WSDA News | Issue 2, 2024

news Issue 2 . 2024 The Voice of the Washington State Dental Association

CHANGING with the Times WSDA develops new revenue streams to reduce your dues

WSDA Endorses Patty Kuderer for State Insurance Commissioner – 11 | Public Health Dentistry – 36

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WSDA Ne w s | Issue 2 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

WSDA news

Issue 2 . 2024

Editorial | Dr. Julie Kellogg ................................................................................................... 6 Editorial | Dr. Stephen Lee .................................................................................................. 7 Editorial | Dr. John Evans ....................................................................................................... 8 Editorial | Dr. Nathan Russell .............................................................................................. 9 Regulatory & Compliance News.............................................................. 10 WSDA Endorses Patty Kuderer for State Insurance Commissioner........................................................................................1 1 Association Updates.....................................................................................................12 PNDC Update............................................................................................................................ 14 Payments in the Practice: What Trends are Affecting Your Bottom Line?........................................................................ 22 Giving Back: Lessons in a Lunch Box®.......................................... 25 Changing with the Times: WSDA Develops New Revenue Streams to Reduce Your Dues....................................28

CONTENTS

CHANGING with the Times WSDA Develops New Revenue Streams to Reduce Your Dues

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‘A Different Mindset’: Profiles in Public Health Dentistry ........................................................................................................................................36 WDIA Update.............................................................................................................................41 ADA News...................................................................................................................................... 42 UW School of Dentistry News | Dr. André Ritter....................... 44 PNWU School of Dental Medicine News

Dr. Fotinos Panagakos..................................................................................................................... 45

In Memoriam..............................................................................................................................47 Classifieds...................................................................................................................................... 49 Laughing Gas............................................................................................................................ 57 The Last Word | Bracken Killpack .........................................................................58 EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Dr. Julie Kellogg, Chair Dr. John Evans Dr. Stephen Lee Dr. Jeffrey Parrish WSDA NEWS PUBLISHER Bracken Killpack BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dr. Nathan G. Russell, President Dr. Chris Dorow, President-Elect Dr. Blake McKinley, Secretary-Treasurer Dr. John L. Gibbons, Immediate Past President Dr. Lisa Buttaro Dr. Joseph de Jesus Dr. Brittany Dean Dr. Lisa Egbert Dr. Emily Hobart Dr. Ronald Hsu Dr. Kevin Hudson Dr. Christine Kirchner Dr. Melanie Lang Dr. Daniel Tremblay Dr. Crystal Vo Dr. Daniel Wilson

WSDA Endorses Patty Kuderer for State Insurance Commissioner

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WSDA STAFF Executive Director Bracken Killpack Assistant Executive Director Kainoa Trotter Director of Communications and Marketing Emma Brown Advocacy Director Kevin Schilling Manager of Regulatory and Compliance Services Trish Flaig Operations and Data Manager Rachal Gunderson Government Affairs Manager Lauren Johnson Member Engagement Coordinator Natalia Hilal Governance & Executive Coordinator Harald Hyllseth Communications Coordinator Martina Torres

Phone: (206) 448-1914 Toll-Free: (800) 448-3368 Fax: (206) 443-9266 info@wsda.org | www.wsda.org

Copyright © 2024 by the Washington State Dental Association, all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher. Statements of fact or opinion are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not express the opinions of the WSDA, unless the Association has adopted such statements or opinions.

Advertising is published as a service to readers; the editor reserves the right to accept, reject, discontinue or edit any advertising offered for publication. Publication of advertising materials is not an endorsement, qualification, approval or guarantee of either the advertiser or product.

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WSDA Ne w s | Issue 2 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

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EDITORIAL

Balancing Beneficence and Autonomy in Patient Care

A Dr. Julie Kellogg

WSDA News Editorial Advisory Board

“Our goal is to practice within our zone of talents AND provide comprehensive personalized care.”

long-time loyal patient habitually refuses radiographs, always promising to have them taken next time. You and your team document the refusal of recommended radiographs. But the years tick by without the ideal diagnostics being completed.

We were rigorously instructed in dental school to deliver comprehensive care, as part of beneficence – doing what is in the best interest of the patient throughout the process of diagnosis and treatment.

However, sometimes beneficence conflicts with patient autonomy.

Literally meaning “self-rule,” autonomy is the capacity and freedom to live according to one’s own reasons and motives. The patient is willfully choosing to refuse diagnostic radiographs that are deemed beneficial by the doctor, even when potential consequences have been explained in detail.

This conflict between beneficence and autonomy leaves us in the vast space of informed decisions and dogged documentation.

Fast forward: After 10 years of refusing radiographs, your patient has an abscessed tooth that results in hospitalization. The patient’s family blames you, the dentist, and hires an attorney.

What is our role in comprehensive care and what are our patient’s rights and responsibilities to their own autonomy?

The Venn diagram intersection of comprehensive care and patient autonomy is partnership and personalized care.

Our patients are whole, dynamic human beings, not just teeth and isolated body parts. They also have complicated personal lives, which can disrupt oral hygiene routines, dietary habits, sleep, and physiological functions of the body.

As a treatment provider, do you understand the reasons why your patient refused radiographs?

Maybe it is simple discomfort of sensors and tori.

Or perhaps a fear of radiation is creating an emotional barrier.

The views expressed in all WSDA publications are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official positions or policies of the WSDA.

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As dental professionals, we have the privilege of seeing our patients repeatedly over time. We get to develop a relationship with them through observations and conversations which are invaluable in delivering personalized care.

Marketing of popular direct-to-consumer medicine promises personalized care, but those programs

WSDA Ne w s | Issue 2 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

decidedly lack the practitioner’s knowledge and connection with the patient. AI promises to be comprehensive but is simply an algorithmic tool.

Neither of these tools observe the body language of the patient nor ask questions that go a layer deeper.

Health status is dynamic, so shouldn’t our recommendations aim to be comprehensive while flexing to our patient’s personal needs and desires for their health?

Personalized care starts with getting deeply curious about our patients and coming with the mindset that we are not always the expert over our patients’ lives. Rather, we are a partner who practices the art of dentistry using science as a tool of decision making.

One valuable tool in health partnership is risk assessment. Thorough health histories, caries risk assessments, and periodontal risk evaluations will guide us even with patients who may be resisting dental radiographs, examinations, recall frequencies, and recommended treatment.

As practitioners, we need to develop awareness around our “zone of talent.” In other words, what types of services do we do best, and what types of patients are we best equipped to serve? How should we expand the team to serve our patients’ needs and desires?

Next time you are frustrated about a “non-compliant patient,” stop and ask yourself three questions: 1. Have you asked what the patient feels is important and valuable to their health status?

2. Have you gathered the needed information to create an accurate risk profile?

3. Are you the best fit to be their health partner, or should you gently help them find the kind of support they need with someone else?

Ours is a role of creating health empowerment, not judgement.

In his book, “When the Body Says No,” Dr. Gabor Maté writes, “One of the weaknesses of the Western medical approach is that we have made the physician the only authority, with the patient too often a mere recipient of the treatment or cure. People are deprived of the opportunity to become truly responsible.”

Our goal is to practice within our zone of talents AND provide comprehensive personalized care.

Our patient’s rights should include having a strong partnership with a dentist who empowers them to take an active role in their health status.

My question for the patient’s attorney would be: Do you ever take direction from your clients? n W

EDITORIAL

Are We Keeping Pace with Patient Empowerment?

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s my career has progressed, I’ve tried harder to put myself in my patients’ shoes.

And with dentistry becoming increasingly customer service oriented, patients feel more empowered. Their autonomy is superseding the paternalistic approach of a dentist making all the decisions for the sake of “patient welfare.”

I support patient autonomy, but every day I notice barriers to that autonomy that go beyond a willingness to have patients pick a treatment plan. Financial and legal constraints, limits imposed by the dentist, and health literacy are all barriers to autonomy that we need to recognize in our daily patient care.

The most obvious constraint to patient autonomy is money. If you have plenty of money, you have more options than if you don’t. Unlike general medicine, where the safety net is more robust, if your teeth and pocketbook are both in bad shape, you may not be able to choose a reasonable option for your oral health. This can be fixed by expanding the dental safety net, encouraging employers to offer more generous dental plans, and mandating loss ratios so more of the patients’ premium dollars go toward their actual care.

But even when patients have plenty of money, they can only receive treatment the dentist is willing to provide. Quite often, patients don’t have either the health literacy or courage to demand second and third options. It’s clear that a patient can’t make me do veneers on perfectly nice teeth or extract a third molar with a nerve wrapped around it. But it’s a little more interesting when we think about dentists whose definition of “necessary” is very broad, resulting in “comprehensive care plans” that are a boatload of questionable treatments.

A frequent example is managing the large restoration. I’ve seen cusp-capping amalgam restorations that have lasted decades, providing the patient with a low-cost option that serves them well. But what about the dentist that doesn’t have the hand skills to perform that restoration? Or who sees it as a low-profit procedure and defaults to doing a crown, never even informing the patient that

a different option was available? A crown is an option included in the acceptable standard of care, so the dentist is in the legal safe zone, but the patient is robbed of their autonomy because their dentist didn’t bother to present other standard of care options. By offering options, the dentist initiates dialog with the patient and the two can work together to tailor a treatment plan that the patient feels is best suited to them.

Dr. Stephen Lee

WSDA News Editorial Advisory Board

Some patients try to flip the script and offer the dentist too few options. In my opinion, one aspect of patient autonomy that dentistry and the courts need to address is the demand by our malpractice insurers (and in turn, the law) that patients submit to a full set of x-rays and comprehensive examination even if they want “just a cleaning.”

“Unlike general medicine, where the safety net is more robust, if your teeth and pocketbook are both in bad shape, you may not be able to choose a reasonable option for your oral health.”

I should note that I don’t offer “just a cleaning” at my office. But should any dentist be held liable for failing to procure optimal imaging when a patient’s beliefs, fears, or finances don’t allow it? Is no cleaning at all better for oral health than “just a cleaning?”

A couple months ago, a man came to my office as a new patient. My receptionist warned me that he’d said he didn’t want x-rays, so I was ready for my normal conversation to help the patient understand how they help us. I explain the ADA’s ALARA principles and typically offer to do them at no charge just to eliminate any financial constraints.

This almost always works, and things move along well from there. However, this patient politely but adamantly stated that he would receive no x-rays. To make my malpractice insurers happy, I politely but adamantly sent him home.

READ MORE ABOUT ADA’S ALARA PRINCIPLES

Who really wins here? I look like a jerk, and the patient walks away feeling disempowered and excluded from the oral health care community. Could a better element of trust have been established after a few checkups and “just a cleaning?”

As patients continue to expect greater empowerment, we need to adapt and allow it to happen safely. That means better safety nets and benefit plans, better legal protection from patients’ questionable choices, and better doctor-patient conversations. n W

The views expressed in all WSDA publications are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official positions or policies of the WSDA.

WSDA Ne w s | Issue 2 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

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EDITORIAL

Patients’ Rights: An Institutional Perspective

D

o patients receiving dental care in an institutional setting have the same rights as patients seeking care in private dental

offices?

Dr. John Evans

WSDA News Editorial Advisory Board

“We have choices to make, policies to formulate, clinics to support and dentists and staff to hire. This again raises political and financial questions.”

We need to define some parameters. First, the business models are remarkably different.

Institutional clinics do not run like private practices. That is obvious. Secondly, both models are necessary to take care of millions of patients. Third, we have a population that is not only geographically mobile, but also financially mobile. A patient may be able to afford care next year that they cannot afford this year and vice versa. We clearly need a flexible system that patients can access no matter what their personal circumstances may be.

So, do patients receiving subsidized, perhaps institutional care have the same rights as patients who are paying for dentistry directly or through third-part insurers? The answer is both yes and no.

We have come to think of our institutional clinics as the “safety net.” And so they are.

Together with emergency departments in most local hospitals we have a functional, 24/7/365 safety net. But this is not definitive dental care. Let’s go a step further: Do patients seeking dental care in an institutional setting have the right to dentistry that meets the standard of care available most anywhere in the community? The answer is unequivocally yes. But, what about care that is definitive, comprehensive, the best we have to offer?

The answer to this question is, of course, no.

