News Items

HCA: HCA Rulemaking Notice for WSR 23-06

2023 Legislative Session Update: Week 8 (Feb. 27-March 5)

On March 5, the Legislature passed several dental-specific and workforce bills out of the House of Representatives. During week eight, the Legislature devoted their time to debating and voting bills out of their respective chamber of origin. Read for an update on WSDA’s week eight activities in Olympia.

Review DQAC's Proposed Anesthesia Rules

For more than three years, the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) has been working to update Washington state’s dental anesthesia rules. WSDA encourages members to review the proposed rules and submit questions or concerns via email or virtually at DQAC's March 10 business meeting.

Apply by April 25 for the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program

Eligible dentists are able to apply for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program now through April 25, 2023.

N95 Masking Requirements Change with COVID Community Transmission Levels

With certain exceptions, health care providers are no longer required to wear an N95 respirator, including when performing aerosol generating procedures. Read for more details and exceptions to this updated COVID requirement.

Secretary of Health Mask Order to End April 3

Effective April 3, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) will end the Secretary of Health Statewide Face Covering Order currently in effect for health care (including dental).

Reminder: ASL Interpreter Provider Obligations

A dental office is considered to be a place of public accommodation and thus is prohibited from discriminating for any reason due to a disability. Accordingly, dental offices are required to provide an interpreter if one is needed to effectively communicate with a hearing-impaired patient.

Reminder: Dental Infection Control Requirements

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) previously finalized dental infection control rules in December 2020, and the majority of these rules became effective January 2021. The rules apply to settings wherever dentistry is provided in Washington and include several requirements that dentists must comply with.

RSVP for the WSDA Mentor Program Virtual Networking Session

WSDA members interested in pursuing or offering professional mentorship are invited to attend the WSDA Mentor Program Virtual Networking Session on Thursday, March 30!

Registration is Open for PNDC 2023!

Registration is open now for the 2023 Pacific Northwest Dental Conference, June 15-17 in Seattle! Earn 20+ CE credits, shop the Exhibit Hall (now open on Saturday), enjoy special events and more all for one low price.

Free Virtual CE from WSDA – March 16 & April 26

Members can register now for two upcoming free virtual CE courses from WSDA and Columbia Bank: "Essential Steps When Selling or Buying a Dental Practice" on March 16 and "Protecting Your Practice Through Adversity" on April 26.

Volunteer at the Seattle/King County Clinic

Dental professionals looking for a volunteer opportunity can sign up to volunteer for the 2023 Seattle/King County Clinic, held April 27-30 at Seattle Center.

Bracken Killpack: Building a Stronger WSDA

"We must provide specific, differentiated value for all dentists regardless of how they practice – with benefits aligned to the north star of our mission."

Mellissa Ilgen, DDS

General Dentistry | Kingston | Owner – Private Practice | University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine

Michael Huey, DMD

Endodontics | Bremerton | Owner – Group Practice | Washington University School of Dental Medicine

Victor Bauer, DDS

General Dentistry | Bellevue | Owner – Private Practice | University of Washington School of Dentistry

Are Credit Card Fees Affecting Your Bottom Line?

Without a vigilant management strategy, credit card processing fees can add up and affect your bottom line. Review tips for minimizing fees from WSDA and ADA endorsed company Best Card.

UW Ernest M. Jones Memorial Lecture – March 24

Register for the UW Ernest M. Jones Memorial Lecture – Thriving in a Time of Uncertainty: Key Trends and Opportunities Coming to the Dental Care Sector on Friday, March 24.

DQAC Dental Inclusion Committee Meeting – March 29

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) has formed a Dental Inclusion Committee to begin rulemaking to comply with health equity education requirements. The Committee will meet on March 29.

Apply for the WSDA Leadership Institute by March 31

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. Apply by March 31.