Articles
HIPAA, in plain language.
Practical guidance for solo dental, medical, and therapy practices. Every regulatory claim is checked against HHS, OCR, or NIST before it goes live.
Updated June 2026
Do Dental Practices Need a HIPAA Risk Assessment? (2026)
Yes. The HIPAA Security Rule requires a risk analysis from every dental practice, solo or group. Here's what OCR actually checks, and how to get it done.
Read →Updated June 2026
What Happens If a Dental Practice Fails a HIPAA Audit? (2026)
A random HIPAA audit rarely ends in a fine. The real risk is an OCR investigation after a breach or complaint, and what failing actually costs a small dental practice.
Read →Updated June 2026
What to Do If Your Dental Practice Has a Data Breach: The First 60 Days (2026)
A dental data breach starts a 60-day HIPAA clock. The exact steps to take, who to notify, and what OCR looks for first, anchored to a real OCR settlement.
Read →Updated June 2026
How Much Does a HIPAA Risk Assessment Cost for a Dental Practice? (2026)
A HIPAA risk assessment for a dental practice usually runs $1,500 to $6,000 with a specialist; the free HHS tool is $0. What each path buys, and why cheap can cost more.
Read →Updated June 2026
Is ChatGPT HIPAA Compliant for a Dental Practice? (2026)
ChatGPT's everyday plans are not HIPAA compliant, by OpenAI's own terms. Which AI tools will sign a BAA for a dental practice, and what OCR asks for first.
Read →Updated June 2026
Are AI Scribes HIPAA Compliant for a Dental Practice? (2026)
AI scribes are HIPAA compliant only when the vendor signs a BAA and your risk analysis lists the tool. The five-question test to run before you sign up.
Read →Updated June 2026
Staff Using Free AI Tools With Patient Data? The Policy Your Dental Practice Needs (2026)
Free AI tools don't sign BAAs, so one pasted patient detail is an impermissible disclosure. The five-part AI use policy a dental practice needs.
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