State-of-the-art dentistry is expensive and subsidized only to a point. Even third-party insurers have their limits.

The views expressed in all WSDA publications are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official positions or policies of the WSDA.

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WSDA Ne w s | Issue 2 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

Procedures or restorations that are not subsidized are not offered in many institutional, governmentally sponsored clinics. There are exceptions but things get complex fast. Is it possible to get definitive, comprehensive care in subsidized clinics? The answer is maybe, if patients are willing to pay directly for the non-covered reconstructive procedures. An example of such an institution is the University of Washington School of Dentistry. The latest innovative dental care is available, and so is the safety-net.

In sorting this out we run directly into hard-to-define terms. What do the terms comprehensive, definitive, reconstructive, necessary, etc., mean in the dental care context? We are talking, after all, about the rights many patients have to dental care.

The chief determinative factor is, of course, financial. Patients who do not have the resources to pay out-of-pocket for expensive dental care do not have the right to receive state-of-the-art reconstructive prosthetics in our publicly subsidized clinics. There are exceptions. Patients undergoing reconstruction after ablative tumor surgery, for example, are funded on a case-by-case basis. Even routine prosthetic reconstruction is costly. The question then becomes can we, or should we, as a society, provide this level of care for all?

We can agree that patients who qualify for subsidized care have the right to the treatment of inflammatory, painful, or likely to be painful, dental disease. That is an easy question with a straightforward answer.

However, where do we, as a profession, draw the line? How do we define comprehensive care? Then having defined it, which patients have the right to it?

The answers are political and economic to a significant degree. We graduate dentists every year capable of providing definitive, reconstructive care. The scope of practice in many governmentally sponsored clinics is largely determined by the extensive need for treatment (or prevention) of pain and infection. This unquestionably provides great benefit to many patients. However, it is not the best we can do.

We have choices to make, policies to formulate, clinics to support and dentists and staff to hire. This again raises political and financial questions. What can we afford?

Beyond the provision of competent disease and pain control, which is everyone’s right, what should we provide?

Perhaps this is enough. Dentists — and politicians — have struggled with this question for years, and will continue to do so for some time to come. n W

EDITORIAL

Supporting WSDA Services is a Win-Win

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’m excited about the changes taking place at WSDA. We are a strong association, having earned credibility in the halls of Olympia and respect among our peer state dental associations across the country.

But, as the investment advertisements always point out, past results are not indicative of future performance. We can’t get complacent.

Business management experts talk about “strategic inflection points,” moments when an organization faces a choice: Continue doing things the way they’ve always been done and gradually become less effective, or make fundamental changes designed to position it for greater success in the future.

I believe that WSDA is at one of those points.

Our choice to pursue new ways of doing things was overwhelmingly endorsed by our House of Delegates and has been a primary focus of our board and officers over more than a year. The result of this work is a well-conceived strategy of reducing our association’s reliance on dues revenue, as summarized in this issue’s cover story.

A successful transition will make WSDA a more attractive option for dentists at every stage of their careers, help grow our membership, and position us to do an even better job in representing our profession and advocating for improved oral health outcomes in the years ahead. Building non-dues income streams and reducing our reliance on dues revenues will require a diverse range of services that provide meaningful value to our members.

One of the first lessons I learned when I began my dental practice is that there’s a lot more that goes into success than clinical excellence in caring for patients. First and foremost, you need to recruit and retain a great staff. Then you need to call on a team of professionals who can help keep your practice physically and fiscally viable, including experts in real estate, construction, legal, and accounting services.

Another challenge is navigating the evergrowing web of regulations that local, state, and federal governments impose on dentistry. Someone once told me that government regulations are “a necessary

evil.” For the life of me, sometimes I can’t say whether they’re more necessary or more evil!

Regardless of where you come down on that question, there’s no arguing that dentists face a complex maze of regulatory compliance, from HIPAA to workplace safety to infection prevention. We face continuing education requirements for ourselves and our clinical staff, as well as other training specifications for all of our employees. And, like any small business owner, there are payroll taxes, property taxes, business and occupation taxes, and income taxes that must be filed and paid.

Of course, not all WSDA members bear all these burdens. While I’d wager that dentistry still has a greater percentage of private practices than what we see in other health care professions, we also recognize that our members practice in a wide variety of settings, including dental service organizations and public health clinics (the focus of another story in this issue).

Dr. Nathan Russell President, WSDA

“Building non-dues income streams and reducing our reliance on dues revenues will require a diverse range of services that provide meaningful value to our members.”

Every WSDA member will eventually benefit from some of the value-added services we are offering to our members, whether that is in helping them reduce the costs to maintain their license, to provide insurance protection for themselves and their families, or to comply with the myriad regulations we face.

Our success in implementing this strategy will go a long way in determining the long-term health of WSDA and its ability to work on your behalf. Your decisions, in turn, will go a long way in determining our strategy’s success. So, I hope you will support the direction we are headed by enrolling in WSDA-sponsored programs – and encouraging your employers and associates to do the same. You will not only receive high quality services specifically tailored to the needs of dental professionals, but also will be helping create a path for WSDA to reduce its dues and improve our membership experience.

With your help, we can make WSDA membership more cost-effective and attractive for all dentists in the state – and create a stronger organization for our profession and our patients. n W

The views expressed in all WSDA publications are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official positions or policies of the WSDA.

WSDA Ne w s | Issue 2 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

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REGULATORY & COMPLIANCE NEWS

Corporate Transparency Act Deadline for Filing Ownership Reports

Regulatory Deadlines • Jan. 1, 2024: Health Equity CE Requirement Begins

The Corporate Transparency Act, enacted by Congress in 2021, requires certain businesses to report information about their ownership

by Jan. 1, 2025 to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

• Jan. 11, 2024: New Dental Anesthesia Rules Effective • Jan. 1, 2025: Corporate Transparency Act Deadline for Filing Ownership Reports • Jan. 1, 2025: Pediatric Sedation Endorsement Required

As of Jan. 1, 2024, FinCEN has begun accepting beneficial ownership information reports from applicable entities, which include most dental practices.

Learn more about these regulatory dates and deadlines at www.wsda.org/regulations.

A dental practice must file under the Act if one or both of the following criteria are met:

Recently Implemented Laws & Regulations

• The practice employs fewer than 20 people.

• The practice generates less than $5 million (gross receipts) in revenue annually.

Health Equity Continuing Education Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, all dentists must complete two hours of health equity continuing education in alignment with the dental license renewal cycle. This rule does not increase the total number of CE hours required for dental license renewal and the Department of Health provides free course offerings to meet this requirement.

This requirement is part of the broader effort to crack down on money laundering activities under the disguise of businesses and noncompliance with this new requirement is not taken lightly.

Learn more about the beneficial ownership information report on FinCEN website: www.fincen.gov/boi.

Dental Anesthesia Revised rules, which took effect Jan. 11, 2024, introduce several new requirements for dentists and their auxiliary staff. Notably, dentists administering anesthesia to individuals under the age of 13 will now need a pediatric sedation endorsement effective Jan. 1, 2025. Additionally, vital signs must now be taken in most cases, including most instances where only topical anesthetic is applied, and all offices administering anesthesia must have access to an AED. WSDA has created the dental anesthesia resource page to help members familiarize themselves with the new rules. Login to access this content, available only to WSDA members at www.wsda.org/anesthesia.

Dental School Faculty Member Licenses Rule Update

allows qualified faculty to obtain temporary permits without a dental practice exam while employed by a Washington state CODA-accredited dental school, rather than limiting the pathway option to University of Washington faculty.

Questions or comments can be directed to Debbie Gardner at dental@doh.wa.gov or 360-236-4893.

Rules Under Consideration Dental Therapy The 2023 legislative session saw the passage of Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1678, which authorized dental therapists to work in FQHCs and FQHC look-alikes in Washington state. The DQAC Dental Therapy Committee has since begun preparing for the implementation of this new profession by beginning the rulemaking process for this profession. The Department of Health has estimated that due to the complexity of the rules, dental therapy rulemaking will span a total of 18 months.

For those interested in participating in this rulemaking, sign up for the dental therapy listserv at the link found on www.wsda.org/regulations. Comments regarding the proposed rules can be directed to DOH staff Bruce Bronoske at bruce.bronoske@doh.wa.gov.

In 2023, Senate Bill 5113 passed, broadening licensure eligibility to faculty members from any Washington state institution accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

To align with SB 5113, the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) filed a rulemaking order, effective Monday, April 29, 2024, amending WAC 246-817-150 Licenses—Persons licensed or qualified out-of-state who are faculty at school of dentistry.

The amendments made replace specific reference to University of Washington with language that aligns with SB 5113. These changes enable a pathway for licensure that

Ways to Get Involved ✔ Sign Up for the DQAC Interested Parties Email List n

✔ Join the WSDA Committee on Regulatory Affairs n

Visit www.wsda.org/regulations for More Information 10

WSDA Ne w s | Issue 2 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

WSDA ENDORSEMENT

WSDA Endorses Patty Kuderer for Washington State Insurance Commissioner Additional endorsements include Dr./Rep. Michelle Caldier and Dr. John Gibbons for state representative.

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dvocacy on dental insurance issues is the top priority for Washington State Dental Association (WSDA) member dentists. That’s why the Association is excited to announce our endorsement of Patty Kuderer for Washington state insurance commissioner.

Washington has not seen a new insurance commissioner since incumbent Mike Kreidler was elected in the year 2000.

After 24 years, it is vital that dentists stand behind a new leader who supports holding insurance companies accountable, values the doctor-patient relationship, listens to dentists’ concerns, and respects patients over profits. Patty Kuderer is an ally to WSDA on our dental benefits work and would be an important partner during the 2025 legislative session and beyond.

“Having been involved with the WSDA for the past nine years, I have seen how important it is to have a responsive insurance commissioner who understands the importance of such a role in protecting the public/consumer — especially the sanctity of the doctor-patient relationship,” said WSDA President Dr. Nathan Russell. “Patty Kuderer understands the viewpoint of dentists and will be proactive to the concerns and needs of Washington state citizens. She is not about maintaining the status quo.”

WSDA welcomed 30 dentists and other supporters to the Association’s Seattle office on April 2 to meet Patty and learn more about her campaign.

they serve,” Pauley said. “This insurance commissioner election has the potential to be a game-changer into the next decade.”

On the sentiment of change, WSDA Presidentelect Dr. Chris Dorow — who serves on the DentPAC Board alongside Pauley — agrees.

As he and other dentists who have been practicing for a few decades know, the opportunity to influence the Office of the Insurance Commissioner doesn’t come around very often.

“I have been practicing dentistry for almost 30 years, and for the first time, I feel like I have a real chance for my concerns about insurance to be heard with the election of Patty Kuderer,” Dorow said.

“After so many years, it would be nice to have something other than the insurance industry coming first.”

WSDA ENDORSES CALDIER, GIBBONS

In addition to WSDA’s endorsement, Patty Kuderer has also gained the endorsement of the DentPAC Board of Directors. Speaking to the endorsement, DentPAC Chair Dr. Cindy Pauley highlights the long-term impact that Kuderer’s election would have on the issue of insurance reform in Washington state.

In addition to endorsing Patty Kuderer for insurance commissioner, WSDA and the DentPAC Board also endorse Dr./Rep. Michelle Caldier for state representative in the 26th Legislative District and Dr. John Gibbons for state representative in the 23rd Legislative District. Having two dentists in the state legislature alongside a supportive insurance commissioner would bolster WSDA’s advocacy efforts on insurance, workforce, and other issues for years to come.

“Patty Kuderer is someone who really wants to listen to our issues and finally hold insurance companies accountable to the people

Read more about Caldier and Gibbons from WSDA News Issue 1, 2024 at www.bit.ly/3UrmOvd.

A ‘GAME-CHANGER’ INTO THE NEXT DECADE

‘RIGHT TIME’ FOR ENDORSEMENT This year marks the first time WSDA has officially endorsed a slate of political candidates.

Alongside DentPAC donations and fundraising opportunities, endorsement provides the Association with yet another powerful advocacy tool in the 2024 election and beyond.

