SCCDS members may have recently received an email from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Radiologic Health Branch (RHB), regarding an X-ray inspection, compliance matter, or other regulatory notice. If you were expecting these types of communications to arrive by mail, you may be wondering whether an email notification is legitimate.
The answer is yes. CDPH’s Radiologic Health Branch is increasingly using email as an official method of communication, including for matters related to its X-ray Inspection, Compliance & Enforcement (ICE) Section. The ICE Section is responsible for inspections and investigations involving the use of X-ray machines in California.
What This Means for Dental Offices
Historically, many dental practices became accustomed to receiving official CDPH correspondence through the U.S. Postal Service. As CDPH moves toward more electronic communication, an official notice from a CDPH email address should not automatically be treated as spam or a phishing attempt simply because it arrives electronically.
The transition to electronic communication is consistent with other changes already implemented by CDPH. For example, the Radiologic Health Branch has previously announced the use of email for certain certification and permit communications and encourages applicants to provide valid email addresses to facilitate faster communication.
CDPH also routinely provides official regulatory information, notices and guidance electronically through its website.
How to Verify That an Email Is Legitimate
While these emails can be legitimate, practices should continue to use good cybersecurity practices before clicking links or providing information.
Look at the sender’s email address. Official CDPH communications should originate from a @cdph.ca.gov email address. Be cautious of addresses that use similar-looking domains or contain additional words or characters.
Do not ignore the notice. If the email concerns an inspection, compliance issue, registration, or other regulatory matter, it may require action within a specific timeframe.
When in doubt, verify directly with CDPH. Rather than replying to a suspicious message or clicking an unfamiliar link, contact the Radiologic Health Branch using contact information published on the official CDPH website. For X-ray registration questions, CDPH lists XrayRegistration@cdph.ca.gov, while X-ray inspection and compliance matters are handled through the appropriate regional ICE office.
For Santa Clara County, the CDPH Radiologic Health Branch lists the county within Region 4, which can be reached at RHBXRayInspectionRegion4@cdph.
A Reminder for Practice Owners
Please make sure that your office’s contact information and email address are current with CDPH and that staff responsible for regulatory compliance are monitoring the email account associated with your practice.
CDPH’s X-ray ICE Section oversees requirements involving radiation-producing equipment, inspections, compliance and enforcement. Dental offices are responsible for maintaining appropriate radiation protection programs and complying with applicable California requirements.
Bottom line: If you receive an X-ray-related notice from an official @cdph.ca.gov email address, do not assume it is a scam simply because it was delivered electronically instead of through the mail. Take the notice seriously, verify the sender if necessary, and respond within any stated deadline.
SCCDS encourages members to bookmark the official CDPH Radiologic Health Branch website and use CDPH’s published contact information whenever you need to verify a communication.
CDPH Radiologic Health Branch – X-Ray Inspection, Compliance & Enforcement