Blog

Apr 9, 2026

Bracken Killpack: Campaign for Dental Futures - Investing in Washington’s Next Generation of Dentists

"Our state is entering a new era of dental education. That’s why WSDA and the WSDA Foundation are asking the state’s dental community to step forward—together—to support the Campaign for Dental Futures: A Tribute to the Work of Dr. Linda Edgar."

Apr 6, 2026

Don’t Miss Comedy Night with Dr. Brady Smith on May 28 in Seattle!

With a mix of brutally honest life stories, outrageous tales from the dental trenches, and a knack for turning the mundane into the absurd, Brady delivers a comedy experience that’s raw, relatable, and absolutely hilarious!

Mar 30, 2026

Learn More About the WSDA Member Assistance Program: April 20 Webinar

Get a comprehensive overview of the WSDA Member Assistance Program — a new free benefit designed to help you and your family navigate life's challenges — at our April 20 orientation webinar. Register by April 16.

Mar 26, 2026

Thank You to Rep. Michelle Valdez for Years of Legislative Service

After serving six terms in the Washington State House of Representatives, Rep. Michelle Valdez (Caldier) retired from office at the conclusion of the 2026 legislative session.

Mar 25, 2026

Important Updates for All Parent Plus & SAVE Plan Student Loan Borrowers

Urgent action recommended for Parent Plus borrowers, especially those pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). SAVE plan borrowers should be aware of a March 9 court decision to officially end the SAVE plan and educate themselves on anticipated next steps.

Mar 24, 2026

Back on Top: WDIA Regains Position as State’s Largest Dental Professional Liability Broker

It’s been two years since Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency (WDIA) announced MedPro Group as its preferred provider for professional liability coverage—and it’s cause for celebration.

Mar 20, 2026

SCAM ALERT: Callers Impersonating WSDA

This afternoon, WSDA became aware of a potential phone scam targeting an unknown number of Washington dental offices. The caller(s) may be impersonating or "spoofing" WSDA's phone numbers (206) 448-1914 or (800) 448-3368 and asking dentists to provide their dental license number. This is not WSDA calling.

Mar 19, 2026

Become a Speaker Ambassador to Attend PNDC 2026 for Free

The PNDC Speaker Ambassador Program gives WSDA members and their staff a way to get involved at PNDC by assisting our speakers prior to and during the conference. Plus, Speaker Ambassadors can receive registration reimbursement for volunteering!

Mar 10, 2026

ADA Joins Coalition Urging Education Department to Adjust Timeline for Student Loan Changes

The ADA joined a coalition led by the American Dental Education Association urging the U.S. Department of Education to adjust the implementation timeline for major federal student loan changes that could significantly affect dental students and other graduate and professional learners.

Mar 9, 2026

5 Washington Dental Compliance Misconceptions — And Their Risks to Your Office

Don’t unknowingly fall out of compliance or pay for services you may not need. Review these common Washington dental compliance myths and misconceptions, and don’t forget to share with everyone in your office responsible for managing compliance!

Mar 4, 2026

RSVP for the WSDA Mentor/Mentee Luncheon at PNDC 2026

Meet up for food, drinks and networking during PNDC 2026 at the Mentor/Mentee Luncheon on Friday, May 29. RSVP today!

Mar 3, 2026

License Credentialing Freeze: March 18-24, 2026

Ahead of the Department of Health’s HELMS launch, all licensing and credentialing systems will be unavailable from 5 PM on Wednesday, March 18, until the morning of Tuesday, March 24, 2026. To avoid potential lapses in licensure, dentists who renew in March should renew early and practice owners should inform applicable staff of the upcoming freeze.

Mar 2, 2026

Join WSDA & Dandy for an Evening at Canlis

Join WSDA and proud sponsor Dandy for a free evening at Canlis on Friday, March 27! Come mix and mingle with fellow WSDA member dentists while discovering how Dandy’s innovative digital workflows are transforming practices.

Mar 2, 2026

Earn Required CE at PNDC 2026

Licensed Washington dentists must earn 63 hours of continuing education every three years, plus complete a variety of additional CE requirements. Earn 20+ CE credits May 28-30 at PNDC 2026 — including many that count toward additional requirements for dentists. Register by the April 10 Early Bird Deadline to save up to $100 per person!