“We need more champions in all levels of government to be partners in prioritizing patients over profits. The time is right, and WSDA is proud to step into the arena and make our voice clear,” said WSDA Advocacy Director Kevin Schilling. “Endorsing candidates as an Association further signals to our elected officials that we are serious in our efforts, and plan to be engaged partners moving forward for the profession and for patients.”

To learn more or discuss the Association’s political endorsement process, please contact Schilling at kevin@wsda.org. n W

SUPPORT ENDORSED CANDIDATES To show your support for WSDAendorsed candidates, visit their campaign websites or send a donation check by mail.

Patty Kuderer www.pattykuderer.com

Dr. Michelle Caldier www.caldierforstaterepresentative.com

Dr. John Gibbons www.votedrjohngibbons.org

WSDA Ne w s | Issue 2 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

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ASSOCIATION UPDATES

It’s not too late to register for PNDC 2024!

Join thousands of dental professionals May 9-11 in Seattle for three days of high-quality and affordable dental CE (earn 20+ credits!), a bustling three-day Exhibit Hall, special events and more.

PNDC 2024 will bring the dental community together at Summit, the newest addition to the Seattle Convention Center.

This elegant new building, located just blocks from the original Convention Center, is Seattle’s premier meeting space and will host all CE sessions, exhibits and events in one building.

As a valuable benefit of membership, WSDA members receive a deep registration discount.

You can register online or onsite at PNDC. WSDA Member Pricing • WSDA Member: $450 • Recent Grad WSDA Member (Dental School Grad Year 2019-2023): $325 • Non-Member: $1,900 Included in Your Registration • Make a free reservation for any lecture • Make a paid reservation for any workshop • Earn 20+ CE credits • Visit the Exhibit Hall on Thursday, Friday and Saturday • Attend the Exhibit Hall Happy Hour, Sips & Smiles Reception and Mentor/Mentee Luncheon Learn more and register today at www.wsda.org/pndc.

Back Row, L to R: Dr. John Gibbons (immediate past president), Dr. Daniel Tremblay, Dr. Joe de Jesus, Dr. Blake McKinley (secretary-treasurer), Dr. Nathan Russell (president), Dr. Daniel Wilson, Dr. Chris Dorow (presidentelect), Mr. Bracken Killpack. Front Row, L to R: Dr. Lisa Egbert, Dr. Ronald Hsu, Dr. Brittany Dean, Dr. Kevin Hudson, Dr. Melanie Lang, Dr. Crystal Vo, Dr. Christine Kirchner, Dr. Lisa Buttaro. Not Pictured: Dr. Emily Hobart.

Apply to Run for WSDA & ADA Elected Positions The following WSDA and ADA leadership positions will be up for election at the 2024 WSDA House of Delegates, held Sept. 12-14 in Spokane.

Register your candidacy online at www.wsda.org/electedpositions by June 14. For more information regarding any of the following positions, please email info@wsda.org.

President-Elect • Open Position(s): 1 • Term: 1 year as president-elect, 1 year as president, 1 year as immediate past president, 3 years as ADA delegate (2025, 2026, 2027). Term will begin when the WSDA House adjourns on Sept. 14, 2024.

• Requirements: WSDA member. Must have been a member for the preceding five consecutive years.

WSDA Board of Directors • Open Position(s): 4 • Term: 3 years. Term will begin when the WSDA House adjourns on Sept. 14, 2024.

• Requirements: WSDA member.

ADA Delegate • Open Position(s): 3 • Term: 3 years (2025, 2026, 2027). Term will begin on Jan. 1, 2025.

• Requirements: WSDA member. Per WSDA bylaws, every three years, one delegate position will be reserved for a person who has never been elected to the ADA House and has previously served at least one year as a WSDA-appointed alternate delegate, ASDA delegate, or alternate delegate to the ADA House.

Please note that candidates should plan to be present in-person for elections at the 2024 House of Delegates.

SAVE THE DATE! PNDC 2025: May 8-10 in Seattle

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ASSOCIATION UPDATES

strategies to control the cost of the premiums you already pay to L&I. Plus, if you do experience a workers’ compensation claim against your office, ERNwest will review it and manage the process on your behalf, potentially lowering or eliminating the claim.

Sign Up for WSDA Retro

• Wage Reimbursement for Return to Work. Dental offices can get reimbursements from L&I for up to 50% of wages when bringing injured employees back to modified duty. WSDA Retro will match the 50%, so you can get up to 100% of injured employees’ wages reimbursed.

WSDA Retro is a free program exclusively available to WSDA members offering employers free benefits and support on workers’ compensation issues.

WSDA Retro benefits include: • Free Workers’ Compensation Support.

As soon as you’re enrolled in WSDA Retro, you’ll have access to free, best-in-class support from the workers’ compensation experts at Employer Resources Northwest (ERNwest). ERNwest can help you improve your workplace safety and maximize

WSDA Retro is free and available to all members who own a dental practice, but you must complete the one-time application.

Take 5 minutes and apply today at www.wsda.org/retro.

2024 House of Delegates The 2024 WSDA House of Delegates, the governing body of the Association, will meet Sept. 12-14 at the Historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane.

Comprised of voting delegates from each local dental society, the House of Delegates steers Association policy and priorities for the coming year. If you are interested in becoming a delegate, please contact your local dental society leadership to get involved.

Submit an Editorial WSDA members are invited to submit guest editorial content for consideration in the WSDA News magazine! Editorial submissions must be approximately 650 words in length, be received in Word Document format, and must include a print-quality photo of the author. To be considered for publication, please submit your guest editorial by email to editor@wsda.org.

WSDA Mentor Program Are you looking for professional mentorship, or are you open to mentoring other dentists and dental students? Get involved with the WSDA Mentor Program!

The program encourages both dentists and dental students to explore opportunities for mentorship. Browse online profiles of WSDA mentor dentists and reach out to connect with any mentor(s) of your choosing! In addition, WSDA is always

looking for additional dentists to sign up as mentors.

Visit www.wsda.org/mentor to browse mentor profiles or sign up as a mentor.

WSDA mentor dentists and dental student/ new dentist mentees are invited to meet up during PNDC 2024 at the WSDA Mentor/ Mentee Luncheon on Friday, May 10. Learn more at www.wsda.org/mentor.

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PNDC UPDATE

Three 20+ CE One Low Exhibit Hall Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday!

Days Credits Price Learn More & Register Here The 2024 Pacific Northwest Dental Conference is set for May 9-11 in Seattle!

Join thousands of dental professionals for three days of high-quality and affordable dental CE (earn 20+ credits!), a three-day Exhibit Hall, special events and more.

Register online at www.wsda.org/pndc (badge pickup required onsite) or onsite beginning at 6:30 AM on Thursday, Friday or Saturday at the Summit building of the Seattle Convention Center.

Earn 20+ CE Credits Earn 20+ dental CE credits in three days! Build your own schedule. You can reserve your spot in all lectures for no additional cost or participate in hands-on workshops available for an additional fee.

Choose from lectures on a wide range of clinical dentistry topics, or dive into non-clinical sessions on practice management, lifestyle, health and wellness, communication/ leadership and more.

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Or visit www.wsda.org/pndc

WSDA Member Registration Discount WSDA members receive a deep PNDC registration discount, attending for just $450! Recent graduate members from the class of 2019-2023 get an even larger discount, registering for just $325! Non-member Washington dentists can attend PNDC for $1,900.

PNDC UPDATE

REGISTRATION CATEGORIES

Regular

WSDA Member

$450

(Valid for 2024 WSDA member dentists.)

Recent Grad WSDA Member

$325

(Valid for 2024 WSDA member dentists who graduated from dental school 2019-2023.)

WA State Non-Member (Valid for Washington dentists who do not hold 2024 membership with the WSDA and who are not actively serving full-time in the military. Apply for WSDA membership at wsda.org/join.)

Guest Dentist

(Valid for all dentists from outside WA state; active, full-time military dentists; and foreign-practicing dentists.)

Hygienist

$1,900 $550 $285

Dental Office Staff

$210

(Valid for dental assistants, expanded function dental auxiliaries, and front office staff.)

Dental Lab Technician

$210

Guest

$210

(Valid for non-dental attendees — family, spouse, etc. — sponsored by a registered dentist.)

ADA Graduate Student Member

FREE

Dental Student

FREE

(Valid for dental students in the classes of 2023-2026.)

Auxiliary Student

FREE

(Valid for hygienist, assistant and lab tech students. Must register with code.)

FEATURED SPEAKERS

PNDC is excited to welcome these world-renowned dental speakers to Seattle.

John Alonge, MS, DDS Oral Surgery

Jonathan Esquivel, DDS Restorative/ Esthetics

Uche Odiatu, DMD Health

Amber Auger, MPH, RDH Hygiene

Kevin Henry, MA

Anthony Cardoza, DDS Lasers

Jihyon Kim, DDS

Dental Assisting

Restorative/ Esthetics

Katrina Sanders, RDH, BSDH, M.Ed, RF

Jamison Spencer, DMD, MS

Hygiene

Sleep & TMD

Rebecka Clark, RDH, LMT, CSOM Myofunctional Therapy

Dolphine Oda, BDS, MSc Oral Pathology

Todd Williams Inspirational

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PNDC UPDATE

WSDA NEW AND EMERGING SPEAKER SERIES

PNDC welcomes up-and-coming WSDA member speakers as part of the New and Emerging Speaker Series.

Riccardo Di Gianfilippo, DDS, MS Implants

Gary Heyamoto, DDS, MAGD, LLSA Restorative

Michi Katafuchi, DDS, MSD, PhD, MBA Periodontics

David Klingman, DMD

Oral Pathology

See all PNDC 2024 speakers at Megan Miller, DDS

Pediatric Dentistry

Andrea Pizzini, DDS, MS Periodontics

Or visit pndc2024.eventscribe.net

PACE APPROVAL

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PNDC UPDATE TITLE PARTNER

COMMUNITY PARTNER

Delta Dental of Washington is on a mission to improve oral health for all, together.

Insurance Exclusively for Dentists

Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency Works for You Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency (WDIA) offers insurance policies designed for dentists. Protect your dreams and reach your financial goals when you work with WDIA. WDIA is a Washington State Dental Association (WSDA) company. WDIA exclusively serves dentists in Washington state. We provide quality coverage at competitive rates for dentists in all stages of their careers. WDIA coverage options include: • Professional Liability (Malpractice Insurance) • Business Owners’ Policy • Group Medical Coverage for Care Teams

Our members are more likely to have had a recent preventive care visit, and for that we thank the 90% of Washington’s dentists who partnered with our network in 2023 to complete over 2.3M preventive visits for 1.5M unique patients.

As we celebrate these preventive care wins, we also recognize the economic and staffing pressures dentists are facing, which is why in 2023 we: • Joined the Washington State Dental Association (WSDA) and the Washington State Dental Hygienist Association to support passing the Dentist & Dental Hygiene Compact • Partnered with the WSDA to change national policy for panoramic radiographs, which will no longer be included with other radiographs that bundle to a comprehensive, full mouth series—resulting in more diagnostic fees allowed as billable • Invested an additional ~$34M in inflationary increases, specialist reimbursement, and modifications to our Provider Reimbursement Model (PRM)—which centers preventive care

• Disability & Life Insurance Options • Specialty Policies We’ve been around since 1990; you can count on us to know the business of dentistry. Our non-commissioned, expert insurance agents have the knowledge and expertise to provide you with advisory services that help to streamline insurance costs while protecting your livelihood.

The Tooth Fairy Experience presents free in-person and virtual presentations to youth organizations and K-2 classrooms with a focus on underserved communities including rural, tribal and Title I schools. Reaching nearly 70,000 kids to date, our program makes pediatric dental health education fun and interactive and is intended to improve dental health habits among kids. The program includes: • Presentations, delivered in English, Spanish and American Sign Language by diverse Tooth Fairies • Online resources for providers, educators and parents • Quarterly newsletter • 3 children’s books to match each module – The Clean Teeth Club, The Search for the World’s Greatest Smile, and Smile Scouts

MATT FRENCH

KERRI SEIMS

EMILY WILKINSON

Director of Insurance

Associate Director of Insurance

Assistant Director of Insurance

In all our years helping Washington state dentists we’ve learned one thing for sure: The unexpected strikes at the least expected times. It’s why we’re here when you need us ready to put our decades of experience to work for you.

