Blog

May 29, 2020

WSDA Secures Additional FDA-Approved KN95 Masks for Washington Dentists

We have secured a second wave of 150,000 FDA-approved KN95 masks from the Washington State Emergency Management Division. Available while supplies last — order online now.

May 27, 2020

WSDA Secures KN95 & Surgical Masks for WA Dentists

Every actively practicing licensed dentist in Washington is eligible to receive one bag of 50 masks (half KN95, half surgical) at no cost.

May 21, 2020

DQAC Update - Dentist Clinical Examinations

An update from the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) on dentist clinical examinations.

May 20, 2020

Summary of Non-Urgent Care Requirements, DOSH Directive & Delta Interim Policies

COVID-19 Updates: Summary of requirements for return to providing non-urgent care, DOSH directive & fit tests, Delta interim policies/guidelines.

May 18, 2020

Governor Announces Non-Urgent Dental Care May Resume

Governor Inslee announced that non-urgent dental and medical care could resume, provided the criteria laid out in Proclamation 20-24.1 are met.

May 15, 2020

Non-Urgent Dental Care to Resume Monday at Noon

It is anticipated that non-urgent dental care can resume at noon on Monday, May 18.

May 14, 2020

New Legislation to Strengthen ABCD Program Takes Effect June 11

WSDA was pleased to support two pieces of legislation that were signed into law this year to strengthen the Access to Baby & Child Dentistry (ABCD) program.

May 14, 2020

May 15 DQAC Meeting Canceled

The DQAC meeting scheduled for Friday, May 15 has been canceled. Please read this message from the Commission explaining the reason for the cancellation.

May 13, 2020

AIDS Education & Training Update

As of June 11, 2020, HIV/AIDS education and training for dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and EFDAs will no longer be required.

May 13, 2020

Reopening Dentistry, PPE Supplies, DQAC Meeting & ADA Resources

COVID-19 Updates: Reopening dentistry, PPE supplies, DQAC meeting this Friday and a reminder about ADA resources.

May 12, 2020

DQAC Special Business Meeting - May 15

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission will hold a special business meeting on Friday, May 15​.

May 12, 2020

Delta Dental of Washington & WSDA Form COVID-19 Collaboration

WSDA and DDWA have formed a COVID-19 collaboration to address several immediate and medium-term issues related to fully reactivating the dental care delivery system in our state.

May 8, 2020

Updated Back to Work Toolkit & DQAC Meeting Postponed

COVID-19 Updates: WSDA invited by Governor to participate in healthcare reactivation discussions, updated Return to Work Interim Guidance Toolkit, May 8 DQAC meeting postponed.

May 8, 2020

Update: DQAC Special Business Meeting - May 8

For those who tried to access the Dental Quality Assurance Commission’s special business meeting on May 8, 2020, please know the meeting was rescheduled upon its start.

May 8, 2020

Apple Health (Medicaid) Provider Webinar - May 13

The HCA is offering the webinar "Billing During the COVID-19 Pandemic" for Apple Health (Medicaid) dental providers on Wednesday, May 13.

May 8, 2020

Update on PMP System Upgrade

The Department of Health went live with an updated version of the Prescription Monitoring Program on May 5.

May 7, 2020

PMP Integration Requirement Delayed

The Washington State Department of Health has issued a nine-month waiver from demonstrating EHR integration with the PMP due to COVID-19.

May 7, 2020

DQAC Special Business Meeting - May 8

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold a special business meeting on Friday, May 8.

May 7, 2020

DQAC Dental Educational Outreach Committee Meeting - May 14

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold a Dental Educational Outreach Committee webinar meeting on Thursday, May 14.

May 6, 2020

ADA's Call to Action

Yesterday, the ADA launched a campaign to urge Congress to further address dentistry in the next round of COVID-19 relief legislation.

May 5, 2020

WSDA Requests Insurance Modifications & PPP Funding Still Available

COVID-19 Updates: WSDA sends letter to OIC requesting insurance modifications, PPP funding still available.

May 4, 2020

Understanding Reopening Dentistry in Washington

Further clarification on dental care that can currently be provided in our state, the date upon which elective care may resume, and whether the Governor’s extended stay-at-home order and “Safe Start” plan announcement impact dentistry.

May 1, 2020

Regarding Governor Inslee’s “Phased Approach” Announcement

According to the Governor’s Office, today’s "phased approach" announcement does not change Proclamation 20-24.

May 1, 2020

COVID-19 Interpretive Statement Guidance

Guidance on Gov. Inslee's April 29 COVID-19 Interpretive Statement.

