Cyber Insurance: Coverage Depends on Readiness
As part of its mission to advance oral healthcare through innovation, security, and collaboration, the Dental Integrators Association proudly features thought leadership contributed by its member organizations. Each article in this series offers practical insights, shared experiences, and timely strategies from those working at the intersection of IT and dentistry. Together, we are building a smarter, stronger community one idea at a time.
Thank you to Compass Network Group for contributing this article to the Voices of Dental IT series. We appreciate their willingness to share perspective and experience with the DIA community.
This article was authored by Mark Pontius, President.
Cyber insurance is an important part of a dental practice’s risk management strategy, but it is most effective when paired with clear, documented cybersecurity controls that align to policy requirements.
Many claims problems stem from a mismatch between what the practice represented during underwriting and what is actually implemented and maintained.
Why Cyber Insurance Matters
Dental practices depend on technology to deliver care and operate efficiently—scheduling, imaging, billing, and communications are all essential systems.
When those systems are disrupted by ransomware, phishing, or other cyber events, the resulting downtime, recovery costs, and compliance considerations can be significant.
Cyber insurance can help support response and recovery efforts, but claims can be disputed if the practice fails to meet the policy’s requirements.
Common Policy Obligations (And Why They Matter)
Cyber insurance policies commonly require organizations to implement and maintain baseline security measures such as multi-factor authentication, employee security training, regular vulnerability management, encryption of sensitive data, and a documented incident response plan.
Insurers increasingly expect practices to be able to provide evidence of these controls, and failure to maintain required safeguards may jeopardize coverage in the event of a claim—including delays, reduced payments, or denial.
Common Policy Obligations
A Practical Approach for Dental Practices
Practices should confirm that their IT provider can meet the technical requirements commonly tied to cyber insurance (for example, secure backups with periodic restore testing, MFA implementation, and patch/vulnerability management) and can produce evidence of those controls when needed. In many environments, the practice may also benefit from a compliance-focused service to assist with security awareness training, documentation, and incident response planning so that operational readiness, policy requirements, and assigned responsibilities remain aligned.
Review Policy
Confirm Stated Control
Verify Control
Match Real Operations
Document Evidence
Report & Record Ready
A Consultative Opportunity
Given the pervasive cyber risk environment, cyber insurance is an important financial backstop—but it should be treated as one component of a broader risk management program.
A proactive review of policy requirements can also strengthen the practice’s security posture, clarify operational responsibilities, and reduce the likelihood of surprises during a claim.
If your practice has cyber insurance—or is considering it—ask one simple question: “If we had an incident tomorrow, could we prove we met our policy requirements?”
If the answer is “I’m not sure” then there is important work to be done.
The Dental Integrators Association connects dental practices with experienced IT professionals who understand the unique requirements of dental technology, from practice management software to digital imaging systems.
