Blog

Jul 9, 2021

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.

Jul 9, 2021

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.

Jul 7, 2021

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.

Jul 6, 2021

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%.

Jun 30, 2021

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.

Jun 29, 2021

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!

Jun 28, 2021

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.

Jun 28, 2021

Part-Time Assignments, Lasting Fulfillment

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

Jun 28, 2021

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.

Jun 25, 2021

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!

Jun 17, 2021

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.

Jun 16, 2021

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.

Jun 15, 2021

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.

Jun 9, 2021

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.

Jun 8, 2021

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.

Jun 4, 2021

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.

Jun 2, 2021

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.

Jun 1, 2021

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?

Jun 1, 2021

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.

Jun 1, 2021

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.