Tom Terronez on the Patient Data Question Every Dental Group Should Be Able to Answer But Can't

Can your practice confidently explain where patient data goes after it is collected? In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host Mike Huffaker speaks with Thomas Terronez, CEO of Medix Dental, about the overlooked data supply chain behind modern dental technology. Every new tool, from patient engagement and imaging platforms to payment systems, call recording, analytics, and AI, can introduce new pathways for protected health information. Thomas explains why cybersecurity is no longer just about securing the server inside a practice; it is about understanding every vendor, integration, backup, development environment, and third party that may touch patient data. The conversation explores the security benefits of cloud-based practice management platforms, the risks associated with legacy on-premise systems, and why staff training remains one of the most important safeguards against ransomware. Thomas also shares why a signed BAA is not enough, what DSOs should ask vendors before connecting new technology, and how practices can begin building a clearer, more accountable view of their data ecosystem. Episode chapters 00:00 The hidden data supply chain in dentistry 02:00 From computer enthusiast to dental IT leader 04:52 Why dentistry has been slow to embrace the cloud 07:33 The risks of on-premise servers and ransomware 10:29 How many vendors are touching your patient data? 12:20 Why a signed BAA is not enough 15:03 The data-governance gap in dental organizations 18:32 AI, patient data, and the startup landscape 22:28 What responsible technology adoption looks like 28:49 The questions every DSO should ask a new vendor Connect with the team: 👉 Mike Huffaker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huffaker/ 👉 Planet DDS: https://planetdds.com/ 👉 Thomas Terronez:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-terronez-9371104/ You can also listen to our podcast here: 👉 Apple Podcast: https://shorturl.at/ikORx 👉 Spotify: https://shorturl.at/SMInC Want to be a guest on The Dental Economist Show? If you’re a growth-focused leader in the dental business world or someone shaping its future through technology, consulting, or innovation, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re leading a DSO, building the next generation of dental technology, or helping redefine patient care, The Dental Economist Show is where the industry’s leading voices come together to discuss what’s next.