Blog

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 28, 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 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