Blog

Jun 27, 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 25, 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 2, 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 27, 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

DQAC Dental Anesthesia Committee Meeting - May 29

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) Dental Anesthesia Committee will meet on Wednesday, May 29 at 12:00 PM.

May 15, 2024

DQAC Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary Education Committee Meeting - May 21

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary Education Committee will meet on Tuesday, May 21 at 1:00 PM.

May 8, 2024

Washington Dentists' Insurance Agency: PNDC 2024 Title Partner

PNDC brings malpractice coverage for dentists in Washington to the forefront. Visit WDIA at Booth #113 to learn more.

May 8, 2024

Crest + Oral-B: PNDC 2024 Platinum Sponsor

Crest + Oral-B is a Platinum Sponsor of PNDC 2024. Visit them at Booth #125.

May 8, 2024

Delta Dental of Washington: PNDC 2024 Community Partner

Delta Dental of Washington is Community Partner of PNDC 2024. Visit them at Booth #416.

May 7, 2024

MedPro Group: PNDC 2024 Platinum Sponsor

MedPro Group is a Platinum Sponsor of PNDC 2024. Visit them at Booth #210.

May 7, 2024

Omni Practice Group: PNDC 2024 Platinum Sponsor

Omni Practice Group is a Platinum Sponsor of PNDC 2024. Visit them at Booth #613.

May 7, 2024

Dental Accounting Group: PNDC 2024 Gold Sponsor

Dental Accounting Group is a Gold Sponsor of PNDC 2024. Visit them at Booth #215.

May 7, 2024

Columbia Healthcare Banking: PNDC 2024 Gold Sponsor

Columbia Healthcare Banking is a Gold Sponsor of PNDC 2024. Visit them at Booth #217.

May 6, 2024

PNDC 2024 is This Week in Seattle!

PNDC 2024 is happening this week! Join thousands of dental professionals May 9-11 in Seattle at Washington's largest dental conference.

May 6, 2024

ADA: UnitedHealth Confirms Patient Data Compromised in Change Healthcare Cyberattack

UnitedHealth Group has confirmed patient data, potentially covering a significant portion of the U.S. population, was compromised in the Change Healthcare cyberattack.

May 1, 2024

Reminder: Apply for WSDA & ADA Elected Positions

WSDA and ADA leadership positions will be up for election at the 2024 WSDA House of Delegates, held September 12-14 in Spokane.

Apr 30, 2024

DQAC Dental Therapy Committee Meeting - May 2

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) Dental Therapy Committee will meet on Thursday, May 2 at 12:00 PM.

Apr 30, 2024

ADA: Seventh State Approves Legislation Establishing Dental Compact

The new Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact will increase access to care for patients by creating reciprocity, reducing red tape for licensed providers.

Apr 29, 2024

ADA: FTC Issues Ban on Noncompete Clauses

If you are a practice owner and have noncompete clauses in employment agreements with associates, hygienists or other staff, or if you are an employee dentist currently subject to a noncompete clause, you may wish to consult with an attorney in your geographic area experienced in these matters.

Apr 28, 2024

Waiver of CE Requirements for Returning from Expired to Active Status

The Governor has waived continuing education and training requirements to return from expired to active licensing status through April 25.

Apr 24, 2024

WSDA Endorses Patty Kuderer for Washington State Insurance Commissioner

Additional endorsements include Dr./Rep. Michelle Caldier and Dr. John Gibbons for state representative.

Apr 23, 2024

ADA: NCOIL Approves Model Legislation to Establish Transparency and Value for Dental Plans

The National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) has approved model legislation championed by the ADA that would protect patients’ investment in their dental care.

Apr 22, 2024

WSDA Sues Board of Denturists

WSDA filed a legal action against the Washington State Board of Denturists challenging an administrative rule allowing licensed denturists to place prefabricated abutments.

Apr 19, 2024

Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS) Update from the Department of Health

The Department of Health announces that Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS) Lite will go live on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

Apr 18, 2024

DQAC Business Meeting – April 26

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

Apr 18, 2024

ADA: Dentists Ask Court to Certify Class Action in Lawsuit Against Delta Dental

A group of dentists is asking a judge to certify their case against Delta Dental as a class action lawsuit, alleging the company suppressed reimbursement rates.

Apr 17, 2024

WSDA Members Get 7% More in 2024 with D-MMEX Easyrefine

Now through June 30, Easyrefine will add 7% to the total refined value of your precious dental scrap metals.

Apr 16, 2024

Apply to Serve as a DQAC Member by May 2

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) is accepting applications to fill two dentist seats. Apply by May 2.

Apr 12, 2024

ADA: Funding Assistance Available to Dentists Impacted by Change Healthcare Cyberattack

A funding assistance program is available to dentists impacted by the cyberattack on Change Healthcare. ADA continues to monitor resources available to affected providers.

Apr 8, 2024

How to Choose a Location for Your First Dental Office

Whether you own a practice or are just getting started, WSDA-preferred Bank of America Practice Solutions can provide customized financial help for your short-term needs and long-term aspirations.

Apr 5, 2024

ADA: Updated Medicare Toolkit Available

ADA offers guidance for dentists who treat beneficiaries under new Medicare rules.

Apr 5, 2024

DQAC Dental Therapy Committee Meeting - April 8

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) Dental Therapy Committee will meet on Monday, April 8 at 12:00 PM.

Apr 4, 2024

Dentists Support Patty Kuderer for WA Insurance Commissioner

Thank you to everyone who joined WSDA for an event in support of Patty Kuderer for Washington state insurance commissioner!

Apr 4, 2024

From the ADA President: Celebrating Women’s History Month

"I want the ADA to be a big organization that feels like a small organization, where every voice is heard, valued, and celebrated—where the words 'can't' and 'impossible' have no place."

Apr 4, 2024

From Dental Office to Elected Office: Dentists are ‘Natural Leaders’

Having two dentists in the Legislature would help WSDA advance its advocacy efforts, including work on dental benefit reforms and addressing workforce shortages. Read more about two dentists running for election/re-election in 2024 and the importance of dentists serving in Olympia.

Apr 4, 2024

Dr. Cynthia Pauley & Kevin Schilling: Advancing the Profession of Dentistry in Olympia

Together, we can fortify our advocacy endeavors, shape policies conducive to our profession, and leave a lasting impact on the communities we serve.

Apr 3, 2024

Unveiling the Unanimity: A Look Into the Voting Process of the Dental Quality Assurance Commission

As the new dental anesthesia rules take effect and Washington state dentists navigate the complexities of the new regulations, WSDA remains committed to advocating for transparency and accountability at every level of decision-making.

Apr 3, 2024

Reminder: Encourage Your Hygienists to Share Their Workforce Experiences

The Washington Oral Health Workforce Tracking Program (WOHW) at the University of Washington invites dental hygienists to share their dental workforce experiences. WSDA invites our members to encourage the hygienists in their offices to complete the survey.

Apr 3, 2024

Share Your Dental Workforce Challenges

Share your dental workforce challenges through the Spring 2024 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.