Feb 27, 2026

ADA Backs Independent Fluoride Review at House Hearing

The ADA is urging lawmakers to bolster scientific oversight of potential federal fluoride regulations in a statement submitted for the record at a Feb. 24 hearing of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Environment titled “From Source to Tap: A Hearing to Examine Challenges and Opportunities for Safe, Reliable, and Affordable Drinking Water.”

Feb 25, 2026

Apply for WSDA & ADA Elected Positions

WSDA Members: Take your leadership skills to the next level and apply today for an open WSDA or ADA elected leadership position! Elections will be held at the 2026 WSDA House of Delegates, September 17-19 in Spokane.

Feb 19, 2026

Free, Confidential Mental Health Support Now Available through WSDA Member Assistance Program

WSDA is pleased to announce another valuable benefit for Association members: free, confidential mental health support through our new Member Assistance Program, powered by First Choice Health EAP.

Feb 19, 2026

Refine Your Dental Scrap with WSDA-Endorsed D-MMEX Easyrefine

Get more when you refine your dental scrap with WSDA-endorsed D-MMEX Easyrefine. Now until March 31, Easyrefine is offering a 2% bonus coupon on top of the 5% bonus already received by WSDA members.

Feb 18, 2026

Reminder: Volunteer at the Seattle/King County Clinic

Dental professionals looking for a volunteer opportunity can sign up to volunteer for the 2026 Seattle/King County Clinic, held April 23-26 at Seattle Center.

Feb 17, 2026

Nominate a Dentist for WSDA Citizen of the Year

Do you know a member dentist doing incredible charitable work in their community? Nominate them for WSDA Citizen of the Year!

Feb 12, 2026

Announcing the Campaign for Dental Futures: A Tribute to the Work of Dr. Linda Edgar

WSDA is excited to announce that the WSDA Foundation has pledged $1 million to support the creation of the Simulation Lab at the new Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences School of Dental Medicine in Yakima, named in honor of Washington’s own Dr. Linda Edgar. Through this campaign, dentists and supporters have a unique opportunity to help shape the future of dentistry in Washington state and beyond.

Feb 11, 2026

ADA: 2025 Marks Strong Year for ADA Advocacy

The ADA had many advocacy wins in 2025, including dental insurance reforms, workforce legislation, water fluoridation and more.

Feb 9, 2026

ADA: EPA Initiates Accelerated Review of Fluoride in Drinking Water

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has initiated an accelerated review of fluoride in drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The action marks the first step in an expedited process to evaluate potential health effects associated with fluoride exposure and could inform future regulatory decisions related to drinking water standards for the entire country.

Feb 2, 2026

February 16 HIPAA Deadline: Update Your Notice of Privacy Practices

By February 16, 2026, all HIPAA-covered entities — including dental practices — must update their Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) to include specific information about how they handle substance use disorder (SUD) treatment records protected under federal law, and train their workforce on these updates. Learn more and see resources available from WSDA and ADA.

Jan 29, 2026

Unlock Job & Practice Opportunities with WSDA Classifieds

Whether you’re a dentist looking to grow your career or a practice owner ready to make a change, the WSDA Classifieds section is your centralized resource. This platform is tailored specifically to the job and practice search needs of dentists across the state.

Jan 26, 2026

ADA: Student Loan Spotlight: How Dentists Can Navigate New Federal Student Loan Changes

Managing student loans and dental school debt can be a significant source of financial stress, especially early in your career. While recent federal student loan legislation will impact current repayment options, there are still several new plans that can help dentists manage their dental school debt.

Jan 21, 2026

Common Workers’ Compensation Claims in Dental Offices — And How WSDA L&I Advantage Has You Covered

Even in a low-risk setting like a dental office, repetitive strain and small accidents can lead to costly claims if not managed correctly.

Jan 20, 2026

Apply for the 2026 WSDA Leadership Institute by February 20

The WSDA Leadership Institute is a program designed to foster new leadership in organized dentistry by getting participants involved in a variety of WSDA activities and meetings.

Jan 14, 2026

WSDA Partners with TISLA for Free Student Loan Counseling & Education

The Association is excited to announce our newest member benefit — free student loan counseling and education for members through a partnership with The Institute of Student Loan Advisors (TISLA).

Jan 13, 2026

Giving Back: "I Know This Works"

Spice Isle Smiles is transforming children’s oral health in Grenada by delivering comprehensive, school-based dental care to rural primary schools. Founded by Dr. Brian Holmes and Tammy Holmes, the nonprofit is creating lasting, generational change by ensuring young students have access to the care they need to grow up healthy and confident.

