News Items

State-Appointed Dental Therapy Task Force Meetings Open to Public

A state-appointed dental therapy task force will hold its first meeting, which is open to the public, on Monday, July 26 from 2-4 PM.

State Calls on Providers to Continue Work to Boost COVID-19 Vaccination

Last Friday, Gov. Jay Inslee and Secretary of Health Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH announced the Power of Providers (POP) Initiative to continue to encourage all health care providers in the state to reach out and talk to their patients about COVID-19 vaccination.

DQAC Business Meeting – July 30

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

CDC Revises Infection Control Guidance for Dentistry

The CDC has revised infection control guidance for dental offices, removing recommendations that dentists avoid aerosol-generating procedures for all patients and replacing it with language advising that the procedures be avoided only for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

COVID-19 Vaccine Initiative Event with Gov. Inslee for Health Care Providers

Governor Jay Inslee, Secretary of Health Umair A. Shah, and the Washington State Department of Health are inviting all health care providers in the state to a virtual meeting on Friday, July 16 from 7:30-8:00 AM.

ADA Releases Updated COVID-19 Dental Office Procedures Emphasizing Need for Hazard Assessments

The American Dental Association's new Update to Office Procedures During COVID-19 provides updated information for dentists to consider as they assess COVID-19 workplace hazards and make decisions that are best for their practices.

PPP Forgiveness Deadlines Approaching for Borrowers Who Received First Draw Loans

For dentists who received first draw Paycheck Protection Program loans, the deadline to apply for loan forgiveness could be on the horizon. Depending on when the borrower received the loan and used the funds, the forgiveness period could fall between July and September of this year.

Attention Medicaid Providers: New PMP Rule Goes into Effect Oct. 1, 2021

The Health Care Authority (HCA) has filed a permanent rule regarding the SUPPORT Act that will become effective Oct. 1, 2021 and impact all Apple Health (Medicaid) providers who prescribe controlled substances.

Changes to Covered Apple Health Dental-related Services

The Health Care Authority (HCA) has announced rule changes to covered Apple Health (Medicaid) dental-related services.

Apple Health Reimbursement Rate Increase & Provider Enrollment Resources

On July 1, reimbursement rates for nearly all Apple Health covered services increased by 100%. Learn more about how to enroll as an Apple Health provider and sign up for DentistLink to start receiving referrals for adult Apple Health enrollees.

The Small Business Flex Fund Loan Application is Now Live

The Department of Commerce has opened applications for Small Business Flex Fund loans, allowing businesses or nonprofits to apply to borrow up to $150,000 from community lenders at an interest rate between 3% - 4.5%.

June 30 Reopening Update for Dental Offices

As health care settings — which are exempted from many of the new reopening and masking guidelines — dental offices are still required to follow enhanced COVID-19 safety and masking requirements.

HCA: Apple Health (Medicaid) Adult Dental Rates Increasing July 1

Reunite With the WA Dental Community at PNDC 2021

Reunite with the dental community and celebrate the resiliency of our profession at PNDC 2021, November 11-13 in Seattle. Registration is open now!

Prepare for Dec. 1 Water Line Testing Requirement with Free Webinars

Attend a free webinar from Harris Biomedical to help prepare for DQAC's new water line testing requirements taking effect Dec. 1, 2021.

Part-Time Assignments, Lasting Fulfillment

Locum tenens and other part-time opportunities fill vacancies, provide varied pathways in dentistry.

Doing Something About It: How WSDA, Delta Dental, UW School of Dentistry and Others are Confronting the Dental Hygiene Shortage

Read the WSDA News Spring 2021 cover story to learn more about efforts to address workforce shortages, including new support for dental hygiene education at the University of Washington School of Dentistry.

The Shoreline Community College Dental Hygiene Program at UW Needs Your Support!

Please consider donating in support of the Shoreline Dental Hygiene Program at the UW School of Dentistry. Your contribution will make a difference in educating and graduating more dental hygienists in our state and will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $500,000!

HCA: New Online Sign Language Interpreter Request Form

DQAC Dental Educational Outreach Committee – July 8

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold its next Dental Educational Outreach Committee meeting on Thursday, July 8 at 12:00 PM.