Blog

Apr 12, 2018

Trending Courses at PNDC 2018

Check out which Thursday, Friday, and Saturday courses at PNDC 2018 are most popular with registrants. Not registered yet? Don't miss the May 4 Early Bird deadline!

Apr 11, 2018

Dental Medicaid Program Update

During the 2017 legislative session, the Legislature passed a budget proviso, Senate Substitute Bill (SSB) 5883, Section 213 (1)(c), which requires the Health Care Authority (HCA) to contract out the administration of the dental Medicaid program.

Apr 11, 2018

Apple Health Provider Update

Apple Health (Medicaid) providers, please read an update from Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) regarding the process of contracting out WA's Dental Medicaid program and what you can expect as a provider.

Apr 11, 2018

Bill Expanding ABCD Program Signed Into Law

SB 6549, supported by WSDA, further expands the Access to Baby & Child Dentistry (ABCD) program to include children with disabilities up to age 13.

Apr 11, 2018

Apple Health Managed Care Community Engagement Sessions

The Washington State Health Care Authority is hosting four community engagement sessions in April to give clients and providers an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback about Apple Health dental services moving to managed care.

Apr 11, 2018

Updates to Apple Health Billing Guides

Attention Medicaid Providers: The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) recently published updates to the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD), Dental-Related Services Program, and Orthodontic Services Billing Guides.

Apr 11, 2018

New Medicaid Opioid Prescribing Policy Takes Effect November 1

On August 23, 2017, the state Health Care Authority (HCA) announced a new clinical policy about opioid prescribing for Apple Health (Medicaid). This new policy will take effect on November 1, 2017.

Apr 11, 2018

Uniform Medical Plan Members: New Opioid Policy for UMP Starts January 2, 2018

As part of Washington State’s strategy to combat this crisis through prevention as well as treatment, the Health Care Authority (HCA) has created opioid policies for Apple Health (Medicaid) and UMP.

Apr 11, 2018

HCA Provider Alert

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) recently sent a provider alert regarding changes to prior authorization requests for photographs and radiographs (x-rays).

Apr 10, 2018

Seminar: 2018 Tax Law Impact on Dentists

Join WSDA-preferred Dental Group, LLC on May 4 for a seminar on the 2018 tax law's impact on dentists.

Apr 9, 2018

Draft Opioid Prescribing Rules

Please provide comments to the Washington State Department of Health regarding draft opioid prescribing rules by Friday, April 13.

Apr 6, 2018

This Month: Evidence-Based Dental Pain Care Half-Day Conference

Register now for "Evidence-Based Dental Pain Care: A New Opioid Prescribing Guideline from Washington State," a free half-day conference held in Spokane on April 19 and Seattle on April 20.

Apr 5, 2018

Dental Continuing Competency Committee Conference Call

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold a Dental Continuing Competency Committee conference call meeting on Monday, April 9, 2018 at 12:00 PM.

Apr 5, 2018

Reminder: Submit your Credentialing Application to ProviderSource by June 1, 2018

In an effort to reduce administrative burdens for providers in Washington State, the Legislature passed Second Substitute House Bill 2335 in 2016, which requires providers to submit credentialing applications to a single credentialing database, Medversant’s ProviderSource, by June 1, 2018.

Apr 2, 2018

Opioids Webinar Covers Prescribing Strategies for Managing Pain

If you missed the February webinar, Improving Opioid Prescribing: The CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain, and Considerations for Dentistry, an archived version is posted on the ADA Center for Professional Success website.

Mar 30, 2018

Member Recruitment Incentives

You know the value of membership—now earn rewards for sharing it with others! You can attend the 2018 Pacific Northwest Dental Conference for free and earn up to $500 in gift cards from the ADA for recruiting eligible non-member dentists to membership.

Mar 29, 2018

ADA Adopts Interim Opioids Policy

On March 26, the American Dental Association announced a new interim policy on opioids that supports prescription limits and mandatory continuing education for dentists.

Mar 29, 2018

Special Care Dentistry Association 30th Annual Meeting in Seattle

Don't miss your opportunity to learn, network and interact with peers and mentors specializing in a wide range of fields dedicated to promoting oral health and well-being for people with special needs at the Special Care Dentistry Association's 30th Annual Meeting, April 27-29 in Seattle.

Mar 28, 2018

Reminder: Apply for DQAC by This Friday

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) is currently seeking applications for three dentist positions. Apply by March 30.

Mar 27, 2018

Registration Now Open for PNDC 2018

Join thousands of dental professionals June 21-23 at PNDC 2018, Washington's largest dental conference. Featuring dozens of dental speakers from across the country, PNDC lets you earn up to 20 CE credits in three days.

Mar 27, 2018

Have You Used Your PNDC Member Benefit?

WSDA members pay just $175-$275 (at the Early Bird rate) to attend the Pacific Northwest Dental Conference, held June 21-23 in Bellevue. Have you taken advantage of your benefit?

Mar 26, 2018

Dental Infection Control Committee Conference Call

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold a Dental Infection Control Committee conference call meeting on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 1:00 PM.

Mar 21, 2018

DQAC Update

Stay up to date on dental rules, both proposed and in progress, regarding CE requirements, dentist suicide prevention education, infection control, dental anesthesia, delegation to dental hygienists under general supervision, and specialty recognition.

