On March 28, 2024, Risas Dental and Braces (“Risas”) filed a notice of data breach with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (“HHS-OCR”) after discovering that an unauthorized party was able to download files containing confidential information. Risas has previously filed notice with the California Attorney General, and in this notice, Risas explains that the incident resulted in an unauthorized party being able to access consumers’ sensitive information, which includes their names, contact information, insurance information and certain health and treatment information. Upon completing its investigation, Risas began sending out data breach notification letters to all individuals whose information was affected by the recent data security incident.

If you received a data breach notification from Risas Dental and Braces, it is essential you understand what is at risk and what you can do about it. A data breach lawyer can help you learn more about how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft, as well as discuss your legal options following the Risas Dental & Braces data breach. For more information, please see our recent piece on the topic here.

What Caused the Risas Dental & Braces Data Breach?

The Risas Dental & Braces data breach was only recently announced, and more information is expected in the near future. However, Risas’s filings with the Attorney General of California and HHS-OCR provide some important information on what led up to the breach. Risas also posted a website notice discussing the incident.

According to these sources, on July 10, 2023, Risas detected suspicious activity within its computer network. In response, Risas secured its systems and then began working with third-party data security specialists to conduct an investigation.

In October 2023, through this investigation, Risas learned that certain files and folders on its computer network may have been downloaded by an unauthorized party, including files containing confidential patient information.

After learning that sensitive consumer data was accessible to an unauthorized party, Risas Dental & Braces reviewed the compromised files to determine what information was leaked and which consumers were impacted. Risas completed this process on January 26, 2024. While the breached information varies depending on the individual, it may include your name, contact information, insurance information, and certain health and treatment information.

According to the notice submitted to the HHS-OCR, the Risas Dental & Braces data breach affected an estimated 618,189 individuals.

On March 22, 2024, Risas Dental & Braces sent out data breach letters to anyone who was affected by the recent data security incident. These letters should provide victims with a list of what information belonging to them was compromised.

More Information About Risas Dental and Braces

Founded in 2011, Risas Dental and Braces is a dental care provider headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. Risas provides a wide range of services, including general dentistry, oral surgery, and orthodontics, at more than 25 facilities located in Arizona, Texas, Colorado and Nevada. Risas Dental & Braces employs more than 550 people and generates approximately $14 million in annual revenue.