Frequently Asked Questions

Background

1. What has happened?
2. What type of information was possibly compromised?
3. Has my information been misused?
4. What is TDN doing to prevent this kind of loss from happening again?
5. Who should I contact if I have questions?

Recommended Next Steps

6. What steps can I take to reduce the chance that my information will be misused?
7. How do I set the fraud alert?
8. Should I set a fraud alert with the Credit Bureaus?

Background

1. What has happened?

On February 20, 2008, The Dental Network learned that, for approximately two weeks, access to member data on its website was left unprotected from outside exposure.

Back to Top

2. What type of information was possibly compromised?

This data included personal information about TDN members, including name, Social Security number, address(es) and date of birth.

Back to Top

3. Has my information been misused?

So far, there is no indication that any unauthorized person has misused or is misusing any of this information.

Back to Top

4. What is TDN doing to prevent this kind of loss from happening again?

The Dental Network understands the impact of the accidental data exposure on its members. We have identified the source of the error and have taken the necessary measures to ensure that your data remains secure.

Back to Top

5. Who should I contact if I have questions?

You should contact The Dental Network at (888) 833-8464 for more information.

Back to Top

Recommended Next Steps

6. What steps can I take to reduce the chance that my information will be misused?

Consider placing a "fraud alert" on your credit file On request, any of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies can place a fraud alert in your file to alert potential creditors that you may be a victim of identity theft; a fraud alert can make it more difficult for someone to get credit in your name because it tells creditors to follow certain procedures to protect you - however, it may also delay your ability to obtain credit if you are applying for a credit card or other form of credit.

Back to Top

7. How do I set a fraud alert?

The easiest way to contact one of the credit bureaus via the web is to visit www.Experian.com.

Click on "Steps to take if you are a victim of fraud or identity theft" on the bottom of the page under the heading "Preventing Fraud."

You will answer some questions to confirm your identity, and then a 90-day security alert will be added to your credit file. Experian will give you access to view your report online. You should examine it carefully for accuracy. Experian will also share this information with Equifax and TransUnion who will both mail you confirmation letters containing a number to call to order complimentary copies of your credit reports for review.

To contact one of the credit bureaus by phone, see the numbers below:

It is only necessary to contact one of these bureaus and use one of these methods

You will not be charged for this service. Please note placing a fraud alert may delay your ability to open new lines of credit quickly. Activate credit monitoring before setting fraud alerts. This makes the process faster and easier.

Back to Top

8. Should I set a fraud alert with the Credit Bureaus?

This will help prevent someone from opening new accounts in your name. As soon as one credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the others are notified to place fraud alerts as well. All three bureaus will mail you a confirmation letter and you will be able to order complimentary credit reports for your review.

Back to Top