Jan 13, 2026

Steps to Take if Facing Collection Notices on Defaulted Loans

Experts indicated that acting quickly may be critical among federal student loan borrowers at risk of a portion of their wages being seized. Although wage garnishment was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the U.S. Department of Education announced plans to resume seizing the wages, federal tax refunds, Social Security retirement and disability benefits of those who have defaulted on their loans.

Jan 9, 2026

ADA 10 Under 10 Award Nominations are Open

Know a dentist who graduated less than 10 years ago and is making an impact in the profession? Submit them at ADA.org/10under10 by March 16, 2026.

Jan 9, 2026

ADA Webinar to Tackle One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s Impact on Student Loans

The American Dental Association and Laurel Road will host a free webinar on 1/13 to break down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s implications for dental students and dentists.

Jan 8, 2026

New ADA Recommendations Confirm Dental Imaging Most Effectively Used in Moderation

New recommendations from the American Dental Association confirm that dental imaging should only be ordered when clinically necessary to minimize both patients’ and dental professionals’ exposure to radiation.

Jan 7, 2026

Bracken Killpack: Growing Value, Reducing Cost - Reflecting on Year 1 of Reimagining WSDA Membership

One year ago, we launched the first phase of WSDA’s reimagined membership model with a clear goal: make it easier for more dentists to see that the value of organized dentistry exceeds the cost of belonging. With a full year of data behind us, we can say the new model is working.

Jan 5, 2026

ADA: Visa and Mastercard Antitrust Settlement: What Small Businesses Need to Know

Merchants who accepted Visa and Mastercard payments in the United States between Jan. 1, 2004, and Jan. 25, 2019, may be entitled to compensation from a class action settlement related to alleged violations of antitrust laws.

Dec 29, 2025

Workers’ Compensation Rates Increasing in 2026: What Washington Dentists Should Know

With workers’ compensation rates rising in 2026, proactive claims management through WSDA L&I Advantage can help member dental practices control long-term costs.

Dec 29, 2025

WSDA: A ‘Critical Partner’ in 2025 Elections

During this November’s general election, WSDA sent an important message: the Association will strongly back candidates who support dental professionals and their patients.

Dec 24, 2025

ADA: Deleted CDT Codes You Should Know for 2026

CDT 2026 boasts 60 code changes, including six deletions. Find information here to help you prepare for these deleted codes come Jan. 1, 2026. Deletions include preventive resin restorations, vaccine administrations, non-intravenous conscious sedation and more.

Dec 23, 2025

Faith, Family & Friends: Dr. Kim Nordberg, WSDA 2025 Citizen of the Year

What is the best way to measure Dr. Kim Nordberg's legacy? It's not in buildings, though that could be part of the answer. Nor is it in accolades and awards, though there were those, too, including being honored as this year's recipient of the WSDA Citizen of the Year award. No, the real measure of his legacy is in lives touched.

Dec 17, 2025

ADA Calls for Stronger Dental Benefits, Transparency Measures in Senate Cost Review

The ADA is urging lawmakers to prioritize oral health as they examine strategies to address rising health care costs. In a letter to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, the ADA stressed that rising costs place a strain on patients, families, employers and taxpayers.

Dec 16, 2025

Your Association in Action

WSDA’s recent successes and future priorities underscore the Association’s strong value to the profession. As Washington’s leading advocate for dentists, WSDA is uniquely committed to addressing unfair insurance practices, rising costs and regulations, workforce shortages, and other challenges affecting dentists and their patients.

Dec 12, 2025

ADA: Education Department Moves to End SAVE Under Legal Settlement

The U.S. Department of Education announced it has reached a proposed legal settlement that would formally end the Saving on Valuable Education, or SAVE, income-driven repayment plan, a signature Biden-era policy that had offered some of the lowest monthly student loan payments and fastest potential paths to forgiveness in the federal system.

Dec 11, 2025

ADA: Appeals Court Declines Immediate Review of Delta Dental Class Certification

A federal appeals court has denied a request for immediate review of the decision rejecting class certification in the ongoing antitrust litigation against Delta Dental. As a result, individual dental providers who wish to pursue claims may need to act promptly to protect their rights.

Dec 5, 2025