Blog

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. The deadline to file a claim is Feb. 4.

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

ADA: Tips to Avoid Claim Denials Due to Common Coding Mistakes

The ADA hopes to help dentists avoid common coding mistakes as they begin using CDT 2026 on January 1. Here are examples and explanations of some common miscoding issues to help address potential misinterpretation during claims processing.

Dec 3, 2025

Why WSDA Members Should Choose ComplyBetter to Manage Dental Compliance

WSDA created ComplyBetter to give Washington dental offices an easy, modern, affordable way to manage HIPAA, WISHA, infection control and more. Our competitive pricing for WSDA members saves you money and reinvests in the profession!

Dec 2, 2025

ADA: Revised CDT Codes You Should Know for 2026

CDT 2026 boasts 60 code changes, including 14 revisions. Find information here to help you prepare to use some of these revised codes come Jan. 1, 2026. Revisions cover resin-based composites, the administration of nitrous oxide, and more.

Nov 21, 2025

Register for Dental Action Day

Join WSDA at Dental Action Day on Thursday, January 22, 2026 to meet with legislators and promote the Association’s legislative efforts!

Nov 18, 2025

Annual EHR/PMP & E-Prescribing Waivers Due December 1

Reminder: Waiver attestations for both EHR/PMP integration and e-prescribing requirements are due annually on December 1.

Nov 17, 2025

Private Reception in Support of Rep. Rick Larsen

WSDA invites you to join us on Monday, December 8 in Seattle for a private reception in support of U.S. Representative Rick Larsen.

Nov 17, 2025

DDWA Annual Meeting Fails to Reach Quorum

WSDA is pleased to share that the Delta Dental of Washington (DDWA) Annual Membership Meeting failed to reach quorum.

Nov 17, 2025

Next Steps After Student Debt Forgiveness

As the government shutdown comes to a close, student loan borrowers are receiving notices regarding debt forgiveness. With over $1.6 trillion in combined outstanding student debt across the United States, experts advised borrowers who receive debt relief to take several steps to reevaluate their financial goals and consider the potential uses of their discretionary income.

Nov 14, 2025

ADA Opposes Delta Dental’s Acquisition of Cherry Tree Dental

The ADA filed a letter with the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance expressing opposition to Delta Dental of Wisconsin’s proposed acquisition of Cherry Tree Dental. The filing notes potential conflicts of interest and concerns about patient care under the proposed ownership structure, stating that direct ownership by Delta Dental could compromise dentists’ ability to advocate for patients.

Nov 13, 2025

Washington Dental Commission: Recruiting Expert Witnesses for Dental Healthcare Professionals

The Washington State Department of Health’s Office of Health Professions, in coordination with the Office of Investigative and Legal Services, is recruiting expert witnesses to support their work in regulating dental healthcare professionals.

Nov 10, 2025

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.

Nov 7, 2025

Dr. Stephen Lee: Who are the Legends of Dentistry?

Many “legends” might produce beautiful cases on their good days. But to me, the measure of a dentist isn’t how good they are when they’re at their best, it’s how good they are when they’re not. What do the worst 2% of everyone’s cases look like?

Nov 5, 2025

ADA: Give Veterans A Smile - Serving Those who Have Served

As Veterans Day approaches, we pause to thank and honor all who have bravely served our country. A meaningful way to give back is by helping to meet their oral health needs.

Nov 5, 2025

ADA: Sign Up for Give Kids A Smile 2026

Join the GKAS Movement and sign up your 2026 Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) event no later than November 15, 2025, to request free GKAS product kits for your program.

Nov 5, 2025

Renew Your Membership for 2026

It's time to renew your WSDA, ADA and local dental society membership. WSDA is decreasing the cost of membership in 2026. Renew online by January 1 to enter to win a refund of your 2026 dues!

Nov 5, 2025

WDIA: How One Practice Owner Navigated an Employer Practices Liability Claim

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 48% of employer practice liability claims are filed against small businesses. Dental offices can be lucrative targets for former employees and their attorneys because most claims are settled without trial.

Nov 5, 2025

2025 WSDA House of Delegates Resolution & Election Results

The 2025 meeting of the WSDA House of Delegates, the governing body of the Association, was held Sept. 25-27 at the Marriott Tacoma Downtown. Members can visit wsda.org/HOD to view resolutions adopted at the 2025 House.

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 23, 2025

ADA Applauds Health Care Workforce Bill, Highlights Importance of Accreditation

ADA leaders have voiced support for a newly introduced bill that aims to strengthen the health care pipeline — including dentistry — through new federal grant programs.

Oct 23, 2025

Public Misunderstanding of Dental Insurance is Widespread

Experts note that many patients mistakenly believe dental coverage works like medical insurance, which is meant to protect against large, unexpected costs.

Oct 22, 2025

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

Rake in more for your metal! Refine your precious scrap metals now.

Oct 22, 2025

First Round of Student Loan Forgiveness Under Trump Administration

The U.S. Department of Education has begun issuing notices to some federal student loan borrowers regarding the possibility of full or partial student loan forgiveness.

Oct 21, 2025

ADA Launches Toolkit to Support Dentists in Medicaid Participation

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 16, 2025