News Items

How to Stay Involved During the 2022 Legislative Session

Due to the pandemic, the upcoming 2022 legislative session (starting Jan. 10) will be mostly virtual. Even in a virtual format, it is important to be engaged and informed on issues that may impact your profession, your practice, and your patients.

ADA Q&A Covers Impact of the No Surprises Act

The ADA received questions from members about the No Surprises Act, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2022, and its implications for dental practices.

Attention: Long-Term Care Program Delay

Governor Inslee and Democratic Leadership announced today that the implementation of the Long-term Services and Supports Trust (LTSS) program will be paused for the time being. Originally set to become effective Jan. 1, 2022, the delay of the program means that employers can also delay assessing the .58% premium on employee wages.

Attention Practice Owners: Sign Up for WSDA Retro by March 1

If you're a WSDA member who owns a dental practice, make sure you enroll for free in WSDA Retro to utilize the full value of your membership! The next quarterly enrollment deadline is March 1.

Apply to Serve on the Dental Quality Assurance Commission by March 30

The Department of Health is currently accepting applications for dentist vacancies on the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC). Apply by March 30.

Free Virtual CE: Global Diagnosis and Digital Smile Design – A New Synergy

WSDA has partnered with local dental societies around the state to offer free virtual CE to members. Register now for "Global Diagnosis and Digital Smile Design – A New Synergy" with Dr. J. William Robbins on Tuesday, Feb. 15.

HCA: Revised Orthodontic Information form (HCA 13-666), eff 3/1/2022

Be Alert: Member Reports Theft During Working Interview

A member dentist who recently experienced theft from his office while conducting a working interview shares advice for other dentists.

ADA Webinar Features Introduction to Dental PPO Plans

The ADA is presenting a free webinar in February that explains the basics of how preferred provider organization plans operate so that both new and existing office staff and dentists will be better able to support patients with these plans.

WSDA and Delta Dental of Washington Team Up to Tackle Dental Workforce Issues

WSDA and Delta Dental of Washington are teaming up on a comprehensive strategy to reduce dental workforce shortages in the state.

Regulatory Update – January 2022

Learn more about modifications to dentist continuing education, dentist retired active status, and delegation of the COVID-19 vaccination to hygienists.

Health Care Authority Billing and Reimbursement Survey

In order to improve the Health Care Authority (HCA) website billing and reimbursement experience, HCA is asking providers to complete a short survey by Jan. 28.

DQAC Dental Educational Outreach Committee – Jan. 20

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold its next Dental Educational Outreach Committee meeting on Thursday, Jan. 20 at 12:00 PM.

DQAC Business Meeting – Jan. 21

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold its next business meeting on Friday, Jan. 21 at 8:30 AM.

Dental Offices Not Included in New Pause on Non-Urgent Procedures at Hospitals

WSDA has received direct confirmation from the Governor’s Office that the pause on non-urgent procedures does not include dental offices or other non-hospital-based health care settings.

Free Webinar: Cultivating Leadership Skills Through Coaching and Mentoring

Join ADA member and certified professional life coach Dr. Cathy Hung at 5:00 PM PT on Jan. 25 for the free webinar "Cultivating Leadership Skills Through Coaching and Mentoring."

Task Force Soliciting Dental Community Input on Enhancing CDT Code

A new task force is asking the dental community to weigh in on a project that could revamp and enhance the existing Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature — better known as the CDT Code. The deadline for written comments is Jan. 14.

Provider Relief Fund Webinar Set for Jan. 12

The Health Resources and Services Administration is hosting a free webinar on Jan. 12 to provide technical assistance on reporting requirements for providers who received funding in the second phase of the Provider Relief Fund.

WSDA Launches “Stop Big Sugar” Campaign

We are proud to announce the launch of “Stop Big Sugar,” a WSDA-funded campaign to improve the transparency of public advocacy efforts here in Washington state.

CDC Updates COVID-19 Guidance for Health Care Personnel

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its COVID-19 guidance for health care workers.