News Items

2022 National Health Service Corps Scholarship Opportunity

Eligible dental students are able to apply for a National Health Service Corps (NHSC) scholarship now through May 5, 2022.

New HPI Poll Results: Staffing Impacts on Dental Practices

See key findings from the second wave of HPI’s Economic Outlook and Emerging Issues in Dentistry poll.

Board of Denturists Special Topics Committee Rules Workshop – April 8

The Board of Denturists will convene a special topics committee on Friday, April 8 at 4:00 PM to begin rulemaking regarding the placement of prefabricated abutments.

DQAC Business Meeting – March 11

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold its next business meeting on Friday, March 11 at 8:30 AM.

Live Webinar on March 9: The Changing Dentist Workforce

Join HPI on March 9 for an interactive webinar to discuss key findings from the latest data on the dentist workforce.

HCA: New over the phone and video remote interpreting contract coming

ADA Masking Toolkit Clarification

The ADA recently released a toolkit on indoor masking in dental practice public spaces. The toolkit covers CDC masking recommendations for patients and the general public and acknowledges that dentists must still comply with statewide and local masking requirements. In Washington state, masks are still required in health care facilities such as hospitals, long term care settings, and dental offices.

HCA: Provider Directory – March 2022

Indoor Mask Mandate to End March 12 – What Does This Mean for Dental Offices?

Updated: Governor Inslee announced that starting March 12, 2022, the statewide mask requirement will be lifted in most indoor spaces. Masks will still be required in health care facilities such as hospitals, long term care settings, and dental offices.

ADA Advises Dentists to Be On Alert for Internet Security Risks

Federal agencies warn of possible cyber incidents in wake of Russia’s attacks against Ukraine.

Apply for the New & Emerging Speaker Series by March 21

WSDA is now accepting applications for the New & Emerging Speaker Series at PNDC 2022. Apply by March 21.

Apply for the ADA Institute for Diversity in Leadership by April 30

The ADA is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 class of its Institute for Diversity in Leadership. Apply by April 30.

Apply to Serve as a DQAC Member by March 30

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) is accepting applications to fill three dentist seats on the Commission. Apply by March 30.

DOH: Beware of Ongoing Scam Attempts

Telephone calls from scammers falsely claiming to represent the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) are increasing again. Please be aware of this ongoing scam targeting health care professionals.

Over $200,000 to be Refunded to Members Enrolled in WSDA Retro

We are excited to announce that after launching in April 2020, WSDA Retro is poised to distribute $208,000 among program participants next month in its first-ever refund. If you haven't already, sign up by March 1!

Bracken Killpack for the Everett Herald: Policy Debates Need Sunshine, Not Corporate Sugar

Less-than-transparent lobbying donations from a cereal maker’s foundation rot dental reform debate.

HCA: Reminder - Revised Orthodontic Information form (HCA 13-666), eff 3/1/2022

DOH Resource: Preventing Transmission of COVID-19 in Dental Offices

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has developed a resource flyer to assist in reducing COVID-19 exposure in your dental office.

Ergonomics Bill Passes the House – What You Need to Know About HB 1837

House Bill 1837 (HB 1837), introduced this legislative session, would restore the Department Labor and Industries’ (L&I) ability to address work-related musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomics through rulemaking.

2022 Legislative Session Update

With the 2022 legislative session having passed the halfway mark, WSDA continues to track several bills concerning health care, public health, small business matters, and much more.