News Items

Yakima Grown: Future Dental School Planned for Yakima’s Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences

The Yakima area is already known as the home of some of the juiciest peaches, sweetest cherries, and tastiest wines. If all goes according to plan, it’s about to also become known as the home of a new dental school, Washington’s second and one of the country’s most innovative.

Dr. Ronald Marsh: If You Become Disabled Today, Are You Prepared?

"As dentists, we are faced with challenges on a daily basis. In order to overcome these obstacles, we plan, practice, prepare, and research. Why should we treat the possibility of a disabling event any different?"

Importance of HIPAA Compliance for Dental Practices

HIPAA compliance not only ensures the privacy and security of patient information, it also protects your practice from breaches and fines and the reputational damage that results from them.

Reminder: Sign Up for WSDA Retro by June 1

Practice owners, get your office(s) on track to earn workers' compensation premium refunds by signing up for WSDA Retro by June 1.

HCA: Commitment letter temporarily suspended for surgery in conjunction with orthodontic treatment

Apply by May 18 for Phase 2 Provider Relief Fund Reporting Deadline Extension

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced that providers may request an extension of the deadline for Provider Relief Fund (PRF) reporting if one or more extenuating circumstances are met.

Upcoming DQAC Committee Meetings – May 17 & 19

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold an Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary Education Program Committee meeting on May 17 and an Educational Outreach Committee meeting on May 19.

An Employer’s Guide to Hiring Minors

With the school year coming to a close, many teens will be looking for a summer job. If considering hiring a minor to work in your office, please make sure to take a moment to review guidance from the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) regarding relevant rules and regulations.

Employers With 15 or More Employees: New Job Posting Requirements Begin January 2023

Beginning in January 2023, Washington employers with 15 or more employees will need to include the wage scale or salary range, along with a general description of all benefits and other compensation to be offered to applicants in job postings when the posting includes qualifications for desired applicants.

An Employer’s Guide to Workers Rights from L&I

The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has put together several resources, including a 45-minute webinar, for employers covering workers rights.

You're Hired: Strategies for Navigating the Employment Process

Whether you’re a new dentist seeking an associateship or a practice owner looking to add a new employee, getting to “You’re hired!” can be an arduous and stressful experience. The good news is, there are resources available to help new and veteran dentists with that process and hopefully avoid some of the common pitfalls that result in hiring miscues.

Apply for the WSDA Leadership Institute by June 8

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 June 8!

Reminder: WSDA & ADA Elected Position Applications Due June 24

Several WSDA and ADA leadership positions will be up for election at the 2022 WSDA House of Delegates in September. Apply to become a candidate by June 24.

CDC Mobile App Allows Users To Review Basic Infection Prevention Principles

Dental health care personnel can use the mobile application CDC DentalCheck to periodically assess their practices and ensure they are meeting the minimum expectations for safe care.

Sign Up for WSDA Retro by June 1

Practice owners, get your office(s) on track to earn workers' compensation premium refunds by signing up for WSDA Retro by June 1.

WDIA: Time for Your Annual Insurance Check-Up

As your practice grows, your earnings increase, or your family gains new members, your insurance needs to increase as well. Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency recommends that all dentists review their insurance coverage at least once each year to determine if what they currently have meets their present and future needs.

Lake Washington Institute of Technology Expanding Dental Programs & Other Workforce Updates

Last year, as part of the Memorandum of Understanding between WSDA and Delta Dental of Washington (DDWA), the two organizations launched a Workforce Taskforce to identify and implement impactful solutions to the workforce shortage.

HCA: Rulemaking Notice for WSR 22-09

DQAC Business Meeting – April 29

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold its next business meeting on Friday, April 29 at 8:30 AM.

Board of Denturists Special Topics Committee Rules Workshop – May 20

The Board of Denturists – Special Topics Committee is holding a series of rules workshops to amend the denturist infection control rules (WAC 246-812-501 - Purpose) and to propose new rules for prefabricated implant abutments.