A data breach that was discovered in early July by the Alberta Dental Service Corporation (ADSC) may impact scores of Albertans.

According to a notice on the ADSC website, they became aware on July 9 that an unauthorized third party gained access to a portion of the IT infrastructure and deployed malware. While the investigation is ongoing, they have determined that the period of compromise was May 7 - July 9.

"The unauthorized third party accessed and copied certain data from the network before deploying the malware. We have also taken steps to ensure that any personal information which was accessed or copied from our systems has been deleted and protected against fraudulent misuse. Finally, we have reported this incident to law enforcement."

According to the ADSC's website, those who may be impacted include individuals:

  • Enrolled in the Alberta Government’s Dental Assistance for Seniors Plan at any time between July 1, 2015, and July 9, 2023. The information that may have been compromised may include name, address, personal health number, date of birth and details relating to one's dental benefits claims. 
    • Additionally, if you provided your banking information to Alberta Dental Service Corporation to facilitate direct electronic claims payments, then your personal bank account number may have been compromised. 
  • Enrolled in any of the Alberta Government’s Low-Income Health Benefits Plans which includes Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), Alberta Adult Health Benefit, Alberta Child Health Benefit and Income Supports at any time between January 1, 2006, and July 9, 2023. The information that may have been compromised: name, date of birth, details relating to one's dental benefits claims and government-issued identification number. 
  • Enrolled with Alberta Dental Service to receive direct payment for eligible health claims of your patients at any time between January 1, 2010, and July 9, 2023. The information that may have been compromised: corporate name, corporate bank account, corporate mailing and email address and license numbers. 

ADSC said that they are preparing direct mail notifications for Dental Assistance for Seniors Program (DASP) clients who may have had their personal banking information impacted.

"We anticipate mailing these letters during the week of August 14-18. We will prepare direct mail notifications to other impacted individuals shortly thereafter. We are actively training a dedicated call centre to answer your questions regarding this incident. This call centre will open on Monday, August 14, 2023. Please check back at that time for contact details."

ADSC works in partnership with the provincial government to administer dental benefits through the DASP and through Alberta’s Low-Income Health Benefits Program which includes Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), Alberta Adult Health Benefit, Alberta Child Health Benefit and Income Supports.

"The Government of Alberta is the custodian of the personal health information in ADSC’s possession which was impacted by this incident."


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