“What we’ve found over the years is that traditional mental, dental and medical care doesn’t serve this segment of the population well — especially those who live outdoors or are unfamiliar with the system or how to navigate it on their own. The biggest shift we made as an organization was taking the care to the patients. We started looking for patients rather than waiting for them. Our mission on paper stayed the same, but the actions behind it changed. When we did that, we found even more unmet needs in our community.”

WSDA members interested in speaking at PNDC 2027, April 1-3 in Seattle, can now apply for the New & Emerging Speaker Series. Applications are due Sunday, July 19. This member-exclusive opportunity gives WSDA members the chance to present 50-minute dental-related lectures at Washington's largest dental conference.

"More members use WSDA programs. Those programs generate non-dues revenue. That revenue funds better member benefits, stronger advocacy, and lower membership costs. Lower costs and greater value bring more dentists into organized dentistry. More members create more strength, more influence, and more opportunity to serve."

"The more familiar lawmakers become with this issue before they return to Olympia, the better chance we have of passing this important strategy to help solve our workforce shortage."

Reducing the dental workforce backlog in Washington requires a multi-pronged approach. WSDA hopes a new category of dental care provider will offer another avenue for relief.

The world of dental benefits can seem like it comes with its own language, and learning the terms can feel like cramming for a vocabulary test. Here are 12 terms from that glossary that dentists should know.

Thank you to all the dental professionals who joined us for the 2026 Pacific Northwest Dental Conference. We had an incredible time hosting you in Seattle for PNDC 2026! Mark your calendars today for more high-quality continuing dental education, dental exhibits and more as PNDC returns April 1-3, 2027 to Summit - Seattle Convention Center.

The ADA is urging dentists to contact members of Congress in support of federal legislation aimed at closing what the Association describes as an “ERISA loophole” affecting dental insurance reform laws. “Your patients deserve to be treated equally under the law when receiving dental care no matter how their dental benefit plan is designed. Congress can finally bring this needed consistency and accountability to federally regulated dental plans and ensure state dental insurance laws are adhered to.”

In celebration of PNDC 2026 this week in Seattle, WSDA is offering $200 off the first year of ComplyBetter for all new memberships!

Washington Dentists' Insurance Agency (WDIA) offers insurance policies designed for dentists. You protect your livelihood and your profession when you invest in quality coverage through WDIA. Visit WDIA during PNDC 2026 at Booth #113.

Pre-book your Dandy demo at the Pacific Northwest Dental Conference and walk away with a $150 gift of your choice. Visit Dandy at Booth #312 to see it in action and discover how Dandy can simplify your digital workflow.

Whether you just started your career, retirement is around the corner, or you’re somewhere in between, we can help. Stop by booth 212 at the Pacific Northwest Dental Conference to learn more about the MedPro Group difference.

While exploring the exhibit hall at PNDC, stop by booth 613 and enter for an opportunity to experience a premium suite at a future Seattle Sounders FC match or win two tickets to a FIFA World Cup 2026 game right here in Seattle—an unforgettable experience for you and a guest.

The business of dentistry is becoming more complex, while some dental practices turn to dental service organizations (“DSOs”) for help with billing, marketing, and office management. These arrangements may be useful, but Washington dentists should understand the strict legal limits before entering into such arrangements.

AI is the new standard in dentistry to provide the best patient care. Visit Overjet at Booth #318.

Across Washington, activists are fighting fluoridation in public water systems. As a result, more state residents are at risk of losing the benefits of a proven public oral health program.

The Power of Collaboration in Providing the Financial Needs of Dentists, Specialists and Their Families. Visit Dental Accounting Group at Booth #213.

To the WSDA Advocacy Champions who added an additional $250 donation to their 2026 membership renewal, thank you for your support! From dental benefits reform to improving the workforce shortage, no one fights harder for dentists than WSDA.