News Items

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.

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.

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.

HCA: Apple Health (Medicaid) reimbursement options treating COVID-19 in uninsured individuals

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

Nominate a Dentist for Citizen of the Year

Do you know a member dentist doing incredible charitable work in their community? Nominate them for WSDA Citizen of the Year!

PPE Reimbursement Law Clarification

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) recently provided clarification regarding SB-5169, legislation that mandates health benefit plans (insurance carriers that offer medical plans) to reimburse health care providers for PPE.

Study: Most Aerosol Droplets in Dental Procedures from Irrigation Tools, Not Saliva

Patient saliva was found not to be the major source of the microbes in aerosols generated during dental procedures, according to Ohio State University researchers, who analyzed the genetic makeup of the organisms detected in aerosols.

Reminder: Apply for the WSDA Leadership Institute by June 4

Apply by June 4 for the Leadership Institute, a program designed to foster new leadership in organized dentistry.

New ADA Member Benefit: Fitness on Your Terms with ClassPass

ADA members receive FREE access to the ClassPass digital library and 10% off in-person class packages.

HCA: Revised COVID-19 Testing Clinical Policy

Attention Apple Health (Medicaid) providers: HCA has revised its COVID-19 testing clinical policy.

D-MMEX Easyrefine: Returns on Precious Metal Dental Scrap Now at 25-Year High

Submit your precious dental scrap and other precious metal to WSDA-endorsed D-MMEX Easyrefine and receive an additional 2% premium on the total value of your submission.

Department of Labor and Industries’ New Interpreter Scheduling System Now Live

Based on legislation passed in 2018 and designed to improve access to spoken language interpreter services when providing care to injured workers, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has launched a new spoken language interpreter scheduling system.

Dental Insurance Resources for Dentists

See new and existing tools and guidance from the ADA to help dentists understand actions taken by insurance carriers

HCA: Dental surgeries – payment of inpatient hospital facility fees requiring prior authorization