News Items

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.

Head & Neck Cancer 5K – April 23 in Richland

Partners in Care, a not-for-profit charitable foundation dedicated to cancer patients, will hold a 5K run and 2-mile walk to support head and neck cancer patients on Saturday, April 23 in Richland.

Reminder: Health Emergency Labor Standards Act in Effect

In 2021, Washington passed the Health Emergency Labor Standards Act (HELSA) which includes, among other things, notification requirements for health care facilities when a public health emergency is declared by either the President of the United States or by the Governor of Washington.

Everyone For Veterans: Making a Difference for Those Who Served

Learn more about volunteering with Everyone For Veterans to provide dental care for veterans in need.

Kyler Hayes: The Career-long Impacts of COVID-19 on Dental Students

"It has been almost two years since our lives were turned upside down. However, the sense of togetherness, the care for one another, and the pure resilience that the dental students of UW have shown throughout the course of this unprecedented time have given me undeniable hope and assurance about the future of the dental profession."

WDIA: Having the Disability Insurance You Need at the Right Coverage Amount

The best way to protect yourself, your family and your practice is to make sure your insurance policies have the full protection you need.

Medical Teams International Needs Your Help

Learn more about volunteering with Medical Teams International.

HCA: Reporting requirement for Apple Health mobile anesthesia subcontractors

Bracken Killpack: “Who Do We Already Know?” Isn’t Good Enough

"I am asking all members to hold us accountable for expanding our entire leadership pipeline to be more reflective of the increasingly multifaceted diversity of our membership, the dental profession, and society at large."