Blog

Oct 24, 2025

“Sno-Isle Launched Me into a Profession I am Passionate About”

“What we provide here is an amazing opportunity for students to see if the profession they have dreamed of — or are considering — is what they really want,” said Kelly Beebout, dental assistant instructor at Sno-Isle Technical Skills Center in Everett.

Oct 21, 2025

ADA Launches Toolkit to Support Dentists in Medicaid Participiation

The Medicaid Financial Sustainability Toolkit: An Operational Guide for Dentists Wishing to Treat Medicaid Beneficiaries is designed to support dentists who are committed to serving underserved populations but need effective and operational strategies to do so sustainably.

Oct 14, 2025

It's All About the Mission

“I’m blessed to be in this position. I wake up every morning and I’m excited to come to campus.” Dean Foti Panagakos is leading the launch of the new School of Dental Medicine at PNW University of Health Sciences.

Oct 6, 2025

ADA: New CDT Codes You Should Know for 2026

CDT 2026 boasts 60 code changes, including 31 additions. The codes cover testing for a cracked tooth, scaling and debridement for the treatment of an implant with peri-implantitis, and more.

Sep 16, 2025

Next Steps on Dental Benefits Reform Legislation

During the 2025 legislative session, WSDA successfully passed Senate Bill 5351, which made meaningful progress on several important dental benefits reform issues. In 2026, WSDA will continue to propose additional dental benefits reforms to enhance dentists’ ability to care for their patients.

Aug 26, 2025

ADA Extends Well-Being Index to Dental Team Members

In an effort to support the mental well-being of all dental professionals, the American Dental Association is expanding free access to the Well-Being Index to dental team members and nonmember dentists.

Aug 4, 2025

ADA: How Does the One Big Beautiful Bill Affect Dentists?

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, H.R. 1, passed the Senate July 1, passed as amended in the House of Representatives on July 3 and was signed by President Trump July 4. The legislation contains several measures “with a direct impact” on dentists and dental practices around the country.

Jul 31, 2025

ADA: Fluoride FAQ for Your Patients

Community water fluoridation continues to be a hot topic in the news, and your patients may have some concerns about what they’re hearing. Share the facts with answers to common questions about fluoride in their water supply to inform them about safe concentration levels and celebrate what makes water fluoridation a public health win.

Jul 17, 2025

DOH: Certificates, Licenses and Renewal Notices Are Now Digital

The Washington State Department of Health recently launched the Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS), a new licensing system for all healthcare professionals and facilities. HELMS brings applications and credentialing online through a modern, self-service user portal.

Jul 8, 2025

Save the Date for Dental Action Day: Thursday, January 22

Join dentists from across the state on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Dental Action Day in Olympia to meet with your legislators and advocate for dental benefits reform and other issues affecting the dental profession. One profession, one voice!

Jul 7, 2025

2025 Legislative Session Summary

Washington state’s 105-day legislative session adjourned on Sunday, April 27, 2025. WSDA advocated in support of as well as in opposition to several bills concerning dental-related issues, workforce challenges, insurance matters, small business issues, employer-employee matters, and other related topics.

Jun 23, 2025

Update on Adult, Pediatric Medicaid Reimbursement

Beginning July 1, 2025, reimbursement rates for both adult and pediatric dental Medicaid will decrease. This change is a result of budget cuts enacted by lawmakers during the 2025 legislative session.

Jun 18, 2025

Dr. John Evans: Advice for Advisors

"We’ve all had mentors who helped us along the way, along with some advisors who have not been helpful. The effective advisor is helpful, courteous and careful."

Jun 13, 2025

Recent Email Scams Targeting Dental Offices: What to Watch For and How to Respond

WSDA recently became aware of email phishing scams affecting Washington dental offices, where unauthorized messages are being sent directly from the office’s legitimate email address. We urge dental offices to review email security measures and to not open attachments or click links in emails unless you’re confident the message is legitimate.

Jun 12, 2025

ADA Offers Supports to Help Dentists, Students Prioritize Mental Health

The American Dental Association offers various supports to help its member dentists and dental students get started, including free access to the Well-Being Index, an anonymous, validated assessment and measurement tool developed by Mayo Clinic to address clinician distress and well-being.

Jun 6, 2025

ADA Calls for ERISA, Medicare Advantage Reform

The ADA is offering its perspective on how certain anticompetitive regulations impact the dental sector, in response to the Federal Trade Commission’s request for information on reducing anticompetitive regulatory barriers.

Jun 5, 2025

Life After AAOMS

"It is an extremely busy year of service, but also it is very rewarding and a rich life experience." Dr. Mark Egbert reflects on his years of service and leadership with the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Jun 4, 2025

ADA Urges DOJ to Enforce Health Insurance Antitrust Reform

The ADA is commenting on competition in the dental insurance market, applauding the Department of Justice’s renewed focus on competition in health care and offering its perspective on how historically limited competition in dental insurance harms patients and dental professionals.

Jun 3, 2025

Thanks for Joining Us at PNDC 2025!

Thank you to the more than 4,600 attendees who joined us for the 2025 Pacific Northwest Dental Conference last month — you made this year's event a success! Mark your calendars today for more high-quality continuing dental education, dental exhibits and more as PNDC 2026 returns May 28-30 to Summit - Seattle Convention Center.

Jun 3, 2025

Effective July 1, 2025: Expanded Worker Protections Under Equal Pay and Opportunities Act

Beginning July 1, 2025, Washington’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (EPOA) will include expanded protections beyond gender to cover additional protected classes. Dentists who employ staff should review and update their hiring, pay, and advancement practices to ensure compliance with the updated EPOA rules. WSDA has created a compliance checklist resource for members.