News Items

Comment on Project to Enhance CDT Codes

The ADA’S Enhanced CDT Task Force is seeking comment from the entire dental community on the proposed framework of dental procedure code modifiers, which would complement — not replace — the CDT Code’s current “Dxxxx” format. The next Enhanced CDT public comment session will be on Feb. 28 from 5:00-5:30 PM Pacific Time.

2023 Legislative Session Update: Week 7 (Feb. 20-26)

Friday, Feb. 24 is fiscal committee cutoff, the second major milestone of the 2023 legislative session. This means that bills that have been sent to a fiscal committee must be voted out in order to stay “alive” and continue along in the legislative process. Read for an update on WSDA’s week seven activities in Olympia.

HCA: HCA Rulemaking Notice for WSR 23-05

Employment Law Webinars from L&I

The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has created a series of free webinars for both employers and employees, covering employment law topics including workers’ rights, job posting requirements, overtime rules, and the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act.

HCA: HCA Rulemaking Notice for WSR 23-04

DQAC Dental Continuing Competency Committee Meeting – March 22

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold a Dental Continuing Competency Committee meeting on March 22.

DQAC Dental Collaboration Committee Meeting – March 6

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold a Dental Collaboration Committee meeting on March 6.

2023 Legislative Session Update: Week 6 (Feb. 13-19)

Today is policy committee cutoff, marking the first major milestone of the 2023 legislative session. By 5:00 PM today, bills must be voted out of their policy committee in order to stay “alive” and continue along in the legislative process. Accordingly, this week, the Legislature devoted most of its committee time to executive session work as well as floor action. Read for an update on WSDA’s week six activities in Olympia.

Proposed Dental Licensure Fee Increase – June 1

In order to address the annual operating shortfall of the Dental Quality Assurance Commission, the Department of Health is proposing to increase dental licensure fees, effective June 1, 2023.

ADA New Dentist Committee Town Hall on Career Pathways – March 15

Celebrating the community of dentists across the Tripartite, the ADA New Dentist Committee is thrilled to host a Town Hall on March 15 highlighting the journey of five different dentists with five different career paths.

Practice Owners: Get Refunds on Premiums You Already Pay to L&I

Sign up for WSDA Retro by March 1 to qualify to receive refunds on the workers' compensation premiums you already pay to the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) and get up to 100% of wages reimbursed when bringing injured employees back to modified duty.

2023 Legislative Session Update: Week 5 (Feb. 6-12)

This week the Legislature considered several dental-specific and workforce bills. Read for an update of WSDA’s week five activities in Olympia.

Share Your Insights with the ADA Health Policy Institute

Each month, the ADA Health Policy Institute (HPI) takes the pulse of the dental profession with a monthly poll of U.S. dentists. Join the panel today!

Delay and Modification of the Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Program

Two pieces of legislation recently passed that delay and modify the Long-Term Services and Supports Trust (LTSS) program. Learn more about how the delay affects employers and employees, as well as new exemption circumstances for employees.

2023 Legislative Session Update: Week 4 (Jan. 30-Feb. 5)

Floor action began this week at the Washington State Legislature. Simultaneously, bills continue to be introduced, heard in committees, and amended. Read for an update of WSDA’s week four activities in Olympia.

2023 Legislative Session Update: Weeks 1 & 2

Washington state’s 105-day legislative session commenced on Monday, Jan. 9. Learn more about developments from the first two weeks of session.

2023 Legislative Session Update: Week 3 (Jan. 23-29)

Week three of the 2023 Washington state legislative session saw many more bills introduced and heard in committees. WSDA continues to track bills concerning a variety of issues, read more for an update on week three activities.

Peninsula College Hygiene Program: Ready and Waiting

An innovative new dental hygiene program, forged with input from area dentists and hygienists, enters its final review stage.

WSDA Advocates for Reducing Barriers to Hygiene Licensure

This legislative session, WSDA is focusing on several efforts to help address the severe workforce shortages faced by the dental industry. One of those important efforts is advocating for the passage of House Bill 1466, which seeks to reduce barriers to hygiene licensure in our state.

Become a Washington State Smile Survey Screener

Arcora Foundation is hiring dental professionals (dentist or licensed hygienist) to perform Smile Survey oral health screenings on children in elementary schools in Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Island, Kitsap, Pierce, San Juan, Snohomish, and Spokane counties.