News Items

WSDA Response to Vaccine Mandate

WSDA sent a letter to the governor today urging him to modify Proclamation 21-14 to include an optional “vaccinate or test” policy.

State Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement for Health Care Workers, Including Dental Offices

Gov. Jay Inslee announced a requirement for workers in private health care (including dental offices) and long-term care settings, in addition to most state workers, contractors, and volunteers, to be fully vaccinated with a recommended COVID-19 vaccine by October 18, 2021.

Take Action Now: LTSS Program Deadline Quickly Approaching

The Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Program is on track for implementation on Jan. 1, 2022, and with the deadline quickly approaching, it is imperative that individuals wanting to opt-out of the program start exploring their long-term care coverage options.

Dental Therapy Task Force Information

Information about the State appointed Dental Therapy Task Force meetings can be found here.

Meet CE Requirements for Dentists at PNDC 2021

Meet infection control, suicide prevention, opioid prescribing, minimal & moderate sedation, and BLS CE requirements for dentists at PNDC 2021, Nov. 11-13 in Seattle.

HCA: 30-day grace period on requiring prior authorization for replacement dentures

WSDA House of Delegates: Sept. 9-11 in Spokane

The 2021 WSDA House of Delegates, the governing body of the Association, will meet Sept. 9-11 at the Davenport Hotel in Spokane. See current resolutions, delegates, candidates for elected positions and more.

HCA: Prior authorization requirement for replacement dentures

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.