• Simplify the process of selecting insurance policies.

• Provide quality insurance at an affordable price.

• Advocate for you when you file a claim.

At WDIA we meet you where you are. Our professional liability coverage is second to none with reduced rates for recent dental school grads, and discounts for WSDA member dentists. If you’re a dental practice (co) owner, there are policy options to explore for value and potential savings.

Get in touch today to learn about your options for coverage or visit us during PNDC 2024 at Booth #113.

Phone: 800-282-9342 Email: info@wdiains.com Web: wdiains.com

• A coloring and activity book for dentists Expanded access for members and care when, where, and how they need it are essential to good oral and overall health. Arcora Foundation—which Delta Dental of Washington founded and funds—advances oral health equity across the state. Highlights of Arcora’s accomplishments with partners in 2023 include: • Provided over $2.7M in grants and sponsorships to fund localized oral health equity efforts • 65,000+ users received unique referrals to care through DentistLink, a no-cost public-private partnership between Arcora and the Washington State Health Care Authority that connects people to dental care whether they have insurance, including Apple Health (Medicaid) or not • 1,400+ patients served in more than 30 clinics and community events statewide on the SmileMobile, Arcora’s modern, mobile dental office • Partnered with dental community leaders to offer continuing dental education courses with 160+ course completions, including our indemand Culturally Appropriate Care courses at PNDC 2023 Visit us on Instagram and Facebook for current events and resources for a cavity-free Washington!

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PNDC UPDATE PLATINUM SPONSOR

Do Not Wait to Buy a Practice

By Rod Johnston, MBA, CMA In the world of dentistry, the allure of waiting for the perfect opportunity can often lead to missed chances and delayed success. Dentists, like many professionals, may find themselves holding out for the ideal practice— whether it’s one with the perfect location, specific amenities like four operatories, or impressive revenue numbers. However, this waiting game comes at a cost.

For every year spent waiting to begin owning a practice, there is a potential year added to the end of one’s career when retirement should be on the horizon. Yet, the advantages of practice ownership are substantial. On average, practice owners earn 20% to 40% more than associates, building equity in their practices along the way. This equity becomes particularly valuable upon selling the practice, providing a significant sum for retirement.

Consider the financial impact: an average associate making $185,000 per year could potentially earn an additional $55,500 annually as a practice owner. Over a 20-year career, this could amount to $1,110,000 more than an associate who never takes the leap into ownership. This additional income is on top of the equity gained from the practice’s sale, which could total $1,910,000 more than the associate counterpart.

Even with student loan debt, practice ownership can be financially advantageous. Higher earnings as an owner mean faster repayment of debts.

Banks are still eager to lend to dentists for practice acquisitions, with a remarkably low failure rate of less than .03%. In fact, dentists have a lower failure rate than most businesses, second only to mortuaries.

The message is clear: waiting for the “perfect” opportunity can lead to missed financial gains and prolonged debt. The benefits of practice ownership— higher earnings, equity building, and long-term stability—often outweigh the risks.

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Industry-Leading Malpractice Insurance from MedPro Group Your job as a dentist has unique risks and challenges. MedPro Group keeps you safe with the industry’s leading dental malpractice insurance. So you can focus on what really matters — caring for your patients.

Whether you just started your career, retirement is around the corner, or you’re somewhere in between, we can help. We’ve specialized in dental malpractice insurance longer than anyone else and are partnered with the Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency, your dedicated local agency, for accessing MedPro Group coverage.

Stop by booth 210 at the Pacific Northwest Dental Conference to learn more about the MedPro Group Difference: • Unsurpassed Financial Ratings • We have the highest financial strength rating in the industry — A++ by AM Best.

• Unrivaled claims defense • MedPro Group has a dental trial win rate of 95% and closes 80% of claims without payment.

• Flexible policy options • Unlike most companies, we offer you the choice between an Occurrence or Claims-made policy. This gives you the flexibility to choose the best coverage for your specific needs.

• Exclusive premium discounts • Save on your annual premium with our various premium discounts including part-time, claims-free history, risk management credits, and more.

• Risk management resources o We want to keep you from ever facing a claim. That’s why we provide risk management solutions to best fit your individual needs — including free CE options, online tools, phone consultations, and on-site review.

• Pure consent to settle • Our pure consent provision gives you greater control of the claims process. Unlike other companies, we only settle with your permission— no exceptions.

With 125+ years of expertise under our belt, there’s no one more equipped to take care of your dental malpractice insurance needs. Learn more at booth 210 or visit medprodental.com/wdia.

For latest AM Best rating, access ambest.com. All data is derived from MedPro Group records and calculations; claims data range is 2013-2022 unless otherwise indicated.

MedPro Group is the marketing name used to refer to the insurance operations of The Medical Protective Company, Princeton Insurance Company, PLICO, Inc. and MedPro RRG Risk Retention Group. All insurance products are administered by MedPro Group and underwritten by these and other Berkshire Hathaway affiliates, including National Fire & Marine Insurance Company. Product availability is based upon business and/or regulatory approval and may differ among companies. © MedPro Group Inc. All Rights Reserved. Dental-240261. 03/2024

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PNDC UPDATE PLATINUM SPONSOR

Your patients can have 100% healthier gums in 1 week.* Order Crest® + Oral-B® iO™ Systems & Refill heads at CrestOralBProShop.com

*vs. a regular manual toothbrush

SAVE THE DATE!

PNDC 2025: May 8-10 in Seattle PNDC 2026: May 28-30 in Seattle

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PNDC UPDATE GOLD SPONSOR

Scaling Success: How Your Dental Practice Measures Up Written by Kevin J. Bray, Partner @ the Dental Accounting Group Navigating the financial landscape of a dental practice is a bit like perfecting a smile makeover - it requires precision, expertise, and a keen eye for detail.

As dental CPAs specializing in accounting and business advisory for more than 400 dental practices in the Pacific Northwest, we’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to keep a finger on the pulse of your practice’s financials. Much like advising patients on the importance of regular dental check-ups, we recommend that owners review their financials monthly as a preventative measure against fiscal decay and a strategy for cultivating a thriving practice.

What is Financial Benchmarking?

Financial benchmarking, in the context of a dental practice, involves the analysis and comparison of your practice’s financial performance against that of similar practices within your geographical area. Using local data vs national averages is important when creating budgets and production goals.

For example, insurance reimbursements and staffing costs for a practice in Washington are going to vary significantly from a practice in Iowa. By comparing your financial health to that of like-kind practices, you will gain valuable insights into local market dynamics, competitive positioning, and potential areas for improvement or growth. This laser-focused approach enables you to make informed decisions, set realistic goals, and implement best practices, ultimately scaling your practice to new heights of success.

Key Overhead Benchmarks at a Glance: • Staff Expenses: 36.48% • Dental Supplies: 6.89% • Lab Fees: 5.01% • Facility Expenses: 6.85% • Marketing Expenses: 1.13% • Merchant Service Fees: 3.32% Note: These benchmark figures are based on 2023 financial survey data for general practices between $800k to $1 million in annual revenue. This is only a snapshot from our extensive Practice Analysis Report.

Additional Key Performance Indicators That Every Practice Should Track: • New Patient In-flow • Average Daily Production • Hourly Chairside Production • Gross Production, Net Production & Net Collections • Accounts Receivable Aging • Profit Margin Before Owner & Associate Compensation

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Fiscal Hygiene: Clean Up Your Practice’s Accounting Records At the heart of effectively managing these benchmarks lies the imperative approach of keeping clean bookkeeping records and a streamlined dental specific chart of accounts. This is equivalent to maintaining a well-organized dental office where every instrument has its place, simplifying diagnosis and treatment. Clean financial records ensure that every transaction is accurately captured, enabling a clear view of the practice’s fiscal state. At the Dental Accounting Group, we use a standardized dental practice chart of accounts across all of our clients, which allows us to synchronize data into customized benchmarking reports.

Create the Habit of Reviewing Your Financials Monthly Don’t wait until the end of the year to complete your bookkeeping. If you don’t have the time, then hire a professional bookkeeper. Think of bookkeeping and reviewing your financials as your patient’s routine cleaning: it’s essential for identifying small issues before they require major restorations. Just as regular dental cleanings and exams are essential for maintaining oral health, a disciplined approach to bookkeeping and tracking your financials with benchmarks is crucial for the vitality of your dental practice. Embrace the routine financial check-ups with the same enthusiasm you have for patient care and watch your practice not just grow, but flourish!

Need better bookkeeping and financial reporting?

Reach out to us today: DentalAccountingGroup.com

PNDC UPDATE GOLD SPONSOR

Essential Cybersecurity Controls for Your Dental Office In today’s digital landscape, robust cybersecurity practices are critical to safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining business continuity.

While there is a broad list of critical controls to safeguard your business, here are four key controls that every practice should implement to enhance security:

Multifactor Authentication (MFA) What is MFA? Multifactor Authentication, also known as Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), adds an extra layer of security beyond passwords. It requires users to provide two or more forms of identification before accessing an account or system.

Why is MFA important?

Defense against stolen credentials: Even if an attacker obtains a user’s password, MFA prevents unauthorized access by requiring an additional verification step, such as a text message or app notification.

Mitigating social engineering attacks: MFA reduces the risk of falling victim to phishing or social engineering attempts.

Vulnerability Scanning and Patching What is vulnerability scanning? Regularly scanning your systems and applications for vulnerabilities helps identify security weaknesses.

Why is it crucial?

Timely patching: Vulnerability scans highlight areas that need patching.

Promptly applying security patches prevents exploitation by cybercriminals.

Reducing attack surface: Patching vulnerabilities minimizes the attack surface, making it harder for attackers to find entry points.

Social Engineering Awareness Think before you click!

Phishing emails: Be cautious when receiving unexpected emails. Verify the sender’s legitimacy and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments.

Smishing (text-based phishing): Cybercriminals use text messages to trick users into revealing sensitive information. Stay vigilant and don’t share personal details via text.

Strong Passphrases Why passphrases?

Complexity: Passphrases are longer and more secure than traditional passwords.

Ease of remembering: Create memorable phrases by combining random words or using acronyms.

Tips for strong passphrases: Length matters: Aim for at least 12 characters.

Avoid common phrases: Don’t use easily guessable phrases like “password123.”

Unique for each account: Use different passphrases for different services.

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PARTNER NEWS

Payments in the Practice:

What Trends are Affecting Your Bottom Line?

Phil Nieto

Best Card, President

“While accepting credit cards ensures that offices can quickly and easily collect payments, with more patients and insurance providers choosing to pay with cards, it is a much more substantial factor in the practice’s total profitability than in the past.”

D

How much does the average dental office collect in credit cards?

entistry can be an isolated profession and it’s often difficult to know how your practice compares to your peers. While no two practices are identical, how would you know if the trends in your office are being seen by other dental practices? There are some questions that can be embarrassing to ask another practitioner about: practice volume, profitability, etc. The landscape of the payments your practice accepts has probably changed drastically in the last few years but those changes often can slip under the radar even when it is significantly affecting your bottom line.

Best Card, the endorsed payment processor of the WSDA and ADA Member Advantage has been working with thousands of dental offices nationwide for over 15 years, and we want to pull back the curtain on the uncomfortable questions you may not want to ask your fellow practitioners:

Dental offices have seen a large increase in the total amount of credit card payments collected over the past 10+ years and COVID accelerated that trend considerably, as patients moved towards payment methods that were more convenient and involved less physical contact. Furthermore, many insurance providers started issuing virtual credit cards as payment for their remittances, which also increased the amount of card payments dental practices are accepting.

Dental Average Amount Processed Per Month 2009-2023

$60k $50k $40k $30k $20k $10k $0

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F

• How much does the average dental office collect in credit card payments?

• Have dentists raised their prices to keep up with inflation?

• What are other dentists paying to accept credit card payments?

To find out what Best Card might be able to save your practice, send us a recent monthly statement and we can do a complimentary cost analysis to show you exactly what your practice could be saving.

Phone: (877) 739-3952 Email: Compare@bestcardteam.com Fax: (866) 717-7247

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• How much SHOULD you be paying?

Using our data from thousands of dental offices over the past 15 years, here’s a little peek into what the average dental practice has experienced!

