News Items

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.

HCA: 2021 State Fiscal Year End/Independence Day – ProviderOne payment schedule change

OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard Update

On June 10, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued an emergency temporary standard (ETS) on COVID-19.

DQAC Business Meeting – June 25

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold its next business meeting on Friday, June 25 at 8:30 AM.

Rule Update on Specialty Representation – Effective July 3, 2021

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) has modified our state’s dental specialty representation rule (WAC 246-817-420) to clarify specialty areas of practice and add requirements for those who would like to represent themselves as specialists.

Dental Office COVID-19 Protections Have Worked, ADA Tells Administration

Representatives from the ADA told White House Office of Management and Budget officials last week that there is little risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in dental offices.

HCA: Apple Health (Medicaid) reimbursement options treating COVID-19 in uninsured individuals

DQAC Dental Anesthesia Committee Meeting – June 18

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold a Dental Anesthesia Committee meeting on Friday, June 18 at 2:00 PM.

What Does Updated CDC Mask Guidance Mean for Dental Offices?

The ADA has released answers to questions dental practices are getting about revised CDC recommendations on mask use for people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

2021 Legislative Session Summary

Washington's legislative session adjourned on April 25, 2021. Read a summary of passed legislation that may impact you as a provider, business owner, employer, or employee.

WDIA: Attract and Retain Staff with Group Medical Coverage

Many WSDA members use Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency (WDIA) to purchase individual products such as disability, malpractice, and life to insure their livelihood, but did you know that WDIA can also help you apply for and navigate group medical coverage?

DQAC Dental Infection Control Committee Meeting – June 18

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold a Dental Infection Control Committee meeting on Friday, June 18.

Seattle Times Op-Ed: Dental Therapists Create a Two-Tiered System of Care

Drs. Marissa Bender and Harlyn Susarla recently authored the op-ed "Dental Therapists Create a Two-Tiered System of Care" for The Seattle Times.

Nominate a Dentist for Citizen of the Year

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

PPE Reimbursement Law Clarification

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) recently provided clarification regarding SB-5169, legislation that mandates health benefit plans (insurance carriers that offer medical plans) to reimburse health care providers for PPE.

Study: Most Aerosol Droplets in Dental Procedures from Irrigation Tools, Not Saliva

Patient saliva was found not to be the major source of the microbes in aerosols generated during dental procedures, according to Ohio State University researchers, who analyzed the genetic makeup of the organisms detected in aerosols.

Reminder: Apply for the WSDA Leadership Institute by June 4

Apply by June 4 for the Leadership Institute, a program designed to foster new leadership in organized dentistry.