Blog

Feb 1, 2023

Peninsula College Hygiene Program: Ready and Waiting

An innovative new dental hygiene program, forged with input from area dentists and hygienists, enters its final review stage.

Feb 1, 2023

WSDA Advocates for Reducing Barriers to Hygiene Licensure

This legislative session, WSDA is focusing on several efforts to help address the severe workforce shortages faced by the dental industry. One of those important efforts is advocating for the passage of House Bill 1466, which seeks to reduce barriers to hygiene licensure in our state.

Jan 31, 2023

Become a Washington State Smile Survey Screener

Arcora Foundation is hiring dental professionals (dentist or licensed hygienist) to perform Smile Survey oral health screenings on children in elementary schools in Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Island, Kitsap, Pierce, San Juan, Snohomish, and Spokane counties.

Jan 31, 2023

Practice Owners: Get Refunds on L&I Premiums You Already Pay & Up to 100% of Return to Work Wages Reimbursed

Jan 31, 2023

Have You Ordered Materials for National Children's Dental Health Month?

February is National Children's Dental Health Month! Order free materials at ada.org/ncdhm.

Jan 26, 2023

Free Webinar: What You Need to Know About DQAC Investigations

Join The Dentists Insurance Company (TDIC) on Thursday, Feb. 9 for a free webinar covering what Washington dentists should know about investigations by the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC).

Jan 20, 2023

Apply for the ADA Institute for Diversity in Leadership by April 28

The ADA Institute for Diversity in Leadership (IDL) is designed to enhance the leadership skills of dentists who belong to racial, ethnic and/or gender backgrounds that have been traditionally underrepresented in leadership roles. Apply by April 28.

Jan 19, 2023

D-MMEX: Act Now to Earn 7% More on Your Precious Metals

All WSDA members receive a standard 5% bonus on the total value of all precious metals submitted to D-MMEX Easyrefine. Until March 31, Easyrefine is adding another 2% bonus, so you receive a total uplift of 7% on the value of the dental scrap metals you submit.

Jan 12, 2023

Reminder for Employers: Quarterly Unemployment Insurance Tax Filing Updates

As a reminder, beginning with 2022 fourth quarter unemployment insurance tax reports, which are due by Jan. 31, 2023, employers must include Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes as well as upgrade to the latest version of Employer Account Management Services (EAMS).

Jan 12, 2023

Register for Dental Action Day by Jan. 13

Join member dentists and dental students from across the state on Friday, Jan. 27 at Dental Action Day in Olympia to advocate for your profession as you meet with local legislators to discuss WSDA's legislative priorities. Register by Jan. 13!

Jan 12, 2023

WSDA News | Issue 4, 2022

Read about 2022 Citizen of the Year Dr. Burt Goodman in the Issue 4 cover story.

Jan 12, 2023

DQAC Business Meeting – Jan. 20

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold its next business meeting in a hybrid format on Friday, Jan. 20 at 10:00 AM.

Jan 12, 2023

Board of Denturists Business Meeting – Jan. 27

The Board of Denturists will hold its next business meeting via webinar on Friday, Jan. 27 at 12:00 PM.

Jan 11, 2023

DQAC Dental Educational Outreach Committee Meeting – Jan. 12

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold its next Dental Educational Outreach Committee meeting on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 12:00 PM.

Jan 10, 2023

Dr. Cristina Kendall: Dr. Mom, Maternity as an Associate Dentist

Working as a dentist while pregnant and as a new mother has its challenges. As frustrating as these things can be, I can’t imagine myself not doing dentistry.

Jan 4, 2023

Updated Apple Health Billing Guides

Attention Medicaid Providers: The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) recently published updates to the Dental-related Services and Orthodontic Services billing guides.

Jan 4, 2023

2022 WSDA Citizen of the Year: Dr. Burt Goodman

It's a given that anyone in their mid-90s has seen a lot along the way. But few of those reaching that milestone have done as much as Burt Goodman, DDS. In recognition of this life of accomplishment and his amazing professional and personal legacy, Goodman has been honored with the 2022 WSDA Citizen of the Year award.