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2009

M 2014

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2023

• In 2023, the average dental office ran $44,925 in credit card payments per month.

• That’s a 45.5% increase over the 2019 average of $30,876.

• It’s a 195% increase over the 2009 average of $15,221. The average practice is now running almost 3 times as much in credit cards as in 2009!

While accepting credit cards ensures that offices can quickly and easily collect payments, with more patients and insurance providers choosing to pay with cards, it is a much more substantial factor in the practice’s total profitability than in the past.

PARTNER NEWS

What does the average practice pay to run cards?

Every dentist knows that Covid and the resulting supply chain and inflation issues increased the costs of many items used regularly in the practice. As a result, many dentists have had to raise their prices over the last several years in response to those increased business costs. We can see this trend clearly by looking at the size of the average payment across all practices.

Average Effective Rate 3.6% % Effective Rate

Have practices raised their costs to keep up with inflation?

3.5%

3.4% At the same time that the average dental 3.3% office’s payment volume 3.2% has increased, the costs 3.1% incurred to run those 3% payments has also 2019 increased, and often these fees can be hard to understand. What’s easy to discern, however, is the impact on the bottom line of the practice – to Average $ per Transaction 2009-2023 figure this out, you should $320 calculate your effective rate $310 with some simple math: $300 $290 $280 $270 $260 $250 $240 $230

Total Fees Paid for the month ÷ Total Run in Card Sales during the month = Your Effective Rate J

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M 2009

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M 2014

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2019

S 2023

• The average credit card payment accepted by dental offices in 2023 was $306 compared to $273 in 2019 – an increase of 11.87% in just four years.

• From 2009 to 2019, the average payment only increased 0.12% over a 10 year period.

• 2023 saw a slight decrease in the average payment compared to 2022: from $307 to $306, indicating that increases due to inflation may be slowing.

The Consumer Price Index shows that inflation in the U.S. from 2019 to 2023 was 19.2%, so even though the increase in average dental transaction size from 2019 onward marked a substantial difference compared to 2009-2019, the 11.87% increase hasn’t kept up with the economy-wide price hike.

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In 2023, the average dental office in the U.S. paid 3.53% compared to 3.06% in 2019.

These rates are already too high, but to put it in perspective, back in 2014, the average dental office paid 2.84%.

So, the average practice is paying more as a percentage per payment while also accepting 45% more card payments than they did back before the pandemic. That makes a big difference.

Put in real numbers: • The average office in 2019 ran $30,876 at a rate of 3.06% for a total of $944 per month in fees.

• The average office in 2023 ran $45k in card payments, and is now paying 3.45%, for a total of $1,585 per month in fees.

• For the average practice, that’s an increase of $7,692 per year in costs over just 4 years.

2020

2021

2022

2023

While the average office paid more than 3.53% in 2023, Best Card’s average dental office on the exclusive rates offered to WSDA Members paid 2.22% in 2023 for an average savings of $6,496 per year.

Summary: Dental practice owners are busy and sometimes it is easy to overlook small increases in the costs of services you are using, but often those small increases are frequent enough to have a big impact.

Any part of your business that increases substantially over time should be analyzed periodically to make sure that it’s meeting the needs of your bottom line.

If you see that you’re paying more to accept credit cards while also taking more payments, it might be time to look for a better option. n W Phil Nieto is the President of Best Card, the endorsed credit card processor of WSDA and ADA Member Advantage. He enjoys working with thousands of dental offices to help minimize the headaches of accepting card payments by focusing on providing what the merchant services industry often lacks: innovation and integrity. On the rare opportunities for a quiet moment, he loves spending time with his wife and kids.

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www.mydentalbroker.com

Helena, Montana, March 9th Portland, Oregon, April 20th

www.adstransitions.com

Sea-Tac, Washington, June 1st

(866) 348-3800 Since 1996

iInfo@mydentalbroker.com

Consani Associates Seminar Opportunities:

Anchorage, Alaska, September 14th Spokane, Washington, October 5th Boise, Idaho, November 2nd Everett, Washington, November 16th Honolulu, Hawaii, January 10th 2025

“Long-Term Practice Transition Planning” Offered at no-cost to dentists and their spouses.

Generously sponsored by Bank of America.

“Terrific seminar! Time well spent. I recommend this to anyone considering future planning for their practice.” Dr. Leslie Anthony, Kalispell.

“This has been the best seminar I have ever attended on these topics. A great opportunity to stay ahead of the game.” Dr. Kurt Lindemann, Kalispell.

Course is 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Extensive handout included.

Classroom seating. Full plated salmon lunch.

Cutting edge transition trends for both practice owners and future owners.

Topics include: Demographics and the future supply of dentists in the US. DSOs studies. What to know about them and how to negotiate with them.

What is the future for DSOs and what is their market share shaping up to be.

Is your practice ready for an associate? Are you? Associateship compensation.

Avoid common mistakes and create a strong partnership that works.

What every spouse and family estate should know about your practice.

Banking trends. What to expect at transition time.

Practice Evaluation and Sale. Credentialing and accounts receivable challenges.

Prepare your practice for sale and command the maximum practical sales value.

First-come first-served. E-mail us to register for a valuable day of information and fun.

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GIVING BACK

® Lessons in a Lunch Box Serves Up Oral Health Education Daily ADA President Dr. Linda Edgar rallies support to empower children and families

A

s any astute second or third grader can tell you, next to recess, one of the best parts of the school day is lunch.

So, naturally, given a captive audience, what better opportunity to provide oral health education? Especially when it’s presented in connection with a nifty lunch box to help motivate children and their families to maintain good oral health.

That’s the thinking behind Lessons in a Lunch Box.® The program was created two decades ago with that very goal in mind; 16 years ago it was introduced in schools, first in Maryland, then Nebraska, Tennessee, Michigan, and Washington, D.C. Thanks to significant support from oral health care sponsors and with major support from the ADA in 2024, the message

is delivered in a highly visible and reusable orange lunch box. Coupled with a travel-sized carrot case, both offer meaningful incentives to help second and third graders develop and maintain proper oral health habits.

And, as an added bonus there is the reflective, mirror-like sticker placed right where the lunch box opens that reads, “See Yourself Becoming a Dentist.” The hope is that some youth might take this message to heart and consider pursuing a career in dental health.

QUICK BITES: • Lessons in a Lunch Box® was created 20 years ago by Dr. Winifred J. Booker and The Children’s Oral Health Institute (COHI) to address oral health education for young children.

• To date, collaborative efforts across the dental profession have resulted in distribution of lunch boxes and carrot cases to nearly 75,000 children in the US, Puerto Rico, Haiti, and the Bahamas.

• In 2008, the program was introduced in Maryland schools and rapidly crisscrossed the country to all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Lessons in a Lunch Box® is celebrating its “Sweet 16th Year” this year.

• Lessons in a Lunch Box® is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is available in braille and can be taught via American Sign Language. The program and materials can be translated into many different languages.

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GIVING BACK

Creating a Tipping Point for Decay

HOW TO PARTICIPATE 1 Register an elementary school for the program by going to The Children’s Oral Health Institute website, www.mycohi.org www.mycohi.org. The green registration button is on the left-hand side of the home page.

Send an email via the CONTACT US button; COHI will send you additional materials to register.

Tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease of children ages five to 17.

Dental caries are five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of children aged 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one of their primary teeth, and more than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth. What’s more, children aged 5 to 19 years from low-income families are twice as likely (25%) to have cavities, compared with children from higher-income households (11%).

2 The first thing to complete is the permission memo that must be signed by the elementary school principal.

3 Once the registration is complete, and the date of the Lessons in a Lunch Box® program presentation at the school has been scheduled, the lunch boxes are shipped directly to the school.

Poor oral health habits can result in real health impacts for children – and they can also lead to learning loss. According to a 2000 report by the U.S. Surgeon General, more than 51 million school hours are lost each year to dental-related illness. Pain and suffering due to untreated diseases can also lead to problems in eating, speaking and attending to learning.

“Some wondered what difference 10,000 boxes would make. And I said, ‘It makes a difference to 10,000 kids.’

Many baby steps make one giant footprint.”

Not surprisingly, then, ADA President Dr. Linda Edgar saw an opportunity to leverage her leadership position and draw on her own classroom experiences to bolster investment in the program and reach even more children.

Before she became a dentist, and long before she rose to her leadership position as ADA President, Edgar was a high school chemistry teacher. It was an experience that yielded many “ah aha!” moments for her personally and professionally.

Years later, she now recalls it was the lesson on the content of hot dogs that really drew the attention of parents and families and provided a bit of inspiration.

“I quickly realized that what you teach in school does make it home,” said Edgar. “I had parents calling me because their kids would no longer eat hot dogs.”

So connecting the oral health education dots for children at school with Lessons in a Lunch Box®, she reasoned, could very likely transfer to oral health discussions at home.

“There used to be brushing programs in the elementary schools,” she said. “They can create a tipping point for decay.”

The ADA officially endorsed Lessons in a Lunch Box® in 2017, and their logo is now

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prominently displayed with other top dental organizations on the front of the lunch box.

But Edgar knew that delivering an additional 10,000 lunch boxes beyond the already nearly 75,000 would help broaden the program’s reach among the ADA members and help improve oral health outcomes for yet more kids.

Last fall, in her remarks to the ADA House of Delegates, Edgar underscored the need: “We have an epidemic of tooth decay in our children,” she said. “I would like to help the youngest among us, one lunch box at a time, by improving oral health literacy through the Lessons in a Lunch Box® initiative.”

Dr. Edgar’s endorsement and support has given the program more visibility among ADA members and has helped to increase their level of participation in presenting the program to second- and third-grade youth throughout the country.

Her support is expected to help further expand the existing inventory of lunch boxes and carrot cases by 10,000 pieces in time for

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4 The dentist who registers the program is the coordinator and must take a free one-hour continuing education course on presenting the program content.

The course, “Improving Oral Health Literacy: Teaching Primary School Students through the Lessons in a Lunch Box® Program,” is offered at www.dentalcare.com. Type 456 www.dentalcare.com into the search engine.

5 An important rule of thumb is for every 10 children, there should be at least one volunteer to help them navigate their newly acquired lunch box and carrot case items during the program presentation.

National Dental Hygiene Month this fall. To date, The Children’s Oral Health Institute (COHI) has been able to distribute lunch boxes and carrot cases to nearly 75,000 in the US, Puerto Rico, Haiti, and the Bahamas; the contributions generated by Edgar and the ADA will further extend this number to 85,000.

“Some wondered what difference 10,000 boxes would make,” said Edgar. “And I said, ‘It makes a difference to 10,000 kids. Many baby steps make one giant footprint.’”

Dental Care in a Carrot® The bright orange lunch boxes are hard to miss. That’s by design, according to Maryland dentist and The Children’s Oral Health Institute CEO Winifred Booker, DDS. She came up with the idea after a visit to Walmart where she saw a lunch box with a 3D version of Spiderman on the front. Booker developed and created the program to get children to focus on prevention and take responsibility for their own dental hygiene and snacking behaviors.

“We want this oral health education resource to be constantly visible,” Booker submits.

“This way, information about healthy food consumption and dental hygiene behaviors is better recalled and the health care recommendations more likely practiced by the families.”

According to Dr. Leslie Grant, director of advocacy and outreach for COHI, “The goal

of the Lessons in a Lunch Box® program is to empower children and their families with the proper knowledge about routine dental care, oral health maintenance, and good dietary choices using this ‘dentally designed’ lunch box. It is also developed to encourage the next generation of dental professionals.”

As a pediatric dentist, Booker said that she was frustrated with what seemed to be the lack of attentiveness by parents and educators to reinforce the oral health prevention messaging provided to patients at their biannual check-up appointments.

Decorated on all sides with a range of important information, the box itself serves as a mini oral health billboard. The front includes a brushing illustration and an array of fruits and vegetables. It also includes the logos of organized dentistry, including the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

Similarly, the back highlights the names of various sponsoring organizations and their logos.

On one side, there’s a place for the student to write their name and a small reflective smile sticker near the handle encouraging a student to “See Yourself Becoming a Dentist.” On the other, there’s the address of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), to encourage careers in health care and dentistry. (In fact, in 2022, the ADEA reported that a dental school applicant documented participation in the Lessons in a Lunch Box® program while attending elementary school!)

