Blog

Sep 26, 2024

Rulemaking for Prescription Label Requirements

The Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (PQAC) will hold a public hearing on Friday, October 4 at 9:00 AM for rulemaking on the accessibility of prescription information for visually impaired individuals as well as individuals with limited English proficiency.

Sep 25, 2024

Voluntary PPE Rule Updates

The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has filed a permanent rule making order (CR-103) that extends the allowance of voluntary personal protective equipment (PPE) use beyond public health emergencies.

Aug 30, 2024

ADA: First US Standard on Clear Aligners Available for Comment

The first US standard related to orthodontic sequential aligners is available for review and comment from the American Dental Association. Interested parties have until October 10 to comment.

Aug 29, 2024

ADA: US Judge Strikes Down FTC Ban on Noncompete Clauses

A federal judge in Texas struck down a US Federal Trade Commission rule that would have prevented employers from enforcing most existing noncompete clauses and requiring new workers to sign noncompete clauses.

Aug 28, 2024

DQAC Business Meeting - September 6, 2024

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold its next business meeting in hybrid format on Friday, September 6 at 10:00 AM.

Aug 28, 2024

Head & Neck Cancer Webinar Series: Oropharyngeal Cancer and the Unknown Primary: An Update on Management

Join Fred Hutch Cancer Center on Thursday, September 19 for the first Head & Neck Webinar series.

Aug 27, 2024

Apply for the New & Emerging Speaker Series by October 1

WSDA is now accepting applications for the New & Emerging Speaker Series at PNDC 2025, May 8-10 in Seattle.

Aug 26, 2024

Paid Study Opportunity on Improving Dental Care for Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder

UW School of Dentistry researchers are looking to conduct Zoom interviews with dentists and hygienists who have experience providing care for patients with Opioid Use Disorder. Participants will be compensated $50.

Aug 22, 2024

ADA: First US Standard on AI in Dentistry Available for Comment

The first US standard related to artificial intelligence in dentistry is available for review and comment from the American Dental Association.

Aug 22, 2024

Support WDIA & Get a $250 WSDA Membership Discount

Dentists six or more years out of dental school who use WDIA as their agent for professional liability insurance will receive $250 off their 2025 membership!

Aug 22, 2024

Required Update to Login Credentials

Beginning September 10 all ADA members will be required to update their login credentials.

Aug 8, 2024

BBQ & Fundraiser for Steve Hobbs – August 12

WSDA members are invited to a BBQ and fundraiser to re-elect Secretary of State Steve Hobbs in Olympia.

Aug 8, 2024

Free Virtual CE on August 14 - What to Do About PPOs

Members can register now for the upcoming free virtual CE course "What to Do About PPOs" on August 14.

Aug 7, 2024

Member Resources for Employee Dentists

Explore WSDA member resources specifically for employee dentists like what to know before you sign a contract, strategies for navigating the employment process and more!

Aug 5, 2024

New Demographic Information Requirements for Dental Professionals

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is implementing a new requirement for dental professionals as mandated by Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB) 1503, which passed in 2023.

Aug 5, 2024

ADA: How Electronic Funds Transfer Can Benefit Your Dental Practice

Electronic funds transfer is a safe and low-cost alternative to accepting virtual credit cards or paper checks for claim payments, according to the American Dental Association’s EFT implementation checklist.

Aug 5, 2024

ADA: Dentists Can Now Submit Medicare Claims Electronically

As of July 1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services can now accept, process and pay dental claims electronically.

Jul 30, 2024

DQAC Will Not Open Rules on Clinical Continuing Competency

WSDA is pleased to inform members that following its July 26 Business Meeting, the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will not open rules on clinical continuing competency.

Jul 29, 2024

ADA: Nominations for the 2025 Humanitarian Award are Now Open

Nominations can be made through the American Dental Association's electronic portal until September 1, 2024.

Jul 23, 2024

Network with WSDA Leaders September 12 in Spokane

Join us for food, drinks and conversation at this free networking event during the 2024 House of Delegates in Spokane on Thursday, September 12.

Jul 22, 2024

Support Dr. John Gibbons in Close Race for State Representative

Support fellow dentist Dr. John Gibbons in his close race for Washington State Representative.

Jul 18, 2024

DQAC Business Meeting – July 26, 2024

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold its next business meeting in hybrid format on Friday, July 26 at 10:00 AM.

Jul 16, 2024

DQAC to Consider Creating Rules on Clinical Continuing Competency

The Washington State Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) Continuing Competency Committee (Committee) is bringing forward a significant proposal for the Commission to consider: a mandatory clinical continuing competency program.

