Last fall, Washington state opened its second dental school with the launch of the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences School of Dental Medicine in Yakima. WSDA thought it would be timely to check in with students from both PNWU and the University of Washington, to see what issues are top of mind among the next generation of dentists.

With an announcement expected this May about significant changes to the HIPAA Security Rule, it’s a good time for WSDA members to take stock of their offices’ HIPAA and overall compliance practices. We suggest dentists start by reviewing what our team consistently finds to be one of the most common HIPAA compliance gaps — the Security Risk Assessment (SRA).

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights is expected to announce significant changes to the HIPAA Security Rule in May 2026, including requirements for encryption of electronic protected health information, multi-factor authentication and more.

“Access to food can make a meaningful difference in their well-being and academic success. When students are worried about where their next meal will come from, sometimes not just for themselves but also for their families, it becomes much harder to focus on the already demanding nature of their academic work.”

The American Dental Association released updated sedation and anesthesia use and teaching guidelines April 20, the first comprehensive revision of the guidelines in nearly a decade.

Sixty-seven changes are coming to the CDT Code in 2027, including 28 additions, 33 revisions and six editorial updates.

"Across the tripartite, our greatest strength is our ability to move forward together. We have an opportunity to work collectively to make a lasting impact for those we serve — now and in the future. As your national association, the ADA has both the responsibility and the opportunity to help lead that work and shape what comes next."

The ADA is supporting newly introduced federal legislation aimed at ensuring that state dental insurance reform laws apply to self-funded dental plans.

"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."

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!