Aspen Dental $18.7 Million Privacy Class Action Settlement: Check If You Qualify?

In a significant legal development impacting millions of patients who used Aspen Dental’s online services, the company has agreed to an $18.7 million settlement in a class action lawsuit alleging serious privacy violations. This settlement addresses claims that Aspen Dental, one of the largest dental service organizations in the United States with over 1,100 offices nationwide, used unauthorized tracking technology on its website, potentially compromising sensitive patient information. If you booked an appointment on Aspen Dental’s website during specific periods, you may be eligible to claim compensation from this settlement. This article explores the background of the case, who qualifies for the settlement, what the settlement entails, key deadlines, and answers common questions surrounding it.

Background of the Aspen Dental Privacy Lawsuit

The lawsuit, filed under the title Donnelly et al. v. Aspen Dental Management, Inc., centers on allegations that Aspen Dental employed tracking pixels—small pieces of code from companies such as Meta (Facebook) and Google—on its website without proper patient consent. These pixels allegedly collected detailed information about website visitors, including private health-related details entered during appointment bookings. The data was reportedly shared with third parties, a practice that plaintiffs claim violated privacy laws, including the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), HIPAA regulations regarding protected health information (PHI), and various state privacy statutes.

Patients who used the Aspen Dental website to book appointments between February 20, 2022, and January 1, 2025, are part of this legal action. The case has highlighted the growing scrutiny on healthcare organizations regarding digital data privacy and the risks associated with modern web tracking technologies in the healthcare sector. Aspen Dental denies any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to avoid the costs and risks of further litigation.

Settlement Overview and Payment Structure

The $18.7 million settlement fund is divided into two groups based on when the appointments were booked online:

Group 1 includes individuals who booked appointments between February 20, 2022, and June 1, 2023. This group has access to a fund of approximately $2.8 million, and payments will be distributed on a pro rata basis depending on the number of valid claims submitted. The exact payout per person will vary, as it depends on how many claims are made by eligible individuals.
Group 2 covers individuals who booked appointments from June 2, 2023, through January 1, 2025. This group has a fund of nearly $15.7 million and is eligible for a flat-rate payment of $15 for each valid claim submitted. However, if the number of claims exceeds the available funds, these payments may be reduced proportionally.

Aspen Dental has also agreed to implement stronger privacy protections, including better audits and disclosures regarding the use of web tracking tools on its site going forward.

Who Qualifies for the Settlement?

To qualify for compensation, you must meet the following criteria:

You booked an appointment directly through the Aspen Dental website (www.AspenDental.com).
Your booking was made between February 20, 2022, and January 1, 2025.
You must submit a valid claim form by the deadline, including necessary information such as your unique Class Member ID and PIN if provided in the settlement notice.

Notably, the eligible population includes more than two million individuals nationwide. The settlement excludes Aspen Dental’s officers, directors, and family members of the presiding judge.

Steps to Check Your Eligibility and File a Claim

If you believe you may be part of this settlement class, the following steps will help guide you through the claim process:

Look for Your Settlement Notice: If you booked an appointment during the eligibility period, you should receive a notice via email or mail containing your Class Member ID and PIN.
Verify Your Appointment Dates: Confirm your booking dates to determine if you belong in Group 1 or Group 2.
Visit the Official Settlement Website: To file a claim online, access the dedicated settlement site. Use your case credentials to submit your claim electronically for faster processing.
Alternatively, File by Mail: If you did not receive online credentials or prefer paper filing, download the claim form, complete it, and mail it to the designated claims administrator.
Submit By Deadline: All claims must be submitted or postmarked by September 15, 2025. Missing this deadline may forfeit your right to compensation.
Monitor the Approval Hearing: The court scheduled a final approval hearing for October 20, 2025, where the judge will decide whether to grant final acceptance of the settlement.

Geographic Reach and Impact

Aspen Dental’s expansive national presence means this settlement affects patients from numerous cities across the United States. From large metros like Chicago, Denver, and Dallas to smaller cities and towns across states like Colorado, Kansas, Texas, Indiana, and Florida, patients who used Aspen Dental’s website for appointment scheduling are encouraged to check their eligibility.

This case is a reminder of the importance of digital privacy in healthcare. Many patients are unaware that sensitive information can be tracked and shared without explicit consent, raising concerns about confidentiality and data security.

Why Did Aspen Dental Agree to Settle?

Though Aspen Dental denies any wrongdoing in deploying tracking technology, the company agreed to settle to avoid the uncertainties and expenses of prolonged litigation. The legal complexities involving HIPAA, state privacy laws, and electronic communications privacy create significant risk in court challenges over web data collection practices.

The settlement also obligates Aspen Dental to enhance its privacy and data security practices, which may benefit patients beyond monetary compensation by protecting their personal health information more effectively.

Common Questions About the Settlement

What if I don’t remember booking online? If you have records, confirmation emails, or credit card statements related to appointments with Aspen Dental, they can help verify your eligibility.
How will payments be distributed? Payments will be made after the court gives final approval, likely via electronic transfer or check.
Can I opt out or object? Yes, but opt-outs must be submitted by September 15, 2025, if you wish to pursue your own legal claims independently.
What if I’m unsure about my eligibility? You can contact the settlement administrator at the provided phone number or check the official website for assistance.

Conclusion

Aspen Dental’s $18.7 million settlement in the privacy class action lawsuit marks a crucial milestone in protecting patient data privacy in the digital age. If you booked an appointment on the Aspen Dental website between early 2022 and the start of 2025, you may be entitled to a cash payout. It is important to act before the September 15 deadline to file your claim and secure your share of the settlement.

The case underscores the need for healthcare providers to be transparent and compliant with privacy regulations, especially when using advanced web tracking technologies. Patients across the country from cities in Colorado, Texas, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, and beyond should stay informed and exercise their rights under this settlement. Protecting your personal health information is vital in today’s interconnected world, making awareness and timely action essential.

If you are unsure about how to proceed, visiting the official settlement website or contacting the settlement administrator can provide clarity and guidance on your eligibility and the claims process. Don’t miss the opportunity to be compensated for your data privacy concerns with Aspen Dental. Act now to ensure you don’t miss out on this important settlement.