Jul 15, 2024

Free Online Health Equity CE Available from the DOH

Reminder: Effective January 14, 2024, all dentists licensed in Washington state must complete a minimum of 2 hours of health equity training within their three-year continuing education renewal cycle.

Jul 9, 2024

Reminder: Save the Date for Dental Action Day: Thursday, January 30

Join dentists from across the state on Thursday, January 30 at Dental Action Day in Olympia. One profession, one voice!

Jul 8, 2024

5 Times Dentists Need to Check Insurance Coverage

During your career there are times when you should examine and revisit your insurance coverage to ensure you, your family, your dental team, and your practice are protected.

Jul 8, 2024

'A Different Mindset': Profiles in Public Health Dentistry

Despite the unique challenges, dentists who choose careers in public health understand the system constraints and lean into the rewards of helping people who may not find help anywhere else.

Jul 2, 2024

Giving Back: Lessons in a Lunch Box® Serves Up Oral Health Education Daily

"Some wondered what difference 10,000 boxes would make, and I said 'It makes a difference to 10,000 kids. Many baby steps make one giant footprint.'"

Jul 1, 2024

Payments in the Practice: What Trends are Affecting Your Bottom Line

"While accepting credit cards ensures that offices can quickly and easily collect payments, with more patients and insurance providers choosing to pay with cards, it is a much more substantial factor in the practice's total profitability than in the past."

Jun 28, 2024

From the ADA President: Celebrating Midyear Victories and Paving the Way Forward

"At the American Dental Association, we’re recognizing the significant strides we’ve made in key advocacy areas. From tackling student debt to enhancing workforce mobility and being a leading voice for crucial insurance reform, we've taken bold steps in 2024 to ensure a bright and promising future for dentistry."

Jun 27, 2024

Op-Ed: Here are 3 Ways WA Can Increase Access to Affordable Dental Care

ADA President Dr. Linda Edgar and WSDA President Dr. Nathan Russell cover three ways Washington can increase access to affordable dental care in this opinion piece from The Seattle Times.

Jun 26, 2024

ADA: Deadline to Use Phase 7 Provider Relief Fund Reporting Approaches

All dentists who received funds during the seventh phase of the Provider Relief Fund have until June 30 to use the money.

Jun 20, 2024

ADA Files Amicus Brief for Insurance Reform in US Supreme Court

The ADA is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review a decision from a lower appeals court on the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 that limits states’ traditional authority to regulate health care and insurance, and is at odds with a previous Supreme Court decision on the issue.

Jun 4, 2024

Dr. Nathan Russell: Supporting WSDA Services is a Win-Win

"Building non-dues income streams and reducing our reliance on dues revenues will require a diverse range of services that provide meaningful value to our members."

Jun 3, 2024

DQAC Board of Denturists Rulemaking Meeting - June 6

The Board of Denturists is considering adopting “substantial equivalency standard rules" to comply with Second Substitute House Bill (2SHB) 1724.

Jun 3, 2024

DQAC Dental Therapy Committee Meeting - June 11

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) Dental Therapy Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 11 at 12:00 PM.

May 31, 2024

DQAC Education Outreach Committee Meeting - June 6

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) Education Outreach Committee will meet on Thursday, June 6 at 12:00 PM.

May 30, 2024

Bracken Killpack: It's Time for CODA to Change

"WSDA has strongly advocated for CODA to eliminate, or less preferably, level its faculty-to-student ratios for dental hygiene and dental assisting education."

May 29, 2024

Save the Date for Dental Action Day: Thursday, January 30

Join dentists from across the state on Thursday, January 30 at Dental Action Day in Olympia. One profession, one voice!

May 28, 2024

Changing with the Times

WSDA leadership is developing strategies to revise the association’s dues structure to combat declining membership.

May 23, 2024

Upcoming L&I Webinars: Learn About Key Employment Laws

Employers can learn about the state’s employment laws during a series of webinars offered by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.

May 23, 2024

L&I Expedited Proposal (CR-105) – Paid Sick Leave

The purpose of this proposal is to amend rules for accordance with recently passed legislation, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5793 (ESSB 5793) and Senate Bill 5979 (SB 5979).

May 22, 2024

DQAC Board of Denturists Rulemaking Notice

The Board of Denturists is considering updates to reduce licensure barriers for denturists and plans to address jurisprudence examination requirements.

May 16, 2024

2024 Legislative Session Summary

Washington state’s 60-day legislative session adjourned on Thursday March 7, 2024. WSDA advocated in support of as well as in opposition to several bills this session concerning dental-related issues, workforce, insurance, small business issues, employer/employee matters, and much more.

May 15, 2024