Blog

Aug 1, 2022

Updated Apple Health Billing Guide

Attention Medicaid Providers: The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) recently published an update to the Dental-related Services billing guide.

Jul 29, 2022

Pediatric Dental Topics Included in New Pediatric Health Listserv

To align with holistic and integrated health, the Health Care Authority (HCA) has added pediatric dental topics to the newly created Pediatric Health listserv. Last month, HCA announced the creation of this new listserv to ensure providers who offer services to children and youth receive updates specific to pediatric policy and program updates.

Jul 28, 2022

Apple Health (Medicaid) Provider Alert: Attention Orthodontic Providers

Orthodontic billing: Periodic orthodontic treatment visits (CDT® D8670) must be billed in three-month intervals. The first three-month interval begins after the initial placement date. The claim must include the appliance placement date and must match the banding claim that the Health Care Authority (HCA) has reimbursed. If that date does not match, the periodic (D8670) orthodontic treatment claim will be denied

Jul 20, 2022

Invitation to Submit Third Party Comments for Seattle Central College’s Dental Assisting and Hygiene Programs CODA Site Visit

The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) will conduct a site visit of Seattle Central College’s dental assisting and hygiene programs on November 8-10, 2022, and, following the standard CODA accreditation process, will consider the program for approval at the CODA January-February Winter meeting. Seattle Central College is calling for third party comments from interested parties on their dental assisting and hygiene programs.

Jul 18, 2022

Reminder: Quarterly Job Title Reporting Requirement

As a reminder, beginning with 2022 fourth quarter unemployment insurance tax reports, employers must include Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes and could face a penalty for incorrect or incomplete reporting.

Jul 10, 2022

Reminder: Dental Laboratory Registration Renewal

As a reminder, in order to remain compliant with RCW 70.352.060, all dental laboratories operating in Washington that provide services for outside dental offices must renew their registration by July 31 of each year.

Jul 7, 2022

DQAC Public Member Vacancy

The Department of Health, Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA), is accepting applications through Aug. 5 to fill one public member vacancy on the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC).

Jul 6, 2022

Entries Sought for 2022 ADA Design Innovation Awards

In search of dental facilities that seamlessly combine esthetic appeal, function and design, the ADA Council on Dental Practice, ADA Member Advantage and BMO Harris Bank are seeking entries from June 20 through Aug. 19 for the 2022 Design Innovation Awards.

Jul 5, 2022

Navigating Group Medical Benefits: Reduce Stress with Professional Guidance

Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency (WDIA) takes pride in supporting our medical groups with personalized guidance and customer service. As a licensed broker with Regence, Asuris, Kaiser Permanente, and Premera, WDIA welcomes new groups setting up medical policies for the first time and those who have existing policies with these carriers.

Jun 23, 2022

Avoid Breaches and Fines: Free Webinar July 19

Whether you are a small dental office or large group practice, HIPAA data breaches and violations can occur if you are not taking the proper steps to protect your practice. Learn how to keep your practice from harm with the free webinar Simple Steps to Avoid Breaches and Fines on July 19 at 10 AM PT.

Jun 22, 2022

Earn 20+ CE Credits for One Low Price at PNDC 2022

Registration is now open for the 2022 Pacific Northwest Dental Conference! Join thousands of dental professionals November 10-12 in Seattle for three days of world-class dental CE (earn 20+ credits!), a two-day exhibit hall and more.

Jun 8, 2022

Ask Congress to Support the REDI Act & Student Loan Reform

Tell your members of Congress to support the Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act. If enacted, this bill would allow dental and medical residents to automatically defer payments on their federal student loans until after their dental or medical residency is completed. It would also suspend the accrual of interest during their residency period.

Jun 5, 2022

Take the Dental Office Impacts Survey by June 15

WSDA and Delta Dental of Washington want to hear how the past several years have impacted your dental office and your ability to provide patient care. Take the anonymous survey by Wednesday, June 15.

Jun 3, 2022

WSDA Adopts Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Mission & Strategic Priorities

WSDA has been thoughtfully contemplating a more robust strategy for increasing the diversity of the Association and fostering a more inclusive and equitable organizational culture. In February, the WSDA Board unanimously adopted a DEI mission and strategic priorities focused on leadership development, mentorship, training, self-reflection, and advocacy.

Jun 2, 2022

Share Your Dental Workforce Challenges by June 6

Share your dental workforce challenges in the Health Workforce Sentinel Network survey by Monday, June 6. Survey results will be shared with key policymakers and other stakeholders to inform the policy development and funding decisions impacting our vital health workforce.

Jun 2, 2022

Apply to Join the Delta Member Advisory Panel (MAP)

Learn about an opportunity to join the WDS/Delta Dental of Washington Member Advisory Panel (MAP). WSDA encourages members who would like an opportunity to have input into the complex dental benefit discussions in our state to apply.

May 31, 2022

Importance of HIPAA Compliance for Dental Practices

HIPAA compliance not only ensures the privacy and security of patient information, it also protects your practice from breaches and fines and the reputational damage that results from them.

May 13, 2022

Upcoming DQAC Committee Meetings – May 17 & 19

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold an Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary Education Program Committee meeting on May 17 and an Educational Outreach Committee meeting on May 19.

May 13, 2022

An Employer’s Guide to Hiring Minors

With the school year coming to a close, many teens will be looking for a summer job. If considering hiring a minor to work in your office, please make sure to take a moment to review guidance from the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) regarding relevant rules and regulations.

May 11, 2022

You're Hired: Strategies for Navigating the Employment Process

Whether you’re a new dentist seeking an associateship or a practice owner looking to add a new employee, getting to “You’re hired!” can be an arduous and stressful experience. The good news is, there are resources available to help new and veteran dentists with that process and hopefully avoid some of the common pitfalls that result in hiring miscues.

May 9, 2022

Apply for the WSDA Leadership Institute by June 8

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. Apply by June 8!

May 5, 2022

Sign Up for WSDA Retro by June 1

Practice owners, get your office(s) on track to earn workers' compensation premium refunds by signing up for WSDA Retro by June 1.

May 4, 2022

WDIA: Time for Your Annual Insurance Check-Up

As your practice grows, your earnings increase, or your family gains new members, your insurance needs to increase as well. Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency recommends that all dentists review their insurance coverage at least once each year to determine if what they currently have meets their present and future needs.