News Items

Jul 24, 2025

Effective July 27: Changes to WA Dental Benefits Law

Dentists and dental billing staff should be aware of important changes to Washington state dental benefits law taking effect July 27, 2025.

Jul 21, 2025

Victory in Camas: WSDA Advocacy on Community Water Fluoridation & What’s Next

On July 7, due to the collective advocacy efforts of WSDA, the Clark County Dental Society, our members, and other oral health advocacy groups, the Camas City Council voted to maintain access to community water fluoridation.

Jul 17, 2025

DOH: Certificates, Licenses and Renewal Notices Are Now Digital

The Washington State Department of Health recently launched the Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS), a new licensing system for all healthcare professionals and facilities. HELMS brings applications and credentialing online through a modern, self-service user portal.

Jul 8, 2025

Save the Date for Dental Action Day: Thursday, January 22

Join dentists from across the state on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Dental Action Day in Olympia to meet with your legislators and advocate for dental benefits reform and other issues affecting the dental profession. One profession, one voice!

Jul 7, 2025

2025 Legislative Session Summary

Washington state’s 105-day legislative session adjourned on Sunday, April 27, 2025. WSDA advocated in support of as well as in opposition to several bills concerning dental-related issues, workforce challenges, insurance matters, small business issues, employer-employee matters, and other related topics.

Jun 23, 2025

Update on Adult, Pediatric Medicaid Reimbursement

Beginning July 1, 2025, reimbursement rates for both adult and pediatric dental Medicaid will decrease. This change is a result of budget cuts enacted by lawmakers during the 2025 legislative session.

Jun 20, 2025

Thank you Seattle/King County Clinic Volunteers!

Thank you to the many WSDA member dentists who volunteered their time and expertise at the Seattle/King County Clinic April 24-27, 2025!

Jun 20, 2025

Apply to Serve as a Washington Dental Commission Member by June 30

The Department of Health is accepting applications to fill one dentist member vacancy on the Washington Dental Commission. Apply by June 30.

Jun 19, 2025

WDIA: Why Dental Practice Owners Should Invest in High-Quality Group Medical Coverage

"As an employer, providing comprehensive medical coverage keeps your practice running reliably because team members can access the care they need to stay well."

Jun 18, 2025

Dr. John Evans: Advice for Advisors

"We’ve all had mentors who helped us along the way, along with some advisors who have not been helpful. The effective advisor is helpful, courteous and careful."

Jun 13, 2025

Recent Email Scams Targeting Dental Offices: What to Watch For and How to Respond

WSDA recently became aware of email phishing scams affecting Washington dental offices, where unauthorized messages are being sent directly from the office’s legitimate email address. We urge dental offices to review email security measures and to not open attachments or click links in emails unless you’re confident the message is legitimate.

Jun 12, 2025

ADA Offers Supports to Help Dentists, Students Prioritize Mental Health

The American Dental Association offers various supports to help its member dentists and dental students get started, including free access to the Well-Being Index, an anonymous, validated assessment and measurement tool developed by Mayo Clinic to address clinician distress and well-being.

Jun 11, 2025

JAMA Releases Study on Elimination of Community Water Fluoridation

Removing fluoride from US public water systems would increase tooth decay by 7.5% and cost at least $9.8 billion over five years, according to estimates in a study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association Health Forum.

Jun 10, 2025

ADA to Hold Webinar Outlining New Billing Requirements for Dentists Treating Medicare Beneficiaries

The American Dental Association will hold a webinar on June 17 covering information for dentists wishing to treat Medicare beneficiaries and outlining other new requirements for Medicare billing set to begin next month.

Jun 6, 2025

ADA Calls for ERISA, Medicare Advantage Reform

The ADA is offering its perspective on how certain anticompetitive regulations impact the dental sector, in response to the Federal Trade Commission’s request for information on reducing anticompetitive regulatory barriers.

Jun 5, 2025

Life After AAOMS

"It is an extremely busy year of service, but also it is very rewarding and a rich life experience." Dr. Mark Egbert reflects on his years of service and leadership with the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Jun 5, 2025

ADA Leaders: Continue Covering Preventive Services, Fluoride

A national conversation surrounding the efficacy of fluoride and community water fluoridation prompted ADA leaders to re-emphasize the need for insurance groups to cover preventive services for patients.

Jun 4, 2025

ADA Urges DOJ to Enforce Health Insurance Antitrust Reform

The ADA is commenting on competition in the dental insurance market, applauding the Department of Justice’s renewed focus on competition in health care and offering its perspective on how historically limited competition in dental insurance harms patients and dental professionals.

Jun 3, 2025

Thanks for Joining Us at PNDC 2025!

Thank you to the more than 4,600 attendees who joined us for the 2025 Pacific Northwest Dental Conference last month — you made this year's event a success! Mark your calendars today for more high-quality continuing dental education, dental exhibits and more as PNDC 2026 returns May 28-30 to Summit - Seattle Convention Center.