Mar 21, 2018

Editorial: Delta’s Struggle with Dentists Calls for Extraction

"Dentists for the state’s largest dental insurer are pushing for changes that could benefit patients." Read an editorial by the Everett Herald Editorial Board following the recent petition of no confidence in Delta Dental CEO Jim Dwyer.

Mar 16, 2018

Washington Dentists File No Confidence Petition with Delta Dental

Dentists say new leadership approach needed at state’s largest dental insurance carrier.

Mar 14, 2018

One Health Antibiotic Resistance Summit

Please join the WA State Department of Health on Wednesday, April 4 for a one-day conference and workshop to contribute content and direction for a Washington State One Health Antibiotic Resistance Strategic Plan.

Mar 13, 2018

WDS Announces CEO Jim Dwyer's Retirement

WDS just announced CEO Jim Dwyer’s plan to retire, effective February 1, 2019. This is the key time to make it clear to the Delta Dental/WDS Board of Directors that its members will not accept a “business as usual” transition. Sign the petition of no confidence by this Thursday, March 15!

Mar 9, 2018

Online Credential Applications Now Available

The Washington State Department of Health has rolled out an online application for dental sedation, Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary and Dental Anesthesia Assistant credentials.

Mar 8, 2018

Submit your Credentialing Application to ProviderSource by June 1, 2018

Mar 7, 2018

Dental Volunteers Needed for AMEN Clinic in Everett

Volunteer dentists, hygienists, assistants, and other volunteers are needed for the AMEN Free Clinic in Everett April 20 and 22.

Mar 6, 2018

L&I Adopting New Dental Guideline for Prescribing Opioids April 1

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries will adopt the new Bree/AMDG Dental Guideline for Prescribing Opioids on April 1, 2018.

Mar 5, 2018

WSDA Academy: Is Traditional Orthodontic Enough? The New Area of Orthodontics is Here

Registration is now open for the free WSDA Academy course "Is Traditional Orthodontic Enough? The New Area of Orthodontics is Here" on Saturday, March 24 with Dr. Paola Leone. Members 0-10 years out of dental school/residency are eligible to register.

Mar 2, 2018

Free Webinar: A Carrier's Perspective on Compliance Audits and Utilization Management

Join the American Dental Association for a free webinar covering utilization management reviews and compliance audits on March 20 from 10-11 AM.

Mar 2, 2018

Topics to Explore at PNDC 2018

Held June 21-23 in Bellevue, WA, PNDC 2018 is Washington's largest dental conference and your source for high-quality, affordable continuing dental education. Browse sessions by topic to see what you can't miss this summer.

Mar 1, 2018

PNDC 2018: 3 Days, Over 40 Speakers, One Price

Register today for the chance to choose from over 40 incredible dental speakers—including Dr. Gordon Christensen, Dr. Lee Ann Brady, Dr. John Alonge and more—at PNDC 2018, Washington's largest dental conference.

Feb 28, 2018

Open WSDA & ADA Elected Positions

The application period is now open for state and national elected positions with WSDA & ADA! Apply by June 30.

Feb 26, 2018

Evidence-Based Dental Pain Care Half-Day Conference

Register now for "Evidence-Based Dental Pain Care: A New Opioid Prescribing Guideline from Washington State," a half-day conference held in both Seattle and Spokane this April.

Feb 21, 2018

Petition of No Confidence in Delta CEO Jim Dwyer

Delta member dentists have worked with legal counsel to develop a petition to submit to the WDS Board of Directors declaring no confidence in Delta CEO Jim Dwyer.

Feb 21, 2018

Dental Collaboration Committee Conference Call

The Dental Collaboration Committee will hold a conference call meeting on Thursday, March 1 at 1:00 p.m.

Feb 20, 2018

WSDA Academy: Guidelines for Treating Pregnant Women, Know the Associated Risks

Registration is now open for the March 15 WSDA Academy course "Guidelines for Treating Pregnant Women, Know the Associated Risks" with Dr. Beatrice Gandara.

Feb 16, 2018

Apply to Fill Vacant DQAC Positions

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) is currently seeking applications for three dentist positions. Apply by March 30.

Feb 13, 2018

WSDA Member Dr. Judson Werner Hosts Give Kids A Smile Event

On February 2, 2018, WSDA member Dr. Judson Werner partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of Bellevue to host a Give Kids A Smile event at his office.

Feb 12, 2018

National Children's Dental Health Month

February is National Children's Dental Health Month!

Feb 10, 2018

Port Orchard Member to Hold Veterans Dental Day

WSDA member Dr. Ron Schoepflin will host a Veterans Dental Day on Friday, February 16 at his Port Orchard office to give back to those who have served.

Feb 9, 2018

WDIA Cyber Protection Policy Update

Washington Dentists' Insurance Agency (WDIA) changes to Beazley Breach Response (BBR) coverage for Cyber Protection policies.

Feb 8, 2018

Washington Bills Targeting Insurance Executive Pay Die in Committee

Bills that Washington State Rep. Michelle Caldier and Sen. Patty Kuderer recently introduced to curb excessive pay hikes for executives and board members at nonprofit insurance companies in Washington State died in committee on Friday, February 2, 2018.

Jan 31, 2018