News

After serving six terms in the Washington State House of Representatives, Rep. Michelle Valdez (Caldier) retired from office at the conclusion of the 2026 legislative session.

Urgent action recommended for Parent Plus borrowers, especially those pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). SAVE plan borrowers should be aware of a March 9 court decision to officially end the SAVE plan and educate themselves on anticipated next steps.

It’s been two years since Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency (WDIA) announced MedPro Group as its preferred provider for professional liability coverage—and it’s cause for celebration.

This afternoon, WSDA became aware of a potential phone scam targeting an unknown number of Washington dental offices. The caller(s) may be impersonating or "spoofing" WSDA's phone numbers (206) 448-1914 or (800) 448-3368 and asking dentists to provide their dental license number. This is not WSDA calling.

The PNDC Speaker Ambassador Program gives WSDA members and their staff a way to get involved at PNDC by assisting our speakers prior to and during the conference. Plus, Speaker Ambassadors can receive registration reimbursement for volunteering!

The ADA joined a coalition led by the American Dental Education Association urging the U.S. Department of Education to adjust the implementation timeline for major federal student loan changes that could significantly affect dental students and other graduate and professional learners.

Don’t unknowingly fall out of compliance or pay for services you may not need. Review these common Washington dental compliance myths and misconceptions, and don’t forget to share with everyone in your office responsible for managing compliance!

Meet up for food, drinks and networking during PNDC 2026 at the Mentor/Mentee Luncheon on Friday, May 29. RSVP today!

Ahead of the Department of Health’s HELMS launch, all licensing and credentialing systems will be unavailable from 5 PM on Wednesday, March 18, until the morning of Tuesday, March 24, 2026. To avoid potential lapses in licensure, dentists who renew in March should renew early and practice owners should inform applicable staff of the upcoming freeze.

Join WSDA and proud sponsor Dandy for a free evening at Canlis on Friday, March 27! Come mix and mingle with fellow WSDA member dentists while discovering how Dandy’s innovative digital workflows are transforming practices.

Licensed Washington dentists must earn 63 hours of continuing education every three years, plus complete a variety of additional CE requirements. Earn 20+ CE credits May 28-30 at PNDC 2026 — including many that count toward additional requirements for dentists. Register by the April 10 Early Bird Deadline to save up to $100 per person!

The ADA is urging lawmakers to bolster scientific oversight of potential federal fluoride regulations in a statement submitted for the record at a Feb. 24 hearing of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Environment titled “From Source to Tap: A Hearing to Examine Challenges and Opportunities for Safe, Reliable, and Affordable Drinking Water.”

WSDA Members: Take your leadership skills to the next level and apply today for an open WSDA or ADA elected leadership position! Elections will be held at the 2026 WSDA House of Delegates, September 17-19 in Spokane.

WSDA is pleased to announce another valuable benefit for Association members: free, confidential mental health support through our new Member Assistance Program, powered by First Choice Health EAP.

Get more when you refine your dental scrap with WSDA-endorsed D-MMEX Easyrefine. Now until March 31, Easyrefine is offering a 2% bonus coupon on top of the 5% bonus already received by WSDA members.

Dental professionals looking for a volunteer opportunity can sign up to volunteer for the 2026 Seattle/King County Clinic, held April 23-26 at Seattle Center.

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

WSDA is excited to announce that the WSDA Foundation has pledged $1 million to support the creation of the Simulation Lab at the new Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences School of Dental Medicine in Yakima, named in honor of Washington’s own Dr. Linda Edgar. Through this campaign, dentists and supporters have a unique opportunity to help shape the future of dentistry in Washington state and beyond.

The ADA had many advocacy wins in 2025, including dental insurance reforms, workforce legislation, water fluoridation and more.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has initiated an accelerated review of fluoride in drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The action marks the first step in an expedited process to evaluate potential health effects associated with fluoride exposure and could inform future regulatory decisions related to drinking water standards for the entire country.