Blog

Nov 16, 2018

Delta Special Meeting Results

Thank you to the hundreds of member dentists from around the state who attended the Delta Special Meeting yesterday afternoon and the hundreds more who voted by proxy! Preliminary results indicate the bylaw amendments passed with 95% of the vote.

Nov 13, 2018

Delta Special Meeting: How to Vote If You Didn't Get a Proxy Ballot

Don't have your proxy ballot or having difficulty replacing it? Download a blank proxy ballot here.

Nov 13, 2018

Reminder: Apply for the WSDA Leadership Institute by Nov. 30

Are you looking for more ways to get involved in organized dentistry? Apply to join the WSDA Leadership Institute! Applications are due November 30.

Nov 8, 2018

DQAC Seeking Stakeholder Comments

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) is seeking stakeholder comments on proposed rules regarding delegation to dental hygienists under general supervision and dental infection control.

Nov 8, 2018

Delta Special Meeting Next Week

The Delta Special Meeting is happening next Thursday, November 15 at 3 PM at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport. If you can't attend, make sure to fill out your proxy ballot ASAP.

Nov 7, 2018

Rep. Michelle Caldier Wins Re-Election Campaign

Congratulations to WSDA member Rep. Michelle Caldier for winning re-election to the Washington State House of Representatives for a third consecutive term!

Nov 6, 2018

Paid Family & Medical Leave Employer Toolkit

An employer toolkit is now available from the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) for information on how to implement requirements for Washington's new Paid Family and Medical Leave Program.

Nov 2, 2018

Get Involved in Paid Family & Medical Leave Rulemaking

The rulemaking process for Washington's Paid Family & Medical Leave Program is ongoing. Have opinions regarding the new rules? Submit public comments to the Employment Security Department (ESD).

Nov 2, 2018

Facial Aesthetics: Looking Beyond Enamel and Gingiva

The CE course "Facial Aesthetics: Looking Beyond Enamel and Gingiva" with Dr. Timothy Hess will take place on Thursday, November 15 from 1-2 PM at the DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport.

Nov 2, 2018

Dental Action Day: Jan. 31, 2019

Mark your calendar now! WSDA's largest annual advocacy event will take place Thursday, January 31 in Olympia.

Oct 30, 2018

President Signs Opioids Bill, Making It Law

President Donald J. Trump on Oct. 24 signed into law legislation aimed at ending the nation’s opioid crisis.

Oct 29, 2018

Washington Healthplanfinder Introduces In-Person Assistance Sites For 2018 Open Enrollment

New enrollment centers in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellingham and central Washington to debut on November 1.

Oct 26, 2018

Reported Isolite Mouthpiece Reuse in Corporate Dental Chain

On October 25, an important story aired on KIRO 7 in Seattle. It exemplifies the concerns the WSDA has had with the practice of corporate dentistry, and why we continue to champion efforts to protect the doctor-patient relationship in every practice model that dentists choose.

Oct 26, 2018

Celebrating 4,400 Member Dentists

This October, WSDA reached an exciting milestone—we welcomed our 4,400th dentist into membership!

Oct 26, 2018

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day - Oct. 27

Saturday, October 27 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Turn in your unused prescription medications at drop-off locations around the state.

Oct 26, 2018

Reminder: Paid Family & Medical Leave Requirements Start Jan. 1, 2019

Employers will need to offer paid family and medical leave starting January 1, 2020. Prepare your office for requirements that will begin to take effect January 1, 2019.

Oct 25, 2018

In Support of the Whistleblowers: A Troubling DSO Complaint

A courageous whistleblower, a former office manager for a clinic operated by Lone Peak Management Group, LLC, recently reported a corporate scheme designed to wring out minor cost savings at the expense of patient safety.

Oct 24, 2018

HRSA Dedicates $293 Million to Expanding Workforce

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration announced Oct. 18 that it is awarding $293 million to expand the primary health care workforce.

Oct 24, 2018

ADA Third Party Payer Concierge: Connect With a Dental Benefits Expert

Get one-on-one support directly from an expert on dental benefits issues through the American Dental Association Third Party Payer Concierge.

Oct 23, 2018

Patients, Dentists Can Report to FDA Issues with Direct to Consumer Dentistry Devices

Patients and dentists can report issues with medical devices to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including any problems they have had with devices related to direct to consumer, or DTC, dental laboratory products.

Oct 22, 2018

Dr. Linda Edgar Installed as American Dental Association Trustee

Congratulations to WSDA Board member Dr. Linda Edgar, who was installed as a trustee of the American Dental Association during ADA 2018 in Honolulu.

Oct 18, 2018

Reminder: CE Rule Changes Start 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.

