- Full names
- Social Security numbers
- Dates of birth
- Mailing addresses
- Government-issued IDs (driver’s license or state ID)
- Dental or health insurance details
- Dental treatment records
- Payment and billing information
When medical data is combined with Social Security numbers and financial details, victims face elevated risks of identity theft, medical fraud, and even fraudulent tax filings.
Immediate Steps for Affected Patients
If you suspect your information was involved—or you have received an official notification letter—take these actions right away:
- Save all correspondence: Keep the breach notice and any follow-up letters for your records.
- Monitor financial accounts: Review bank, credit-card, and insurance statements for unfamiliar transactions.
- Place a fraud alert or credit freeze: Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to make it harder for criminals to open new accounts in your name.
- Request your free credit reports: Under federal law, you are entitled to one free report per bureau annually.
- Watch for medical billing errors: Unexpected Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements can signal medical-identity fraud.
Your Legal Rights & Potential Compensation
California and federal privacy laws grant victims of data breaches the right to seek damages for out-of-pocket costs, time spent resolving fraud, and emotional distress. Class-action investigations are underway to determine whether Welcome Dentistry:
- Used industry-standard cybersecurity safeguards
- Discovered and contained the breach promptly
- Notified patients within the time limits mandated by law
If evidence shows the practice failed to meet these duties, affected individuals could be eligible for monetary relief and free, extended credit-monitoring services.
How to Join the Investigation
Think your data was involved? You can register for case updates and a free claim review in minutes. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Once you submit your information, an intake specialist will confirm whether you qualify and explain next steps.
FAQ: Welcome Dentistry Data Breach
Was the Welcome Dentistry breach a ransomware attack?
The incident is officially labeled a “hacking/IT incident,” but Welcome Dentistry has not publicly confirmed whether ransomware was involved.
How do I know if my Welcome Dentistry records were stolen?
The practice is required to mail notification letters to all affected patients. If you moved recently, contact Welcome Dentistry to ensure they have your current address.
What compensation could I receive from the Welcome Dentistry lawsuit?
Potential remedies may include reimbursement for fraudulent charges, the cost of credit monitoring, and statutory damages where applicable.
Is it safe to keep using Welcome Dentistry after the breach?
That is a personal decision. You may wish to ask the practice what new security measures have been implemented before continuing care.
How long do I have to take legal action?
Statutes of limitation vary by state and claim type, but data-breach cases generally must be filed within one to three years of discovery. Acting sooner preserves your rights.
Will joining a class action against Welcome Dentistry cost me anything?
No. Plaintiff firms typically operate on a contingency-fee basis, meaning they only get paid if the case succeeds.