Blog

Jul 17, 2025

DOH: Certificates, Licenses and Renewal Notices Are Now Digital

The Washington State Department of Health recently launched the Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS), a new licensing system for all healthcare professionals and facilities. HELMS brings applications and credentialing online through a modern, self-service user portal.

Jul 8, 2025

Save the Date for Dental Action Day: Thursday, January 22

Join dentists from across the state on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Dental Action Day in Olympia to meet with your legislators and advocate for dental benefits reform and other issues affecting the dental profession. One profession, one voice!

Jul 7, 2025

2025 Legislative Session Summary

Washington state’s 105-day legislative session adjourned on Sunday, April 27, 2025. WSDA advocated in support of as well as in opposition to several bills concerning dental-related issues, workforce challenges, insurance matters, small business issues, employer-employee matters, and other related topics.

Jun 23, 2025

Update on Adult, Pediatric Medicaid Reimbursement

Beginning July 1, 2025, reimbursement rates for both adult and pediatric dental Medicaid will decrease. This change is a result of budget cuts enacted by lawmakers during the 2025 legislative session.

Jun 18, 2025

Dr. John Evans: Advice for Advisors

"We’ve all had mentors who helped us along the way, along with some advisors who have not been helpful. The effective advisor is helpful, courteous and careful."

Jun 13, 2025

Recent Email Scams Targeting Dental Offices: What to Watch For and How to Respond

WSDA recently became aware of email phishing scams affecting Washington dental offices, where unauthorized messages are being sent directly from the office’s legitimate email address. We urge dental offices to review email security measures and to not open attachments or click links in emails unless you’re confident the message is legitimate.

Jun 12, 2025

ADA Offers Supports to Help Dentists, Students Prioritize Mental Health

The American Dental Association offers various supports to help its member dentists and dental students get started, including free access to the Well-Being Index, an anonymous, validated assessment and measurement tool developed by Mayo Clinic to address clinician distress and well-being.

Jun 6, 2025

ADA Calls for ERISA, Medicare Advantage Reform

The ADA is offering its perspective on how certain anticompetitive regulations impact the dental sector, in response to the Federal Trade Commission’s request for information on reducing anticompetitive regulatory barriers.

Jun 5, 2025

Life After AAOMS

"It is an extremely busy year of service, but also it is very rewarding and a rich life experience." Dr. Mark Egbert reflects on his years of service and leadership with the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Jun 4, 2025

ADA Urges DOJ to Enforce Health Insurance Antitrust Reform

The ADA is commenting on competition in the dental insurance market, applauding the Department of Justice’s renewed focus on competition in health care and offering its perspective on how historically limited competition in dental insurance harms patients and dental professionals.

Jun 3, 2025

Thanks for Joining Us at PNDC 2025!

Thank you to the more than 4,600 attendees who joined us for the 2025 Pacific Northwest Dental Conference last month — you made this year's event a success! Mark your calendars today for more high-quality continuing dental education, dental exhibits and more as PNDC 2026 returns May 28-30 to Summit - Seattle Convention Center.

Jun 3, 2025

Effective July 1, 2025: Expanded Worker Protections Under Equal Pay and Opportunities Act

Beginning July 1, 2025, Washington’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (EPOA) will include expanded protections beyond gender to cover additional protected classes. Dentists who employ staff should review and update their hiring, pay, and advancement practices to ensure compliance with the updated EPOA rules. WSDA has created a compliance checklist resource for members.

Jun 2, 2025

Get a $250 Discount on 2025 Membership & Save on Professional Liability

It’s not too late to receive a membership discount and save on professional liability insurance at the same time! Eligible dentists who purchase MedPro professional liability insurance through WSDA company Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency (WDIA) receive $250 off 2025 WSDA membership and a 10% premium discount.

Jun 2, 2025

WSDA Can Manage L&I Claims for Your Dental Office

The last thing a dental practice owner needs is the added cost, stress and administrative burden of managing an L&I workers' compensation claim if an employee is injured on the job. That’s where WSDA comes in with a free member benefit offering expert oversight and proactive management of L&I claims, all at no cost to members!

May 20, 2025

Avoiding Burnout

There’s no doubt the practice — and management — of dentistry can escalate stress and anxiety levels. Managing that pressure is important to the health and well-being of individual dentists, as well as the future of the profession.

May 19, 2025

Bracken Killpack: Legislative Victory

"Overwhelming bipartisan support is a testament to the power of our collective voice. Sincere thanks to all of you who helped make that voice heard!"

May 13, 2025

Governor Signs WSDA’s Dental Benefits Reform Bill Into Law

On Monday, May 12, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed WSDA’s dental benefits reform legislation, Senate Bill 5351, into law. A win for dentists and patients, Senate Bill 5351 makes meaningful progress on several major dental benefits policy issues.

May 6, 2025

Omni Practice Group: PNDC 2025 Platinum Sponsor

The world—and dentistry—is always evolving. Change can bring both opportunities and challenges, and your approach to it matters. Visit Omni Practice Group at Booth #613.

May 6, 2025

MedPro Group: PNDC 2025 Platinum Sponsor

Your job as a dentist has unique risks and challenges. MedPro Group keeps you safe with the industry’s leading dental malpractice insurance. Visit MedPro at Booth #212.

May 6, 2025

Crest+Oral-B: PNDC 2025 Platinum Sponsor

Crest+Oral-B is excited to partner with dental professionals at the upcoming Pacific Northwest Dental Conference! Visit Crest+Oral-B at Booth #125.

May 5, 2025

WSDA Advocacy on B&O Tax Legislation

Near the end of the 2025 legislative session, WSDA joined a health care coalition effort to advocate against B&O tax increases for health care providers, including dentists. Advocacy efforts resulted in no B&O tax increase for most dentists.

Apr 28, 2025

Share Your Dental Workforce Challenges

Share your dental workforce challenges through the 2025 WA Health Sentinel Survey. Survey results will be shared with key policymakers and other stakeholders to inform the policy development and funding decisions impacting our vital health workforce.

Apr 18, 2025

"A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity"

"It has truly been my honor to serve.” Dr. Natasha Flake reflects on her term as President of the American Association of Endodontics.

Apr 17, 2025

Take Action: Protect Dental Medicaid

The Washington State Legislature is currently negotiating our next state budget and is facing potential cuts to many state programs. Please take just a few moments today to urge legislators to maintain the current funding level for adult and pediatric dental Medicaid reimbursement rates in the final version of the budget.

Apr 16, 2025

Dental Benefits Reform Bill Passes Legislature

WSDA is thrilled to share that our dental benefits reform bill, SSB 5351, has now passed both chambers of the Legislature! Our bill now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature to finalize its passage in the 2025 Legislative Session.

Apr 16, 2025

Everyone for Veterans: Helping Heroes

The nonprofit created by retired Issaquah periodontist Theresa Cheng now provides comprehensive oral health care for veterans and their spouses on a national level. Connecting veterans with local dentists is vital to E4V’s mission. Finding dentists willing to share their talents and expertise is at the heart of what Everyone for Veterans is all about.

Apr 9, 2025

Act Now: Urge Representatives to Support Dental Benefits Reform

SSB 5351 — WSDA’s dental benefits reform legislation — is now in the Rules Committee, the last step before moving to the floor of the Washington State House of Representatives. You can help SSB 5351 pass out of the House of Representatives.

Apr 8, 2025

Bracken Killpack: We're Just Getting Started

"However you choose to engage with WSDA, your contribution is deeply appreciated. Together, we are working to create a stronger, more supportive environment for Washington dentists and, ultimately, better oral health for our patients."