News Items

Ask Congress to Support the REDI Act & Student Loan Reform

Tell your members of Congress to support the Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act. If enacted, this bill would allow dental and medical residents to automatically defer payments on their federal student loans until after their dental or medical residency is completed. It would also suspend the accrual of interest during their residency period.

DQAC Business Meeting – June 17

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold its next business meeting on Friday, June 17 at 8:30 AM.

Board of Denturists Special Webinar Meeting – June 14

The Board of Denturists will hold a Special Webinar meeting Tuesday, June 14 at noon to discuss changes to the Open Public Meetings Act and determine the safety of holding public meetings.

Take the Dental Office Impacts Survey by June 15

WSDA and Delta Dental of Washington want to hear how the past several years have impacted your dental office and your ability to provide patient care. Take the anonymous survey by Wednesday, June 15.

Reminder: 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!

WSDA Adopts Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Mission & Strategic Priorities

WSDA has been thoughtfully contemplating a more robust strategy for increasing the diversity of the Association and fostering a more inclusive and equitable organizational culture. In February, the WSDA Board unanimously adopted a DEI mission and strategic priorities focused on leadership development, mentorship, training, self-reflection, and advocacy.

Reminder: Apply for WSDA & ADA Elected Positions by 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.

Reminder: Nominate a Dentist for WSDA Citizen of the Year by June 24

Do you know a member dentist doing incredible charitable work in their community? Nominate them for WSDA Citizen of the Year by June 24!

Share Your Dental Workforce Challenges by June 6

Share your dental workforce challenges in the Health Workforce Sentinel Network survey by Monday, June 6. Survey results will be shared with key policymakers and other stakeholders to inform the policy development and funding decisions impacting our vital health workforce.

Apply to Join the Delta Member Advisory Panel (MAP)

Learn about an opportunity to join the WDS/Delta Dental of Washington Member Advisory Panel (MAP). WSDA encourages members who would like an opportunity to have input into the complex dental benefit discussions in our state to apply.

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.

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.

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.