Inside the box, the container illustrates flossing and brushing. Since good nutrition is also part of good oral hygiene, the kit also includes an image of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate diagram, a visual reminder to students to make healthy food choices from each of the five core food groups. The image is presented in English and Spanish.

Nestled inside, students will also find their very own Dental Care in a Carrot® case which contains all the essentials children need to complete their dental routine. For starters, the top of the carrot serves as a rinse cup.

Inside the carrot is a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, a mirror, and instructions on how to brush and floss. The dental case/carrot is also imprinted with braille for those who are blind or have impaired vision.

Unfortunately, good products aren’t enough

ADA President Dr. Linda Edgar (center) joined dentists at a Lessons in a Lunch Box presentation at Saint Charles School in Orlando last fall. Edgar has been a vocal advocate for the program.

to move the needle on children’s oral health care. That’s why COHI also created a wraparound set of training, lessons, and follow-up support for use by dentists, hygienists, and others not necessarily directly connected to health care.

“We want this oral health education resource to be constantly visible.”

Like Dr. Edgar, Sherry H. Senter, a teacher and the longtime Education Resource Consultant to the COHI, appreciates the value of the program. Senter has also seen an epidemic of tooth decay among students and has shared stories from her classroom of students with obvious tooth decay and dental pain.

She agrees with Dr. Edgar’s assessment of the problem and advocates for the goals of COHI. Both the former-teacher-turned-ADApresident and the current elementary school teacher agree that Lessons in a Lunch Box® can help to ensure students receive training on brushing, flossing and proper nutrition.

To support that education, lesson sheets and follow-up information about good nutritional habits, proper dental health and other important oral health reminders can be downloaded from the COHI website.

A More Oral Health-Conscious America For the program to work, though, the lunch boxes filled with carrot cases need to find their way into schools. Dentists and other stakeholders — hygienists, nurses, physicians, and educators — play a critical role in connecting classrooms with the program.

Signing up to participate in the program is a straightforward process (see How to Participate).

For those interested in sponsoring an elementary school, go to The Children’s Oral Health Institute website to take a one-hour CE course and learn how to sign up. COHI charges a handling fee to ship lunch boxes directly to elementary schools anywhere in the country. This fee can be covered by a sponsoring dental school, dental society, private practice or philanthropic interest.

“The outcomes from Lessons in a Lunch Box® are consistent with the hallmark of the dental profession: prevention,” said Booker.

“Establishing viable oral health curriculum standards, combined with concrete classroom support, comprise the foundation for success.

Collaboration between teachers and dentists is vital to expanding oral health awareness.

The intent is to cultivate a more productive and oral health-conscious America.”

Booker says the growth and development of the Lessons in a Lunch Box® program continues to be celebrated after 16 years, not because of any one person, but rather, a network of dental health professionals united in support of healthy children.

“As the saying goes, ‘teamwork makes the dream work,’ and Lessons in a Lunch Box® is the pinnacle of the cliché,” added Booker.

“These successes are due to the benevolence of so many dedicated student dentists, and members of organized dentistry, and civic group volunteers, and leaders like the current president of the ADA, Dr. Linda Edgar.” n W

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CHANGING with the Times WSDA develops new revenue streams to reduce your dues

QUICK BITES: • To combat declining membership, WSDA leadership is developing strategies to revise the association’s dues structure • WSDA is participating with a handful of other states in an ADA pilot to test alternative dues structures • Strategies include reducing dues to attract dentists who are early in their careers and increasing valuable services to retain all members • WDIA insurance products and the WSDA Retro program already generate significant non-dues revenue and reduce membership costs • A new ComplyBetter program will be rolled out later this year to save members time and money in regulatory compliance

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or decades, the Washington State Dental Association has relied on a financial model employed by business and trade associations across the country: members pay dues in exchange for representation in the halls of government, access to continuing professional education, opportunities to network with peers, and a variety of other services.

But, in the famous words of Bob Dylan, “the times, they are a-changin’.” The model that has served WSDA well in the past may no longer be viable – or, at least, may no longer be the most effective way to fund the organization.

“We certainly don’t want to become the association equivalent of Blockbuster.

Netflix came along with a new model, and Blockbuster refused to change. Now they’re gone.”

Assistant Executive Director Kainoa Trotter underscored the importance of keeping up with the changing times.

“As an association, we’re at a point where we need to do a complete remodel of what

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membership looks like,” he said. “We’re not tearing the whole house down to the foundation, but we are ripping the walls back to the studs.

“Another benefit is that it will generate more dollars for us to up our philanthropy game. I’d love to see us become the top philanthropic force in oral health in Washington.”

“We certainly don’t want to become the association equivalent of Blockbuster.

Netflix came along with a new model, and Blockbuster refused to change. Now they’re gone.”

Reversing the Trends Ensuring that WSDA never goes the way of the former video retailer has been a priority for the association’s board of directors for the last few years, according to President Dr. Nathan Russell. The effort began as a conversation among the full board, but then transitioned to become a primary focus of the association’s officers.

“We’ve seen a trend in declining membership in all trade groups and membership associations like ours,” said Russell. “We evaluated what is happening nationwide against what is happening with WSDA, and the trends are consistent. The situation here in Washington is less acute than what we’re seeing elsewhere, but the trend lines are heading in the same direction – down.”

Indeed, in 2006, WSDA could count among its membership more than 80 percent of practicing dentists in the state. As of the last tally in 2023, that figure had shrunk to just under 60 percent.

According to WSDA Presidentelect Dr. Chris Dorow, a look behind the numbers revealed several important conclusions.

First, younger dentists – those within five years of graduating from dental school – were the hardest to attract and retain as association members. Second, the primary barriers to membership among this group are financial. And third, when a member is lost, they very seldom return.

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“I work in a FQHC, and each of us are given an annual CE allotment that has to cover not only our continuing education classes, but also scrubs, loupes, organized dental memberships, travel expenses – basically anything beyond malpractice insurance and licensure,” she explained. “For many of us, if we’ve been out of school for more than five years and are paying the full tripartite dues, it used up a good chunk of our CE funds. So for many of my co-workers, if they weren’t going to PNDC, they stopped renewing their WSDA dues. They weren’t seeing the value for the cost.”

Understanding these trends was one thing.

But determining what to do about them was another matter altogether.

A Comprehensive Strategy WSDA leadership agreed that what the association needs is a multi-pronged approach, Dorow said.

Chris Dorow, DDS

WSDA, President-elect

These results are hardly surprising. The dental profession has changed dramatically over the years, with most dental school graduates leaving school with a significant student debt burden that makes association dues difficult to balance against other professional and family financial obligations.

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Additionally, new dentists today begin their careers in a much wider variety of practice models than the traditional small, dentist-owned practice. According to WSDA board member Dr. Crystal Vo, that too has implications for association membership.

“We need to address not only barriers to join, but also how to maintain our members.

Beyond removing barriers to membership, it’s also about providing great value,” he said.

The first step will be extending discounted membership for a longer period of time, up to six years.

“When younger dentists are leaving school with mountains of student debt, and working to get themselves established, maybe buying into a practice, it’s a tough time for them financially and a tough time for us to be

“These services are going to meet the needs of our members, provide great value, and will be very popular.” asking them to make a major commitment to an association,” he explained.

Step two is all about providing value.

“We also still need a commitment to traditional membership that long-time members have come to expect from WSDA,” said Dorow. “That means delivering value.

So we will be adding value in the form of services for our members, including those who have been here a long time. As members utilize those services, they’ll be reducing their operating costs – and partially or completely offsetting the cost of their WSDA membership.

“These services are going to meet the needs of our members, provide great value, and will be very popular. People will search us out for that value, and membership will be more closely tied to services. As we increase our membership footprint, we can deliver even more on our other benefits, like advocacy, which can admittedly be harder to quantify.

It’s hard to hang a price tag to something you stopped from happening,” he said.

“Another benefit is that it will generate more dollars for us to up our philanthropy game. I’d love to see us become the top philanthropic force in oral health in Washington,” Dorow added.

He also said that WSDA has no intention of discontinuing its service to its members upon their retirement. Many dentists step away from active practice, but want to continue to serve patients, on either a part-time basis or as a local or international volunteer.

WSDA is in the midst of launching a multiyear pilot program for ADA Life member retired dentists. Participants continue to pay regular dues, but have free access to WSDA events like PNDC, which helps offset the cost of continuing education and maintaining licensure.

“It’s a way to keep people involved in dentistry, to maintain their connection to their profession. We think it will be very appealing to give ADA Life retiring members the opportunity to maintain that experience,

the camaraderie, the collegiality. They’ve earned it,” he added.

Russell was quick to point out that any new approach to dues and services can only be implemented with the support of the WSDA membership.

“Our budgets all have House of Delegates oversight. The Board can’t make these changes on its own,” Russell explained.

“Reimagining the dues structure was presented to the House and it was overwhelmingly approved. They approved us doing the revised membership dues pilot with the ADA and a handful of other states, and the results will go back to the House for reapproval before we move forward with any permanent changes.”

Building Non-Dues Revenue Having a dues structure that recognizes the needs of dentists at different stages of their careers is important, but so are the revenuegenerating services that can help WSDA members reduce the cost of their practice and their membership. Before looking at some of the more recent initiatives and plans that are in the works, it’s important to note that the significance of generating non-dues revenue isn’t a new concept within WSDA. Timely and strategic investment decisions by the association’s former leaders have resulted in WSDA owning a valuable commercial office building in a vibrant Seattle neighborhood.

“With more risk comes greater rewards. It’s a huge opportunity for growth.”

Even as the post-pandemic world adjusts to remote and hybrid work models, tenant lease payments generate important revenues for the association.

Similarly, the Pacific Northwest Dental Conference is another important moneymaker.

According to Trotter, the more than $1.5 million in total revenue generated by the conference’s sponsors, trade show participants, and attendees has traditionally provided more than one-third of WSDA’s operating revenues.

“The really important thing about PNDC is that it provides a lot of value for our members.

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In addition to offering an opportunity for a dental professional to get most, if not all, of their continuing education credits at one time, the pricing structure delivers a huge incentive for someone who wants to attend to become a WSDA member,” he said.

Another important resource is one that’s already familiar to many WSDA members – albeit with a few very important recent changes.

Specialized Expertise Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency (WDIA) was founded in 1990 as a fully owned, for-profit subsidiary of WSDA. Every member of WSDA is also a partial owner of WDIA. WDIA Director of Insurance Matt French has spent more than 20 years working with WSDA and WDIA, and currently leads of team of 10 employees who provide insurance options tailored specifically to the needs of dentists and dental practices.

“When WSDA member dentists come to us, they’re shopping at their ‘home’ agency,” French said.

Crystal Vo, DDS

“The WSDA – WDIA relationship is very valuable to both parties,” he said. “WSDA members are our primary source of clients, so we do a lot of marketing, advertising, and sponsorships with WSDA to reach them. In addition to reaching our target market, that helps reduce our tax liability.”

Maximizing WDIA’s net income is important, because it all flows to WSDA to support advocacy, continuing education, philanthropy, component societies, dental schools, and other association programs.

“We are a very focused and specialized agency that works only with dentists. Many other health care practices are organized differently than dental practices, so the intersection of a dentist’s personal and professional insurance needs can be unique,” said French.

WDIA also serves dentists who aren’t members of WSDA; these clients still receive the benefit of the agency staff’s specialized expertise, but they don’t receive the additional benefit of WDIA net income supporting their professional association and helping keep dues down.

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An Important Transition French and his team are currently in the midst of an important transition that will not only serve current clients, but also set up the agency for even more success in the future.

For years, WSDA and WDIA offered professional liability insurance through NORDIC, a company in which the association owned a 25 percent stake. But about five years ago, the majority owners of NORDIC agreed to be acquired by The Dentists Insurance Company (TDIC). WSDA decided to sell its minority share of NORDIC to TDIC at that time. Unfortunately, that transition eventually impacted a number of WSDA members and WDIA clients.

“TDIC’s underwriting guidelines wouldn’t allow us to continue insuring a number of dentists who had been long-term customers of WDIA,” French said. “These dentists were frustrated.