Oct 18, 2018

Public-private Safe Prescribing Initiative Results in Significant Reductions of Medicaid Opioid Prescriptions

A public-private safe prescribing initiative launched in late 2017, called Better Prescribing, Better Treatment, has resulted in significant reductions in Apple Health (Medicaid) opioid prescriptions in less than a year.

Oct 18, 2018

We Need You at the Delta Special Meeting

All WDS/Delta member dentists are encouraged to attend the WDS Special Meeting on Thursday, November 15 at 3 PM at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport. Can't attend? Learn how to fill out your proxy ballot in support of proposed bylaw amendments.

Oct 17, 2018

Crown Denials Can be Appealed with Help from ADA

Numerous dentists have lodged complaints with the ADA Center for Dental Benefits, Coding and Quality and its staff after third-party payers denied claims for crown procedures.

Oct 17, 2018

Delta Special Meeting Proxy Ballot Update

Please read for an update to the special meeting proxy ballot process.

Oct 16, 2018

Incorrect CE Information on License Renewal Notices

Please be aware of incorrect CE information appearing on license renewal notices from the Department of Health.

Oct 15, 2018

DQAC Meetings - Oct. 26

Please review meeting agendas for the Friday, October 26 DQAC business meeting, Dental Continuing Competency Committee meeting, and Dental Anesthesia Committee meeting.

Oct 12, 2018

Fundraiser for Rep. Michelle Caldier

Please RSVP for a fundraiser in support of Representative Michelle Caldier at 7 PM on Monday, October 15 in Vancouver, WA.

Oct 9, 2018

Exodontia and Other Oral Surgery Procedures for the General Practitioner

Register now for "Exodontia and Other Oral Surgery Procedures for the General Practitioner" with Dr. Noah Letwin on Saturday, November 3.

Oct 3, 2018

Reminder: Apply to Speak at PNDC 2019 by Oct. 12

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

Oct 2, 2018

Delta Special Meeting Date & Proxy Info

The Delta special meeting will be held on Thursday, November 15 at 3:00 PM at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport. Here are three things Delta member dentists should know about the meeting and voting by proxy.

Oct 2, 2018

Antitrust Compliance: The Do's and Don'ts You Need to Know

Though it is complex, all WSDA members must be aware of antitrust law and the threat of antitrust liability. Learn more about the do's and don'ts of antitrust compliance.

Oct 1, 2018

WSAPD Annual Meeting 2018

The Washington State Academy of Pediatric Dentists will host its 2018 Annual Meeting on Saturday, October 6.

Sep 28, 2018

Editorial: Teaching Dentistry, What Works and What Doesn't

"Human beings, even bright ones, cannot absorb, learn, consume—choose your verb—facts delivered rapid fire, for more than about twenty minutes," Dr. John Evans says. "After that the facts start to bounce off and the efficiency of instruction drops off rapidly."

Sep 27, 2018

HOD Election & Resolution Results

Find out which members were chosen for WSDA/ADA elected positions and review resolutions adopted by the House of Delegates.

Sep 27, 2018

Rekhi Named to NORDIC Board, NORDIC Receives Rating Upgrade

Northwest Dentists Insurance Company (NORDIC) is pleased to announce that Dr. Princy Rekhi has been named to its board of directors. Additionally, NORDIC has announced positive news regarding its A.M. Best rating, which is an indicator of an insurer’s financial strength and creditworthiness.

Sep 26, 2018

Free Webinar: ERA/EFT Implementation

The ADA will offer a free webinar covering the benefits of, and steps to implement, electronic alternatives to paper explanation of benefits and reimbursement checks on October 11.

Sep 24, 2018

Editorial: Workforce Woes

Dr. Stephen Lee shares his take on the current state and future potential of Washington's dental workforce.

Sep 21, 2018

From the Ground Up: Interim UWSoD Dean Dr. Gary Chiodo Talks Strategy

University of Washington School of Dentistry Interim Dean Dr. Gary Chiodo talks strategy and vision in a Q&A for the WSDA News.

Sep 20, 2018

WDIA Clients Rave About Matt French

Learn why clients rave about their personal and trustworthy experience working with WDIA Director of Insurance Matt French.

Sep 19, 2018

House of Delegates: Candidate Profiles & Resolutions

The 2018 WSDA House of Delegates will take place September 20-22 at Hotel Murano in Tacoma. Find out more about candidates running for elected WSDA/ADA positions and the resolutions being presented to the House.

Sep 18, 2018

Dr. Ron Hsu's Dental Trauma Education Program

WSDA member Dr. Ron Hsu's program to educate people about how to treat dental trauma is picking up attention in Clark County.

Sep 18, 2018

Editorial: It's Time for a Reset at DQAC

Eight former DQAC Commissioners share their thoughts in a guest editorial for the WSDA News.

Sep 18, 2018

Reminder: Health Professional Shortage Area Survey

Please complete the Washington State Department of Health's Health Professional Shortage Area Survey.

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