HHS OCR report ยท 2021
Howard University College of Dentistry data breach
OCR report facts
- Covered entity
- Howard University College of Dentistry
- Entity type
- Healthcare Provider
- State
- District of Columbia
- Individuals affected
- 80,915
- Submission date
- Nov 23, 2021
- Type of breach
- Hacking/IT Incident
- Location of breached information
- Electronic Medical Record
- Business associate present
- No
- Status
- Archive (closed)
OCR description
The covered entity (CE), Howard University College of Dentistry, reported that it was the subject of a ransomware attack that affected the protected health information (PHI) of 80,915 individuals. The PHI involved included dental record numbers, dates of service, and health insurance information. The CE notified HHS, affected individuals, the media, and provided substitute notice. In its mitigation efforts, the CE implemented additional administrative, technical, and security safeguards to be...
Text as published on the HHS OCR breach portal.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were affected by the Howard University College of Dentistry data breach?
The report to HHS OCR lists 80,915 individuals affected.
When was it reported to HHS?
It was submitted to HHS OCR on Nov 23, 2021.
What type of breach was it?
The OCR portal lists the type of breach as Hacking/IT Incident, with the breached information located in: Electronic Medical Record.
Is the investigation still open?
No. The report is in the OCR portal archive, which holds reports where OCR has closed its review.
Is a breach notice letter from Howard University College of Dentistry legitimate?
This site cannot verify letters. Check the sender against the organisation's official website and the HHS OCR breach portal, and avoid calling numbers or clicking links only listed in an unexpected message. See our guide on what to do after a data breach notice.
Source: HHS OCR Breach Portal, OCR export October 2026. Network USA is not affiliated with HHS or Howard University College of Dentistry.