They’d been working with WDIA and wanted to continue the relationship. We wanted to provide them with choices, but we didn’t have the ability to utilize other traditional carriers, because our relationship with TDIC called for exclusivity.”

When the WDIA contract with TDIC was about to expire, WDIA and WSDA leaders asked to continue the relationship on a nonexclusive basis, but TDIC declined, so WDIA went with other options. That decision was aided by the results of a Request for Proposal (RFP) process that had been conducted at the time of the NORDIC to TDIC transition.

“In two of the three years that WSDA has sponsored its Retro program, that’s precisely what’s happened, with rebates of approximately 40 percent one year and 20 percent another. To put those figures in context, a 20 percent refund translates into something north of $500,000.”

“We need to continue communicating the value of a membership. We need to show dentists what we are doing for them, the value of the services we’re providing.”

“Back then, we were very impressed by what we learned about MedPro Group. We ultimately stayed with TDIC to maintain continuity at the time, but when we decided to terminate our exclusive relationship with TDIC, MedPro became an obvious alternative to consider,” French added. “They are highly rated and a part of Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway family of companies.”

future. In that scenario, MedPro would provide risk management support and the “paper” – or policies – that the captive would offer.

“With more risk comes greater rewards.

It’s a huge opportunity for growth. Plus, a captive insurance company would allow us more control over how things are managed in terms of underwriting, rates, and policy structure,” French said.

Reducing Employer Costs

John Meier

ERNwest, President

Bigger Things Ahead In March of this year, WDIA announced MedPro Group as its new, preferred partner for professional liability coverage. Since then, French; Kerri Seims, WDIA Associate Director of Insurance; and Emily Wilkinson, who was recently promoted to WDIA Assistant Director of Insurance, have been busy responding to existing clients who reached out to review their options.

So far, the transition is off to a very positive start, according to Seims.

“We’ve had a lot of our existing customers requesting quotes from MedPro. There’s a strong team at MedPro and the results in terms of both rates and service have been very encouraging,” she said. “Additionally, we’re now able to offer WSDA members 10% off MedPro professional liability policies, which is exciting.”

The MedPro transition also could set the stage for another initiative that has been in the planning stages: the creation of a WSDA-owned captive insurance company to provide professional liability insurance for its members. The captive would allow WSDA and its members to benefit from not only insurance agency profits, but also from the profits of the insurer as well.

MedPro is aware of the idea and willing to help in forming the captive insurer in the

John Meier, president of ERNwest, knows something about balancing risk and reward. ERNwest, which was founded 20 years ago, specializes in navigating Washington state’s workers’ compensation system and is WSDA’s partner in the association’s WSDA Retro program.

“Washington is fairly unique; there’s only one other state that allows trade associations to pool their members into a Retro program,” he explained.

Under the program, participating members are still insured by the state’s Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), but their premiums are pooled into one account associated with the program’s sponsoring association. L&I then analyzes the members’ collective claims over the course of a year and compares that total to the premiums paid into the system. If the premiums paid in exceed the claims paid out, the difference is refunded to the association and can be used to help offset members’ annual dues.

In two of the three years that WSDA has sponsored its Retro program, that’s precisely what’s happened, with rebates of approximately 40 percent one year and 20 percent another. To put those figures in context, a 20 percent refund translates into something north of $500,000.

Of course, if the opposite occurs and the claims paid out exceed the premiums paid in, participants have to make up the difference.

Some unusual claims experience caused that to happen in the program’s second year, but the WSDA Retro program is designed to cover the shortfall so there is no risk to the program participants.

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While spreading risk across a broader group of dental practices helps mitigate financial exposure for any given member, another important step in protecting participants’ bottom line is to do everything possible to reduce the number, severity, and cost of L&I claims. Fortunately, ERNwest has a staff of experts that can help analyze potential claims and manage back-to-work programs that can help reduce claims expense – with half of the cost reimbursed by L&I and the other half by the WSDA Retro program.

This expertise is what led WSDA and ERNwest to team up on another important program to save members money.

“No one knows what we go through as dentists except for other dentists.”

Enter ComplyBetter The L&I Division of Safety & Health oversees worker safety programs at state employers.

All employers are required to have an accident prevention program, update it regularly, and ensure that employees know what’s included and are trained on the key elements of the program.

The old-school approach to complying with this requirement involved reams of paper, typically filed in a three-ring binder and sitting on a shelf. More recently, learning management companies have offered digital programs, most of which charge fees each month based on the number of employees in an office.

Both of these approaches have disadvantages.

It’s difficult for a small employer to create a valid accident prevention program, remember to keep it up to date, and ensure that all employees are getting the required training on the program. If a commercial learning management system is used, it can quickly become expensive for the employer.

WSDA’s Trotter said the idea behind ComplyBetter was “to create the TurboTax version of compliance software.” The idea was to allow a practice owner or office administrator to answer a modest number of questions on an online form, and the system would create a valid accident prevention program and trigger regular updates and program presentations. It would also need to provide the same type of support to ensure dental practices are complying with the

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infection control requirements implemented by the state a few years back. Finally, it would produce onboarding and training materials customized to each employee position – a receptionist, for instance, doesn’t need to take infection control training, but clinical staff do. And all of this material would be specifically tailored to a dental office environment and available at a reasonable price.

WSDA decided to partner with ERNwest on this venture as well, because of the synergies between having strong accident prevention programs and reducing the number of workers’ compensation claims.

A Global Effort Bringing that vision to reality has been a long and winding road from Seattle through Cambridge, Massachusetts to Ukraine and back. ComplyBetter has been built upon an open source learning management system (Open edX) created by computer scientists at MIT. The WSDA team found a group of software developers known as The Raccoon Gang, which operates out of Ukraine, to take that Open edX platform and customize it to manage dental office compliance with accident prevention and infection control regulations.

Working with a team located 10 time zones away is not without its challenges, and things get even more complicated when your vendors are located in the middle of war zone, but it’s worked well so far, according to Trotter.

“We meet somewhere between three and five hours per week,” he said. “Early in our relationship, sometimes there were missile warnings during our meetings. It puts things in perspective. We think we’re having a bad day if we forget to put the garbage out, and they’re getting missile warnings! But it hasn’t disrupted their services so far.”

“The war was something we had to consider in selecting the Raccoon Gang. But the price advantage is approaching 40 percent compared to what we would have paid to have this program designed here. And they’re very good, very process-oriented. They have robust, tight processes that help us avoid falling into rabbit holes.”

ComplyBetter is currently in beta testing with a group of offices that volunteered to test drive the system. After the beta testing is completed at the end of June, feedback will be incorporated into the initial commercial

roll-out, which is hoped to take place as early as October of this year.

“Software development is a fickle thing,” said Meier. “The work has gone very well, but the amount of time and detail that it takes to do it well is something we recognized at the outset. The current beta testing will be important to identify how to make it as easy as possible to use for small businesses. As a small business owner, you don’t have a lot of time, so the key is making the platform very easy to use.”

While regulatory advocacy has always been a priority for WSDA, the association recently reconfigured its staff roles to support the development of ComplyBetter and hired Trish Flaig as its new manager of Regulatory & Compliance Services. Trish will be the lead advocate on regulatory issues and provide subject matter expertise and content development for ComplyBetter.

“Having Trish on the team has been amazing”, said Trotter. “Her nearly two decades of dental experience in various roles allows her to have great insight into the regulatory and compliance issues facing dental offices.”

Long-Term Growth Potential ComplyBetter’s potential goes far beyond initial offerings to WSDA membership.

More than 10 other state dental associations have already expressed interest in adapting the system for their members. Additional required training, such as on HIPAA, can be added, making ComplyBetter a “onestop shopping” destination for regulatory compliance. And based on his work with employers in other industries – from other health care providers to hospitality to construction, all of which have their own unique regulatory compliance burdens – Meier believes the program will generate lots of employer interest in the future.

“One of the reasons it has taken as long as it has to build this program is that we did it with the full intention of making it flexible enough to easily adapt to the requirements of other industries,” said Trotter. “It’s a little more time on the front end, but will ultimately save time, work and expense in the long run.”

“Removing barriers will get someone in the door, but it’s the people and experience that keeps them.” membership is shrinking,” Trotter said. “We’re turning that thinking on its head. We are looking to build non-dues revenues and bring our dues down at the same time, so we can make membership more accessible for all dentists.”

Trotter sees the need to take dues down to a dollar amount that most people can afford, and to demonstrate the return on investment of whatever the dues are.

“We need to continue communicating the value of a membership. We need to show dentists what we are doing for them, the value of the services we’re providing,” he said.

For Dorow, revamping the WSDA dues structure is all about continuing to bring dental professionals together.

“If we lose people, we aren’t as strong and we can’t do as good a job of advocating for our profession or our patients. But we also will have fewer people to be there for one another,” he said.

“No one knows what we go through as dentists except for other dentists. Early on, when I was a young dentist, the ability to be collegial was a key attraction of WSDA membership, coming together, sharing problems, getting advice. I knew I could count on the knowledge of older dentists who had practiced for 20 or 30 years.”

“Now we’ve gone from a society of colleagues to a society of competitors. That’s not good, because we’re not as good when we’re all on our own little islands. We need to get past the differences in practice models today and recognize how much we have in common,” Dorow said.

“Today, people expect to see more tangible value from their membership. They’ll keep showing up when they recognize the value.

Removing barriers will get someone in the door, but it’s the people and experience that keeps them.” n W

The long run – it’s a perspective that everyone involved in remaking the WSDA dues structure is taking.

“For years, the debate in association management was whether to grow nondues revenue or to increase dues when

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‘A Different Mindset’: QUICK BITES • Public health dentists provide a comprehensive range of health care services to individuals at all stages of life, regardless of ability to pay.

• Washington state is home to 27 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), which serve populations that would otherwise be medically underserved.

• FQHCs can be operated by community-based non-profits or public agencies.

• Approximately 3% of the country’s 6,000 dentists work in public health settings, according to the ADA.

G

rowing up in Houston, Crystal Vo, DDS spent a lot of time volunteering at soup kitchens, hospitals and shelters. Her parents both immigrated to the United States during the war in Vietnam; they valued public service and impressed that on her as a child. Even before going to dental school, Vo participated in dental missions.

“Giving back was always a big part of me,” said Vo. When she graduated from dental school, she wanted to get a feel for different career paths. She tried corporate dentistry and private practice, but found neither to be her calling. But when she had the opportunity to practice in public health, things clicked into place.

interaction, you remember why it’s all worth it and you realize you can give people their smile back.” community rather than an individual as the patient,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “It is concerned with oral health education of the public, applied dental research, the administration of group dental care programs, and the prevention and control of oral diseases at the community level.”

Even so, most dentists in public health or community settings find themselves more frequently treating “I just knew public health was patients for disease, rather Crystal Vo, DDS what I wanted to do,” said Vo, than preventive measures. who now serves as the clinical In the US, it’s estimated that director for the Community Health Center about three percent of the nation’s more than of Snohomish County. “It takes a certain 6,000 dentists work in public health or dental individual to work in public health. You are safety net settings, including health centers, dealing with the most vulnerable population. community clinics, health departments, But once you make that positive interaction, government programs and federal dental you remember why it’s all worth it and you services. realize you can give people their smile back.”

“My health center’s concept is to deliver patient-centered care,” said Vo of her facilities A CAREER BY CALLING — OR in Snohomish County. There are six clinics

BY CHANCE total: three in Everett, one in Lynnwood, one A passion. A love of caring for other people. in Arlington, and another in Edmonds. “We For some dentists, a career in public health is provide coordinated patient care across the more of a calling — a career path motivated health system, meaning a patient comes in to purely by a passion for helping people, as it see me, but may also see a medical provider, has been for Dr. Vo. pharmacy, or behavioral health provider — everything is tied all together,” she said.

Public health dentistry can assume different forms. The purest definition focuses more on prevention and promoting oral health through organized community efforts. “It is a form of dental practice that serves a

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“Once you make that

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“Public health is extremely prepared for different emergencies. I feel like we are looked at under a microscope to ensure we are up to par on standards for everything. We see

Profiles in Public Health Dentistry a lot of patients that come from nursing homes or have nowhere to go. So, we help take care of them.”

onboarding new dentists, as well as working with statewide stakeholders. It’s been a real blessing for me.”

