Blog

Sep 14, 2018

Representative Michelle Caldier: 2018 Citizen of the Year

Each year, the WSDA chooses one of its own to honor as its Citizen of the Year. The award is bestowed upon a member who has performed outstanding service to help a community in need, reinforce the value of service to the dental community, and promote the image of dentistry. This year's recipient is Representative Michelle Caldier.

Sep 13, 2018

Apply to Speak at PNDC 2019

WSDA members are invited to submit an application to present a dental-related lecture during the New & Emerging Speaker Series at PNDC 2019.

Aug 29, 2018

Special Meeting Petition Delivered to Delta

On August 29, WSDA President-elect Dr. Christopher Delecki and Executive Director Bracken Killpack delivered a petition to Delta with over 800 signatures calling for Delta to hold a special meeting.

Aug 24, 2018

Guardian Rescinds Third Molar Requirement After Feedback

The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America has reversed its position on third molars and associated sedation and anesthesia, now assuring dentists that claims will no longer be reviewed for medical necessity.

Aug 23, 2018

Sept. 7 DQAC Meeting

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) has released its business meeting agenda for Friday, September 7.

Aug 17, 2018

Reminder: CE Rule Changes Take Effect Jan. 1, 2019

Major changes to Washington’s dental continuing education requirements take effect on January 1, 2019. Review a summary of the changes from the Washington State Department of Health.

Aug 16, 2018

DQAC Update: Proposed Opioid Prescribing Rules

In an effort to combat the opioid crisis that has been plaguing our state, the Legislature passed ESHB 1427 during the 2017 legislative session, which requires the adoption of rules establishing requirements for prescribing opioid drugs by January 1, 2019.

Aug 15, 2018

Paid Family & Medical Leave Webinar

The Washington State Employment Security Department will host the webinar "Paid Family & Medical Leave: General Overview" on August 17.

Aug 14, 2018

Reboot Your EQ: Volunteer!

Two seasoned volunteer dentists, Dr. Nhi Pham and Dr. Jeffrey Parrish, will walk you through the trials, tribulations, joys and details of doing volunteer dentistry at home and abroad at this WSDA Academy course on September 13.

Aug 13, 2018

Sign Petition for Delta Special Meeting

Facing Delta's refusal to hold its annual membership meeting, a group of Delta member dentists has developed new Delta bylaw amendments and started a petition to require Delta to hold a special meeting this fall. Learn more and sign the petition today.

Aug 8, 2018

HPV & Oral Cancer: A Guide for the Dental Team

Dolphine Oda, BDS, MSc, University of Washington School of Dentistry professor and Director of UW's Oral Pathology Biopsy Service, shares what dental teams should know about HPV and oral cancer with the WSDA News.

Aug 1, 2018

Editorial: Dentists Must Address Delta Dental

In an editorial originally published in the July issue of the WSDA News, Dr. Todd Irwin asserts that addressing uncompetitive practices is key to dentistry’s future in Washington.

Jul 31, 2018

Give Feedback on WA Health Workforce Needs

The Washington Sentinel Network wants to hear about your healthcare recruiting hurdles, common skill gaps, and other workforce challenges—whether you’re in rural or urban Washington.

Jul 30, 2018

Editorial: Now Is the Time to Invest in Dental Medicaid

In an editorial originally published in the July 2018 issue of the WSDA News, Dr. John Gibbons stresses the need to better fund Washington's Dental Medicaid Program to meet the needs of low-income patients in our state.

Jul 30, 2018

Dentistry Is Like a Taylor Swift Concert…Sort Of

After feeling connected to thousands of fans at a Taylor Swift concert last May, WSDA member Dr. Joe Vaughn couldn't help but see his profession reflected in the experience. "It’s the same in dentistry, but instead of music bringing us together, it’s organized dentistry. Whether it be the WSDA or the ADA or any other local component in between, we are connected by a common purpose."

Jul 25, 2018

Wellness Plans & WA Law: What to Know

Offering an in-office “wellness,” “discount dental,” or “membership” plan? Learn what types of programs are allowed under Washington State law.

Jul 20, 2018

WSDA Verizon Wireless Discount

Through WSDA's partnership with Verizon Wireless, members and their staff can receive up to a 13% discount on Verizon's plans. Here's how to sign up or renew your discount!

Jul 19, 2018

Will Delta Hold Its Annual Membership Meeting?

Washington Dental Service (WDS) is scheduled to hold its 2018 annual membership meeting on November 9, the second Friday in November. The annual meeting is required by both the WDS bylaws and state law. But after last year’s experience, many member dentists are wondering whether WDS will hold the meeting.

Jul 6, 2018

Disability Insurance: Are You Covered?

Although Disability Insurance does not seem like a necessary expense compared to the mortgage on your home or your electric bill, it is still crucial to have disability insurance in force and in step with your needs. Learn more about Disability Insurance coverage from Washington Dentists' Insurance Agency (WDIA).

Jul 5, 2018

Preparing For the Worst: Dr. Ron Hsu's Mission to Save Avulsed Teeth

Learn about WSDA member Dr. Ron Hsu's dedication to educating practitioners and interested parties in education, sports, industry, and appropriate governmental agencies about optimal prevention, research, and treatment service in the field of traumatic dental injuries.

Jun 29, 2018

Tax-Cuts & Jobs Act: Meals & Entertainment

WSDA preferred accounting and tax firm The Dental Group, LLC shares information for dentists regarding the treatment of meals and entertainment expenses effective this year.

Jun 28, 2018

Updated Dental Rules

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) recently adopted rule amendments to dentist continuing education (CE) rules and added a new rule requiring dentists to complete a one-time training in suicide prevention.

Jun 27, 2018

DOH Online Credential Application

The Washington State Department of Health has rolled out an online application for dentist and dentist resident limited credentials.

Jun 25, 2018

New Managed Care Dental FAQs

Are you a provider with questions about Apple Health dental moving to managed care? Learn more from the HCA.

Jun 23, 2018

2018 WSDA President's Awards

On Wednesday, June 20, WSDA President Dr. Cynthia Pauley celebrated several deserving individuals and groups by granting them 2018 WSDA President's Awards during the Pacific Northwest Dental Conference.

Jun 19, 2018

PNDC 2018 is This Week in Bellevue

PNDC 2018 is this Thursday through Saturday! Don't miss out on Gordon Christensen, Lee Ann Brady, John Alonge and dozens of other dental speakers at Washington's largest dental conference. Online registration extended through Saturday!