News Items

PNDC 2021 Rescheduled to November 11-13 in Seattle

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, WSDA has decided to reschedule PNDC 2021 to November 11-13 in Seattle.

Orthodontic Services – Prior Authorization Requests for CDT® Code D8670

COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance Relief

​On Feb. 8, Gov. Jay Inslee signed Senate Bill 5061, a bill that will bring much needed unemployment insurance relief to both employers and employees in Washington state.

Reminder: Complete the HPSA Survey

If you practice as a general dental practitioner or pediatric dentist, please take the Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) survey.

HCA: Orthodontic Information Form (HCA 13-666) Reminder

Data Security Breach Affects Information from 1.6 Million Unemployment Claims

On Feb. 1, the Office of the Washington State Auditor (SAO) announced a data security breach that may have exposed Washingtonians' personal information.

Apple Health Provider Alert: Update to CDT Code D9992

Effective for dates of service on and after March 1, 2021, the Health Care Authority (HCA) will no longer pay for CDT code D9992, triage and care coordination over the telephone.

Apply Now for Second Draw PPP Loan

Second draw Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans are now available for small businesses that have already received a PPP loan.

Apply to Serve on the Dental Quality Assurance Commission

The Department of Health is currently accepting applications for dentist, expanded function dental auxiliary, and public member vacancies on the Dental Quality Assurance Commission. Apply by March 30!

Dental Infection Control Rules Update

New Dental Infection Control Rules went into effect on Jan. 23, 2021. Learn more about the new rules and see resources for WSDA members.

WSDA & Delta Launch Coordinated Effort to Support Dental Hygienist Training at UWSOD

This coordinated investment to expand hygienist education at UWSOD is a significant step in addressing the critical shortage of dental hygienists in Washington.

Delta Dental Gives $1 Million for Dental Hygiene Training at UW

Delta Dental of Washington has announced a $1 million grant to the University of Washington School of Dentistry to support a partnership between Shoreline Community College’s Dental Hygiene Program and the dental school.

DQAC Dental Educational Outreach Committee Meeting – Feb. 3

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold a Dental Educational Outreach Committee meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 12 PM.

Dr. Joe Vaughn: It’s What’s Inside That Matters

"Training matters. Competence certainly matters. But I’d argue that what matters even more is your integrity. It’s what drives you to be better, to do the right thing and treat people well."

Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act Becomes Law

The Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act, legislation that repeals the McCarran-Ferguson antitrust exemption for health insurance companies, became law on Jan. 13.

Safe Medication Return Program Now Live

The Department of Health Safe Medication Return program is now live and accepting unwanted and expired medications for disposal.

Vaccine Clinics in King & Snohomish Counties

See large vaccine clinic locations currently vaccinating Phase 1A eligible individuals in King and Snohomish counties.

Make Your 1A Vaccine Appointment ASAP

DOH and WSDA urge health care workers currently eligible in Phase 1A, which includes all dental office employees, to make their vaccine appointment ASAP to ensure prioritization before those in Phase 1B become eligible.

“The Best Thing I’ve Ever Done” — Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Oral Medicine Service

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Oral Medicine Service collaborates with cancer doctors to produce better patient outcomes.

DQAC Business Meeting – Jan. 22

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) will hold its next business meeting on Friday, Jan. 22 at 8:30 AM.