Regarding Governor Inslee’s “Phased Approach” Announcement

In the last few hours, we have received several inquiries from members asking how today’s announcement from Governor Inslee about a “phased approach” to reopening businesses impacts dental offices. We just got off the phone with the Governor’s Office and wanted to provide additional guidance.

According to the Governor’s Office, today’s announcement does not change Proclamation 20-24, which will continue to remain in effect. This means that dental offices should continue to operate under the Interpretive Statement guidance that we shared earlier today. While this guidance does not provide dentists with a specific list of procedures that may be performed, it does empower dentists and other health care providers to use their clinical judgment to provide timely dental treatment that would reduce the risk of harmful dental or medical consequences.

In the next few days, WSDA will be participating in conversations with the Governor’s Office and other health care groups to discuss Washington’s plan to continue reactivating our health care systems.

We will share additional updates as possible.

Sincerely,