Bracken Killpack: We're Just Getting Started

On Jan. 2, 2015, I became WSDA’s seventh executive director since the Association’s incorporation in 1954. In that time, WSDA has accomplished a lot to support our members in providing optimal dental care. In fact, over the last decade, we have reimagined almost every aspect of the Association to keep it relevant for today and for the future.

We’ve launched new ventures including WSDA Retro, which provides free workers’ compensation support, and ComplyBetter, a brand new dental compliance software solution. We’ve made it part of our mission and have identified strategic priorities to support diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we have taken definitive steps toward advancing that objective. Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency (WDIA) has grown significantly as we’ve maintained our focus on providing unmatched customer service and the best insurance products tailored to the needs of Washington dentists. Advocacy (legislative, regulatory, and legal) has been a focal point over the last decade as we’ve stood up and fought the fights that need to be fought.

WSDA has been seen as an innovative exemplar in organized dentistry for decades, and we fully intend to remain so in the years ahead.

It is a privilege and honor to work with an amazing team, standing on the shoulders of those who came before us, building on their legacy and working to actualize the mission and vision of this organization. I am grateful for the amazing team of staff (both current and former employees), consultants, volunteer leaders, and members that have joined me in the trenches and diligently worked on behalf of Washington’s dental community.

I also want to thank each of our over 4,100 WSDA members and celebrate the vital role you play in making our vision a reality. Your membership is crucial for the health of the profession, benefiting not only yourselves but also your colleagues who haven’t joined yet. For that, I am truly grateful. We simply couldn’t achieve our goals without your support.

Beyond simply being a member, many of you go above and beyond in your engagement with the WSDA, and I want to express my sincere appreciation for each of these contributions.

To Our Volunteer Leaders: Thank you for dedicating your valuable time and expertise to shaping the future of dentistry. Whether you’re organizing CE events at your local society, serving on a WSDA task force advocating for policy changes with major carriers, sharing your expertise by contributing to ADA committees, or mentoring new dentists, your leadership is invaluable. Your efforts directly impact the quality of care and the success of dental practices across Washington.

To Our Engaged Readers and Advocates: Thank you for staying informed and taking action. By reading our communications, contacting your legislators, participating in proxy votes, and sharing important information with your colleagues, you amplify our voice and strengthen our collective impact. Your active engagement makes a real difference in our advocacy on your behalf.

To Our Purchasers of WSDA Services and Products: To borrow a phrase from our WDIA leader Matt French, thank you for “shopping at the WSDA Store.” Your support of our valuable resources like WDIA, WSDA Retro, and ComplyBetter is the reason we can start driving membership costs down for all Washington dentists.

To Our Meeting Attendees: Thank you for prioritizing professional development and connection. Whether you attend local society meetings, participate in WSDA webinars, or bring your team to PNDC (please join us in May!), your commitment to learning and collaboration strengthens our community and elevates the standard of care.  

However you choose to engage with WSDA, your contribution is deeply appreciated. Together, we are working to create a stronger, more supportive environment for Washington dentists and, ultimately, better oral health for our patients.  

As I think back over the last ten years, I feel as though we have reached, in the words of Winston Churchill, “the end of the beginning.” 2025 will be a remarkable year; one that we’ve been preparing for over the last several years. Thank you again for being a valued member of WSDA.

The best is yet to come…and we are just getting started!