News Items

Jan 21, 2026

Common Workers’ Compensation Claims in Dental Offices — And How WSDA L&I Advantage Has You Covered

Even in a low-risk setting like a dental office, repetitive strain and small accidents can lead to costly claims if not managed correctly.

Jan 20, 2026

Apply for the 2026 WSDA Leadership Institute by February 20

The WSDA Leadership Institute is a program designed to foster new leadership in organized dentistry by getting participants involved in a variety of WSDA activities and meetings.

Jan 14, 2026

WSDA Partners with TISLA for Free Student Loan Counseling & Education

The Association is excited to announce our newest member benefit — free student loan counseling and education for members through a partnership with The Institute of Student Loan Advisors (TISLA).

Jan 13, 2026

Giving Back: "I Know This Works"

Spice Isle Smiles is transforming children’s oral health in Grenada by delivering comprehensive, school-based dental care to rural primary schools. Founded by Dr. Brian Holmes and Tammy Holmes, the nonprofit is creating lasting, generational change by ensuring young students have access to the care they need to grow up healthy and confident.

Jan 13, 2026

Steps to Take if Facing Collection Notices on Defaulted Loans

Experts indicated that acting quickly may be critical among federal student loan borrowers at risk of a portion of their wages being seized. Although wage garnishment was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the U.S. Department of Education announced plans to resume seizing the wages, federal tax refunds, Social Security retirement and disability benefits of those who have defaulted on their loans.

Jan 9, 2026

ADA 10 Under 10 Award Nominations are Open

Know a dentist who graduated less than 10 years ago and is making an impact in the profession? Submit them at ADA.org/10under10 by March 16, 2026.

Jan 9, 2026

ADA Webinar to Tackle One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s Impact on Student Loans

The American Dental Association and Laurel Road will host a free webinar on 1/13 to break down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s implications for dental students and dentists.

Jan 8, 2026

New ADA Recommendations Confirm Dental Imaging Most Effectively Used in Moderation

New recommendations from the American Dental Association confirm that dental imaging should only be ordered when clinically necessary to minimize both patients’ and dental professionals’ exposure to radiation.

Jan 7, 2026

Bracken Killpack: Growing Value, Reducing Cost - Reflecting on Year 1 of Reimagining WSDA Membership

One year ago, we launched the first phase of WSDA’s reimagined membership model with a clear goal: make it easier for more dentists to see that the value of organized dentistry exceeds the cost of belonging. With a full year of data behind us, we can say the new model is working.

Jan 5, 2026

ADA: Visa and Mastercard Antitrust Settlement: What Small Businesses Need to Know

Merchants who accepted Visa and Mastercard payments in the United States between Jan. 1, 2004, and Jan. 25, 2019, may be entitled to compensation from a class action settlement related to alleged violations of antitrust laws. The deadline to file a claim is Feb. 4.

Dec 29, 2025

Workers’ Compensation Rates Increasing in 2026: What Washington Dentists Should Know

With workers’ compensation rates rising in 2026, proactive claims management through WSDA L&I Advantage can help member dental practices control long-term costs.

Dec 29, 2025

WSDA: A ‘Critical Partner’ in 2025 Elections

During this November’s general election, WSDA sent an important message: the Association will strongly back candidates who support dental professionals and their patients.

Dec 24, 2025

ADA: Deleted CDT Codes You Should Know for 2026

CDT 2026 boasts 60 code changes, including six deletions. Find information here to help you prepare for these deleted codes come Jan. 1, 2026. Deletions include preventive resin restorations, vaccine administrations, non-intravenous conscious sedation and more.

Dec 23, 2025

Faith, Family & Friends: Dr. Kim Nordberg, WSDA 2025 Citizen of the Year

What is the best way to measure Dr. Kim Nordberg's legacy? It's not in buildings, though that could be part of the answer. Nor is it in accolades and awards, though there were those, too, including being honored as this year's recipient of the WSDA Citizen of the Year award. No, the real measure of his legacy is in lives touched.

Dec 17, 2025

ADA Calls for Stronger Dental Benefits, Transparency Measures in Senate Cost Review

The ADA is urging lawmakers to prioritize oral health as they examine strategies to address rising health care costs. In a letter to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, the ADA stressed that rising costs place a strain on patients, families, employers and taxpayers.

Dec 16, 2025

Your Association in Action

WSDA’s recent successes and future priorities underscore the Association’s strong value to the profession. As Washington’s leading advocate for dentists, WSDA is uniquely committed to addressing unfair insurance practices, rising costs and regulations, workforce shortages, and other challenges affecting dentists and their patients.

Dec 12, 2025

ADA: Education Department Moves to End SAVE Under Legal Settlement

The U.S. Department of Education announced it has reached a proposed legal settlement that would formally end the Saving on Valuable Education, or SAVE, income-driven repayment plan, a signature Biden-era policy that had offered some of the lowest monthly student loan payments and fastest potential paths to forgiveness in the federal system.

Dec 11, 2025

ADA: Appeals Court Declines Immediate Review of Delta Dental Class Certification

A federal appeals court has denied a request for immediate review of the decision rejecting class certification in the ongoing antitrust litigation against Delta Dental. As a result, individual dental providers who wish to pursue claims may need to act promptly to protect their rights.

Dec 5, 2025

ADA: Tips to Avoid Claim Denials Due to Common Coding Mistakes

The ADA hopes to help dentists avoid common coding mistakes as they begin using CDT 2026 on January 1. Here are examples and explanations of some common miscoding issues to help address potential misinterpretation during claims processing.

Dec 3, 2025

Why WSDA Members Should Choose ComplyBetter to Manage Dental Compliance

WSDA created ComplyBetter to give Washington dental offices an easy, modern, affordable way to manage HIPAA, WISHA, infection control and more. Our competitive pricing for WSDA members saves you money and reinvests in the profession!