Jan 4, 2023

WSDA President Dr. John Gibbons: A Happy, Healthy Holiday to You All

Our lives are busy. Our work is stressful. Take time to check in with yourself — and your colleagues.

Jan 4, 2023

Get Ready for the 2023 Legislative Session

The 2023 Washington State Legislative Session begins on Monday, Jan. 9. Get involved with grassroots advocacy by registering for Dental Action Day and signing up for action alerts from WSDA.

Jan 4, 2023

Cancellation of Jan. 20 Dental Anesthesia Rule Hearing

DQAC has withdrawn the CR-102 for WAC chapters 246-817-701 through 246-817-790 for administration of anesthetic agents for dental procedures and cancelled the Jan. 20 rules hearing.

Jan 4, 2023

DQAC Dental Anesthesia Committee Meeting – Jan. 27

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold a Dental Anesthesia Committee meeting on Friday, Jan. 27 at 1:00 PM.

Jan 3, 2023

Proposed Fee Update Public Rule Hearing – Jan. 24

The Department of Health filed a CR-102 proposing to update fees for several professions. The public rules hearing is scheduled for Jan. 24, 2023, at 9:00 AM.

Jan 3, 2023

Attention Pediatric Medicaid Providers: Updated Pediatric Dental Medicaid Fee Schedule

The Health Care Authority updated the pediatric dental Medicaid fee schedule today, Jan. 3, as there were several updated fees that were excluded.

Dec 19, 2022

Guidance on New Job Posting Requirements – Jan. 1

Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, Washington employers with 15 or more employees must disclose a wage scale or salary range and a general description of benefits and other compensation on job postings that recruit Washington based employees, when the job posting includes qualifications for desired applicants.

Dec 19, 2022

Workers’ Compensation Premium Rate Increase – Jan. 1

Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, workers’ compensation premium rates will increase.

Dec 15, 2022

Patient Record Retention Requirements

Make sure you are up to date on patient record retention requirements in Washington state, including for when closing or selling a dental practice.

Dec 13, 2022

DQAC Dental Educational Outreach Committee – Dec. 15

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold its next Dental Educational Outreach Committee meeting on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 12:00 PM.

Dec 9, 2022

FAQ for New CMS Code to Increase Facility Fees for Hospital Dental Operating Rooms

The ADA, in conjunction with the AAPD and AAOMS, has been working collaboratively over the past two years to address the challenges faced by dentists in obtaining hospital or ambulatory surgical center operating rooms due to low facility payment rates.

Dec 7, 2022

L&I: Additional Webinars Detailing New Job Posting Requirements Scheduled

Four additional webinars have been scheduled by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) to help employers understand the new job posting requirements that take effect Jan. 1.

Dec 1, 2022

Reminder: Dental Pediatric Medicaid Reimbursement Rate Increase – Jan. 1

Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, reimbursement rates for dental pediatric Apple Health services will increase.

Dec 1, 2022

Reminder: 2023 Minimum Wage Increase – Jan. 1

Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, the state minimum wage will increase to $15.74 per hour, up from the current $14.49 per hour rate.

Dec 1, 2022

Reminder: Paid Family and Medical Leave Premium Increase – Jan. 1

Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, the Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) premium rate will increase.

Dec 1, 2022

Save the Date for PNDC 2023: June 15-17 in Seattle

Save the date! PNDC returns to the summertime in 2023. Join thousands of dental professionals for three days of high-quality, affordable continuing dental education (earn 20+ CE credits), a two-day dental exhibit hall and more June 15-17 in Seattle.

Nov 30, 2022

Free ADA Webinar – PPO Contracts and Processing Policies: What You Need to Know

This Dec. 13 ADA webinar will provide important information on the most common clauses found in PPO contracts that all dentists should be aware of. It will also cover the potential financial implications these clauses can have on a typical dental practice.

Nov 30, 2022