News

By February 16, 2026, all HIPAA-covered entities — including dental practices — must update their Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) to include specific information about how they handle substance use disorder (SUD) treatment records protected under federal law, and train their workforce on these updates. Learn more and see resources available from WSDA and ADA.

Whether you’re a dentist looking to grow your career or a practice owner ready to make a change, the WSDA Classifieds section is your centralized resource. This platform is tailored specifically to the job and practice search needs of dentists across the state.

Managing student loans and dental school debt can be a significant source of financial stress, especially early in your career. While recent federal student loan legislation will impact current repayment options, there are still several new plans that can help dentists manage their dental school debt.

Even in a low-risk setting like a dental office, repetitive strain and small accidents can lead to costly claims if not managed correctly.

The WSDA Leadership Institute is a program designed to foster new leadership in organized dentistry by getting participants involved in a variety of WSDA activities and meetings.

The Association is excited to announce our newest member benefit — free student loan counseling and education for members through a partnership with The Institute of Student Loan Advisors (TISLA).

Spice Isle Smiles is transforming children’s oral health in Grenada by delivering comprehensive, school-based dental care to rural primary schools. Founded by Dr. Brian Holmes and Tammy Holmes, the nonprofit is creating lasting, generational change by ensuring young students have access to the care they need to grow up healthy and confident.

Experts indicated that acting quickly may be critical among federal student loan borrowers at risk of a portion of their wages being seized. Although wage garnishment was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the U.S. Department of Education announced plans to resume seizing the wages, federal tax refunds, Social Security retirement and disability benefits of those who have defaulted on their loans.

Know a dentist who graduated less than 10 years ago and is making an impact in the profession? Submit them at ADA.org/10under10 by March 16, 2026.

The American Dental Association and Laurel Road will host a free webinar on 1/13 to break down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s implications for dental students and dentists.

New recommendations from the American Dental Association confirm that dental imaging should only be ordered when clinically necessary to minimize both patients’ and dental professionals’ exposure to radiation.

One year ago, we launched the first phase of WSDA’s reimagined membership model with a clear goal: make it easier for more dentists to see that the value of organized dentistry exceeds the cost of belonging. With a full year of data behind us, we can say the new model is working.

Merchants who accepted Visa and Mastercard payments in the United States between Jan. 1, 2004, and Jan. 25, 2019, may be entitled to compensation from a class action settlement related to alleged violations of antitrust laws.

With workers’ compensation rates rising in 2026, proactive claims management through WSDA L&I Advantage can help member dental practices control long-term costs.

During this November’s general election, WSDA sent an important message: the Association will strongly back candidates who support dental professionals and their patients.

CDT 2026 boasts 60 code changes, including six deletions. Find information here to help you prepare for these deleted codes come Jan. 1, 2026. Deletions include preventive resin restorations, vaccine administrations, non-intravenous conscious sedation and more.

What is the best way to measure Dr. Kim Nordberg's legacy? It's not in buildings, though that could be part of the answer. Nor is it in accolades and awards, though there were those, too, including being honored as this year's recipient of the WSDA Citizen of the Year award. No, the real measure of his legacy is in lives touched.

The ADA is urging lawmakers to prioritize oral health as they examine strategies to address rising health care costs. In a letter to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, the ADA stressed that rising costs place a strain on patients, families, employers and taxpayers.

WSDA’s recent successes and future priorities underscore the Association’s strong value to the profession. As Washington’s leading advocate for dentists, WSDA is uniquely committed to addressing unfair insurance practices, rising costs and regulations, workforce shortages, and other challenges affecting dentists and their patients.

The U.S. Department of Education announced it has reached a proposed legal settlement that would formally end the Saving on Valuable Education, or SAVE, income-driven repayment plan, a signature Biden-era policy that had offered some of the lowest monthly student loan payments and fastest potential paths to forgiveness in the federal system.