Dental Data Breach Settlement: If you’ve ever been to First Choice Dental, your personal data might have been caught up in a cyber mess. And now, there’s a chance to get up to $6,000 in compensation — or at least a $50 payout — thanks to a recent $1.225 million class action settlement. That’s right. Following a data breach in October 2023, thousands of patients are eligible to file a claim under a court-approved settlement — even if you didn’t lose money. With identity theft on the rise and healthcare breaches becoming almost routine, this case is a big reminder that your personal info is a hot commodity. Whether you’re a tech-savvy pro or just trying to protect your family, this guide breaks it all down so you can claim what you’re owed — without the legal jargon.
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Dental Data Breach Settlement
The Dental Data Breach Settlement isn’t just about the money — it’s about sending a message. In a world where cybercrime is growing by the day, companies must take responsibility for protecting our personal information. If you were affected, don’t wait. File your claim, get your benefits, and take steps to guard your digital life. It’s your data — own it.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Settlement Amount | Up to $6,000 per person (with proof); $50 flat rate available |
| Free Credit Monitoring | 3 years via CyEx Medical Shield + $1M identity theft insurance |
| Eligible Individuals | Anyone affected by the October 2023 breach at First Choice Dental |
| Claim Deadline | January 28, 2026 |
| Opt-Out/Objection Deadline | December 29, 2025 |
| Court Case Name | Kelly Gorder, et al. v. FCDG Management, LLC |
| Official Website | www.fcdgdatasettlement.com |
What Happened in the First Choice Dental Data Breach?
In October 2023, FCDG Management, LLC — better known as First Choice Dental, a dental provider serving Wisconsin — experienced a data breach that compromised patients’ personal and health information. While the company moved to secure its systems quickly, the breach reportedly included:
- Full names
- Dates of birth
- Social Security numbers
- Driver’s license and ID numbers
- Bank and financial account details
- Private health records and insurance info
This kind of information isn’t just sensitive — it’s valuable. Criminals use stolen data to open credit lines, commit fraud, and even file fake tax returns. Once leaked, this info can float around the dark web for years.
And this isn’t an isolated case. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reports that healthcare-related breaches hit a record high in 2023, affecting 88 million individuals. That’s nearly one in four Americans.
About the Dental Data Breach Settlement — Accountability in Action
A class-action lawsuit was filed in Dane County Circuit Court, Wisconsin, under the title Kelly Gorder et al. v. FCDG Management, LLC. The plaintiffs alleged that First Choice Dental:
- Failed to adequately secure personal health data
- Did not meet HIPAA and state data protection standards
- Took too long to notify victims after the breach
- Violated consumer protection and negligence laws
Without admitting fault, First Choice Dental agreed to settle for $1.225 million, providing direct benefits to affected individuals. This is standard in class-action lawsuits where companies want to resolve claims without dragging things out in court.
Who’s Eligible for Compensation?
If you received a notification letter from First Choice Dental or were a patient around October 2023, you’re likely eligible. The settlement defines the class as “all persons residing in the United States whose information was potentially impacted by the October 2023 data incident.”
Even if you don’t remember getting a letter, you can visit the settlement website and file a claim to verify.
What Are the Dental Data Breach Settlement Claim Options?
Option 1: Reimbursement of Documented Losses (Up to $6,000)
You may qualify for up to $6,000 if you can show that you spent money or suffered losses because of the breach. Covered expenses include:
- Fraudulent charges
- Costs of identity recovery or monitoring
- Legal/accounting help
- Time lost dealing with the breach (compensated at $25/hour up to 4 hours)
- Expenses to freeze/unfreeze your credit
- Notary, fax, mail, and other related costs
Example: If your bank account was compromised and you had to pay legal fees or take time off work, those costs are claimable — as long as you can show receipts or documentation.
Option 2: Flat $50 Payment (No Documentation Needed)
If you don’t have evidence of financial loss, no worries. You can still claim $50, no questions asked.
This is a solid option for people who don’t want to gather paperwork but still want to be compensated.
Bonus: 3 Years of Free Credit Monitoring
All claimants will receive 3 years of CyEx Medical Shield credit monitoring at no cost, including:
- Real-time credit activity alerts
- Access to credit reports
- Identity restoration services
- $1 million in identity theft insurance
This is especially valuable for folks who don’t already use services like LifeLock, Experian, or Aura — many of which charge upwards of $200/year.
How to File a Dental Data Breach Settlement Claim (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Visit the Settlement Website
Go to www.fcdgdatasettlement.com
Step 2: Choose Claim Type
Decide whether you’re applying for:
- Documented reimbursement (up to $6,000)
- $50 flat-rate option
Step 3: Complete the Form
You’ll need:
- Contact info
- Proof of ID (for higher claims)
- Documents showing loss (if applicable)
- Choice of payment method (check, PayPal, Zelle)
Step 4: Submit Your Claim by January 28, 2026
Make sure it’s complete — errors could delay or deny your payment.
Why This Matters — Not Just Another Lawsuit
This settlement is part of a growing movement to hold companies accountable for poor data security. With ransomware attacks hitting hospitals, schools, and even city governments, consumers are finally pushing back.
Other high-profile cases in recent years include:
- Anthem Blue Cross: $115 million settlement after a 2015 data breach
- LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics: Multi-state lawsuits following breaches of over 25 million patient records
- Target and Equifax: Retail and financial data breaches that made national headlines
Healthcare data is especially valuable because it can be used for long-term fraud and medical identity theft, which is harder to detect and correct.
Cybersecurity Tips to Stay Protected
Even if you weren’t affected by this breach, here’s how to keep your info safe going forward:
- Use strong, unique passwords for each site (consider a password manager)
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible
- Freeze your credit with all three bureaus — it’s free and reversible
- Check your credit reports regularly via AnnualCreditReport.com
- Don’t click suspicious links in emails, even if they look official
- Teach your family — especially seniors and teens — about phishing scams
Proactive steps today can save you from a world of hurt later.
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