Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Cybersecurity in Orthodontics

The digital side of running a practice is changing fast, and so are the risks. As orthodontic and dental offices layer in new tools, platforms, and AI-powered efficiencies, they are also stepping into a world where cyber threats are sharper, smarter, and more frequent than ever.

On a recent episode of the Hey Docs! Podcast, Jill Allen sat down with cybersecurity expert Gary Salman, CEO of Black Talon Security, to break down what today’s threats actually look like and how practices can protect themselves before things go sideways.

What Cyber Threats Really Look Like Today

Gary has spent more than three decades in dental technology, and he has seen the shift firsthand. Practices are no longer dealing with basic hacks. They are now targets for highly targeted strategies like social engineering and AI-enhanced attacks designed to slip through the cracks of everyday workflows.

A single email. A familiar name. One click.
That is all it takes to shut down operations, compromise sensitive data, or trigger a cascade of financial damage.

Social Engineering: The Scam That Feels Real Because It Is

One of the biggest risks is social engineering attacks that look and sound legitimate.

Hackers now mimic real referral sources, colleagues, or vendors, sending messages that feel routine. These emails often include malicious links that give attackers a direct line into your systems. Once they are in, it becomes incredibly difficult and expensive to undo the damage.

Gary’s message is clear: If your team does not know what to look for, your practice is vulnerable.

Training Is Not Optional. It Is a Safety Net.

Cybersecurity is not just an IT task. It is a team sport.

Gary emphasizes that frontline staff are often the first and only defense against attacks. Giving them ongoing training, awareness tools, and real-world examples dramatically reduces your risk. Platforms like the Black Talon Academy help teams recognize red flags before they become disasters.

The takeaway: your systems are only as strong as the people using them.

Smart Technology for Smarter Threats

With threats getting more advanced, practices need equally advanced tools. AI-powered email filtering and link scanning can help catch malicious attachments long before someone clicks.

Think of it as a second set of eyes, the kind that never blinks.

Pairing smart tools with well-trained people creates a security layer strong enough to catch most attacks before they land.

Proactive Protection Beats Reactive Recovery Every Time

Waiting until something happens is no longer an option.

Gary encourages practices to stay ahead of threats by:

• Running regular cybersecurity assessments

• Ensuring firewalls and backups are configured correctly

• Understanding their cyber risk rating

• Evaluating whether their IT provider is covering all the necessary bases

Knowing your true level of risk is not scary. It is empowering. It gives you the clarity to invest in the right protections instead of guessing.

AI in the Practice: A Powerful Tool When Used Responsibly

AI is reshaping dentistry and orthodontics, from communication tools to clinical efficiencies. But like any technology, it comes with responsibilities.

Before adopting new AI tools, practices should confirm how data is stored, who has access, and whether the platform meets industry compliance standards.

Innovation is exciting, but protecting patient information will always be non-negotiable.

Final Thoughts

Cybersecurity is not a tech issue. It is a practice health issue.

As digital workflows expand, so does the responsibility to safeguard your data, your operations, and the trust your patients place in you. With the right mix of training, proactive assessments, and smart technology, practices can stay ahead of threats instead of scrambling to recover from them.

The digital world is not slowing down, and neither should your approach to protecting your practice.