Apr 30, 2020

Respiratory Protection Webinar, Workforce Survey

COVID-19 Updates: ADA on-demand respiratory protection webinar, Washington Health Workforce Sentinel Network survey and more.

Apr 29, 2020

Updates on Returning to Work & PPE Supplies

Important updates regarding returning to work and the availability of PPE supplies.

Apr 27, 2020

ADA’s Return to Work Interim Guidance Toolkit

As states move toward reopening dental practices, we wanted to bring to your attention the ADA’s newly released Return to Work Interim Guidance Toolkit.

Apr 24, 2020

New & Upcoming AWB COVID-19 Employer Resources Webinars

Watch the most recent Association of Washington Business employer resources webinar and mark your calendar for the next webinar on Monday, April 27.

Apr 23, 2020

HCA Telehealth Webinar - April 30

The Health Care Authority (HCA) is holding a telehealth webinar for Apple Health providers on Friday, April 30.

Apr 23, 2020

DQAC Update, PPP/EIDL Funding & Additional Loans/Grants

COVID-19 Updates: DQAC update, PPP/EIDL funding, additional loans/grants and more.

Apr 22, 2020

Emergency Rules Adopted to Reduce Burden on Practitioners Prescribing CII During COVID-19

Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission adopts emergency rules to reduce burdens on practitioners prescribing Schedule II substances.

Apr 22, 2020

WSDA Requests Delta Provide Additional Financial Relief to Washington Dentists

WSDA requests that Delta contribute $50 million in additional financial relief to Washington dentists.

Apr 20, 2020

ADA Guidance on PPE, Unemployment Resources, Economic Impact Survey

COVID-19 Updates: ADA interim guidance on PPE, updated ESD website/webinars and more.

Apr 17, 2020

SBA Runs Out of Money, Grants Available in Distressed Communities, COVID-19 Testing

SBA unable to accept new loan applications, Save Small Business Fund grant opportunity & more COVID-19 updates.

Apr 15, 2020

Next Steps in Our Return to Providing Non-Emergent Care

Discussions around protocols and guidance for the return to providing increasingly needed non-urgent and routine care have begun.

Apr 14, 2020

Delta Financial Assistance Deadline, EIDL Clarification, PPP Advocacy

Please see important updates and reminders on different sources of financial assistance during the COVID-19 crisis.

Apr 13, 2020

SBA Loan Resource Center & Workforce Survey

ADA has launched a Small Business Administration Loan Resource Center to utilize as a resource for information on EIDL and PPP loans offered by the SBA.

Apr 10, 2020

WSDA Seeks Action and Clarity from Governor’s Office

WSDA has been very active in advocating for solutions to the impacts that COVID-19 has had on dentists, their staff, and the patients they serve.

Apr 10, 2020

DQAC Special Business Meeting - April 17

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold a special business meeting on Friday, April 17.

Apr 9, 2020

Updated CDC Recommendations & Premera Financial Assistance

Updated CDC COVID-19 recommendations, Premera financial assistance and more.

Apr 8, 2020

WA Emergency Grant, Workers’ Comp Grace Period, DentistLink Signup, HPI Poll

Information regarding Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grants & more.

Apr 7, 2020

PPP/EIDL Clarification, Delta Financial Assistance, Employment Matters

PPP/EIDL clarification, Delta financial assistance, employment matters and other COVID-19 resource updates.

Apr 7, 2020

Emergency Order on Dental Insurance & Clarifying Grace Period Payments

Read a recent emergency order from Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler.

Apr 7, 2020

Emergency Order on Dental Insurance & Clarifying Grace Period Payments

Read a recent emergency order from Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler.

Apr 3, 2020

DQAC’s COVID-19 Statement, Licensure & BLS Extensions, Exemptions for Small Businesses

Please take a moment to read the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) statement on COVID-19 and other important information.

Apr 2, 2020

PNDC 2020 is Canceled

After careful consideration and with the health and safety of our attendees in mind, WSDA has decided to cancel PNDC 2020.

Apr 2, 2020

Updated COVID-19 Clinical Guidance

Review updated documents from the ADA that provide guidance to help dentists minimize COVID-19 transmission risk when treating dental emergencies.

Apr 2, 2020

DQAC Updated Proposed Rule Drafts

Updated proposed rule drafts regarding dental infection control, dental administration of anesthetic agents, and specialty representation are available.

Apr 1, 2020

DQAC Special Business Meeting - April 2

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission has schedule a special webinar business meeting for Thursday, April 2.

Apr 1, 2020

Medicaid Code Updates & Teledentistry Webinars

Please see important information regarding updates to Medicaid codes during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as newly recorded teledentistry webinars.