Stephen Davis, DDS, is another As he approaches 17 years in dentist who started out in the public health, Davis remains private sector and found he excited about his work and preferred the public model. optimistic about the future.

Although at first, he didn’t His clinic is one of the partners even have dentistry on his of the new Pacific Northwest radar: he originally planned University School of Dental to pursue a career in medicine Medicine that’s taking shape Stephen Davis, DDS at Ohio State. It was during a at the Pacific Northwest chance encounter with a dental club when University of Health Sciences in the Yakima something clicked.

Valley.

“I like to take care of the people around me.

I had originally planned to go into medicine and stumbled into a pre-dental club. I did a fake root canal on a plastic tooth,” recalled Davis. “I minored in art, and I like working with my hands. Dentistry has allowed me to do both,” he said.

Fresh out of dental school, Davis went to work in private practice in the Pacific Northwest, but found the volatility and the insurance challenges didn’t align with his career goals.

That’s when he spotted an opportunity to move out of the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest and into public health.

Seventeen years later, the rest, as they say, is history.

He looked into initially working with Indian Health Services, but eventually found work with the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic.

For the past four years, Davis has overseen dental operations for the clinic, and now splits time each month between clinics in Oregon and Washington. He credits his mentor, Dr. Mark Koday, with contributing to his success in public health.

“When he retired four years ago, I took over his role,” said Davis. “I wanted to do something beyond direct patient care.

He involved me in some of the leadership meetings and I was highly involved with

“As I was going through dental school, I learned about people having trouble accessing care. And as I went through practice management courses, something didn’t feel right. That’s why I decided to work in a community clinic at first, where the emphasis is not on production.”

“This is a unique model that will really serve our community,” he said. “The main struggle for all our health centers is that demand outpaces capacity. It’s just a reality of the way the current system is in the US. There is great need, but we are taking care of whole health needs.”

“When I saw the minutiae work that they were doing, I thought that since I pay a lot of attention to detail myself and am very dexterous, I would be happy doing this,” she said.

18, Lin was dissuaded by her parents from pursuing a career in engineering — their chosen profession — and instead, encouraged her to pursue a more stable career. In considering various professions, she recalled that she liked her own dentist, and shadowed dental students to learn more.

“As I was going through dental school, I learned about people having trouble accessing care. And as I went through practice management courses, something didn’t feel right. That’s why I decided to work in a community clinic at first, where the emphasis is not on production.”

Lin made the decision to pursue dentistry and went on to graduate from the dental school at McGill COMBINING TWO University in Montreal. She PASSIONS eventually made her way For Ivy F. Lin, DMD, MPH, to the Pacific Northwest to becoming a public health conduct her General Practice dentist meant combining Residency at the University of two things she is passionate Washington and then to work about: dentistry and the at the Community Health environment.

Center of Snohomish County.

Although she treasured the Lin grew up in Montreal, experience, she was troubled Canada, where the educational by what she felt was a tertiary system provides a path for Ivy F. Lin, DMD, MPH care approach to a population some students to skip over that would benefit more from undergraduate studies and primary prevention. enter graduate level programs directly. At

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She next turned to Harvard School of Public Health, where she earned her master’s degree in public health and found a new interest in mitigating the effects of healthcare on climate change.

Today, Lin wears multiple professional hats, serving both as the assistant director for General Practice Residency at University of Washington School of Dentistry and continuing to offer direct care to vulnerable populations in various community clinics.

She has also continued her work in addressing climate change and reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions in the practice of dentistry. Lin founded the UWSOD Climate

“The quality of the care is the same — it’s the same supplies, same suppliers. We are licensed dentists trained to treat patients. We have the same tools, the same training.”

Action and Sustainability Team, a group of students, faculty and staff who are passionate about climate issues, and organizes events to bring awareness to climate action within the SOD. She also advocates for waste and carbon emissions reduction in dentistry through education in the dental community and serves as the Dental Sustainability Advisor at the Community Health Center of Snohomish County.

“I talk about ways to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions in dentistry in my lectures to students and to the healthcare community,” she said. “Interestingly, one of the main avenues for climate action in dentistry also aligns with one of the main goals in public health dentistry in general — prevention. Doing fewer treatments creates less waste and fewer carbon emissions. A promising idea to steer the industry towards more prevention is to organize payment for dental services according to a value-based model rather than a production-focused feefor-service one.”

SAME SUPPLIES, SAME CARE

eventually pulled him back.

Baer and his wife chose to relocate to West Seattle where he found work at a community health center. It was a mix of dentistry — a lot of pediatric clients — working with ADA 2013 Humanitarian of the Year Sherwin Shinn, a mentor to Baer in his early years.

One persistent challenge public health dentists face: Fighting against the stereotype of public health dentistry, whether it’s questioning the quality of the facilities or the quality of the care itself.

Such perceptions just don’t hold up.

Ted Baer, DDS

“I think a lot of people think that if you go to a public health clinic, you will get subpar treatment,” said Vo. “When I worked in a private office — I do the same steps as I do now in public health. There’s no difference in treatment. The quality of the care is the same — it’s the same supplies, same suppliers,” she said “We are licensed dentists trained to treat patients. We have the same tools, the same training. I have some patients that have private insurance that see me for a second opinion. We take all insurances and treat everybody the same. It just depends on where people come from. We are dentists who chose to work in public health.”

At Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, Davis notes there is an emphasis on providing quality facilities.

“We want to make sure the facilities we have for patients are exceptional. They are beautiful places that reflect the region where they live and work,” said Davis. “I am really proud of the facilities we provide — they are often shocked by what they see when they walk in the door.”

As he sees it, public health dentists impact lives that have no other resource.

“I’m really proud of our emphasis on quality of care for patients,” said Davis. “I always, in my mind, want people to know that access to high quality dental care — or dental care in general — should not be based on patient’s socio-economic status. That’s really our goal.”

‘A BIT OF A SHOCK’ After almost 40 years in dentistry, Ted Baer, DDS, has the benefit of a fuller perspective on all aspects of the profession.

The native Washingtonian went east for dental school, graduating from Loyola in Chicago. But as is often the case with those who leave the PNW, its natural beauty

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Although he enjoyed his time at the community clinic, he and his wife were starting a family; he thought a private practice experience could provide more financial stability. He eventually purchased a private practice, working first as a solo practitioner and later, with a partner.

“It’s a different mentality than working in private practice.”

“The transition from public health to private practice was also an eye opener, because now I had to be a business person. I saw a much different demographic — people that could afford dentistry, and that was a bit of a shock.

People came in with pretty nice teeth,” he said.

Baer would spend 27 years in private practice before selling it — but he wasn’t quite done with being a dentist. As it turned out, he was limited by a five-year non-compete clause preventing him from working within a 10-mile radius of his former practice. But he could work in public health.

His foray back into public health dentistry was more “accidental,” as he describes it.

So, he found a new home with Community Health Care in Pierce County, spending nearly five years there, including the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eventually, the workload began to take a toll.

“Many of those we saw were people who were desperate and in a lot of pain, and in public health, that’s all day long,” said Baer. “During the pandemic, they created plastic bubbles we had to work in heavy PPE for each patient, with a respirator. All of this had to be changed between each patient. And because of that — the emergencies and hazmat suits all day long — I got burned out. I had to take a break.”

“Public health can be a wonderful career. And you truly help people that really need dentistry.”

He’s largely retired now, but keeps busy working a day or two for a private practice colleague in an area of dentistry where people can afford it, doing things that you can’t do in public health.

“Restoring people that may have significant dental problems but can afford implants or Invisalign — they can afford the kind of dentistry necessary to restore their mouth back to full function,” said Baer. “ln public health, you can’t do that. There’s no crowns, implants, root canals. You can make dentures, but the rule we had — and I think this still holds — if they were going to have a denture, you had to extract all the teeth and let them heal. It affects a patient’s dignity. In private practice, you can make the entire denture before teeth are extracted. In one day, you can take out teeth and insert dentures,” he said.

A ’WONDERFUL’ CAREER Despite the unique challenges, dentists who choose careers in public health understand the system constraints and lean into the rewards of helping people who may not find help anywhere else. Public health patients often lack access to routine, ongoing medical and preventive dental care. As a result, they often only seek treatment when a dental issue is acute.

“We need a lot more people working in public health,” said Lin. “To anyone considering a career in public health, I’d say, don’t be scared that you don’t have enough experience — it doesn’t have to be a full-time thing.”

She acknowledges the different set of challenges her private practice colleagues face, too, and that many private practice dentists donate hours of uncompensated care whether in their own communities or through organized events like the Seattle/ King County Clinic, where she volunteers as a Dental Deputy Director.

“It feels so good giving back to the community — such a strong shot of endorphins. I would encourage everyone to try it out,” she said.

“A lot of our patients have no ability to pay out of pocket. When I did private practice, patients would always follow up for treatment,” said Vo. “Here, we write antibiotics for patients — a tooth breaks and a lot of times they won’t follow up until it’s super painful. By then it’s too late,” she said.

“This can be a career that’s really fulfilling. That’s why I’m here.”

“It’s a different mindset [in public health], and we’re putting out a lot of fires; sometimes patients haven’t been to dentist in 30-40 years. A lot are drug users, so they haven’t taken care of their teeth. I feel for them. It’s a different mentality than working in private practice.”

It’s sometimes difficult to not have as many people in the community who can relate to the public health perspective.”

Baer concurs, acknowledging that public health can be emotionally challenging, but it also has a deeper impact.

“It also opened my eyes to the issue of poverty in this country and to gain a better understanding of how incredibly difficult it is to get out of generational poverty. I describe it as a bucket of crabs — when one tries to escape, the others pull it back in,” said Baer. “I really gained a deeper understanding for how incredibly difficult it is to escape that.”

In making the switch from private to public health, Baer said he was initially surprised by how massive the affordability problem is in dentistry.

“Public health can be a wonderful career.

And you truly help people that really need dentistry. It is a wonderful opportunity to really help people.”

“This can be a career that’s really fulfilling,” added Davis. “That’s why I’m here.”

The scope of the problem shouldn’t deter public and private dentists from working together to solve problems, said Davis.

NEED TO COMPLEMENT, NOT COMPETE Each of the dentists interviewed for this story emphasized the importance of connecting with their private practice colleagues; all four are actively involved in organized dentistry, including service to their local dental societies or through WSDA. Even so, there are differences between the public and private health dental models, and that can lead to robust discussions between providers.

“It doesn’t need to be either/or. I’m fortunate to work with the WSDA Legislative Task Force — a group of diverse dentists working on legislation where we can come together and solve the issues facing our health care system today,” he said.

“We need to complement each other, not compete against one another.” n W

Dr. Lin serves as a member of the Snohomish County Dental Society executive committee and aims to give public health dentistry a bigger representation within organized dentistry.

“Public health is kind of a small portion of the dentists in the society. Some of our goals unfortunately clash with those of private practice dentists,” she said. “Big topics of conversation within ADA include protecting dentists’ scope of practice and increasing production, whereas public health dentistry’s priorities are to increase access to care, make dental care more affordable, and promote prevention.

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Want to lower WSDA membership dues?

Help WSDA increase non-dues revenue and lower membership dues through WSDA Retro.

Our goal? To grow the program by 600 additional offices in the next year.

Sign up in 5 minutes at www.wsda.org/retro and spread the word to your practice-owner colleagues.

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TIMES Dentists Need to Check Insurance Coverage

At Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency (WDIA) we provide insurance exclusively for dentists in Washington state. For more than 30 years we have worked with dentists all over Washington. In doing so, we have learned a few things to help you manage your dental career and your dental practice.

During your career there are times when you should examine and revisit your insurance coverage to ensure you, your family, your dental team, and your practice are protected.

1 DDS | DMD Graduation On average, dentists are sued at least once in their career. It’s a good idea to purchase professional liability (malpractice) insurance before you begin to work as a dentist.

New graduates often get deeply discounted rates on professional liability insurance during the first few years of their career. Be sure to review your policy annually, and make sure it still fits your needs.

Other insurance policies to explore the first few years of your career are disability and life insurance. If you have loans to repay, disability and life insurance coverage assures you, that your family will not be beholden to debt if you are involved in an accident or fall ill.

2 Upon Specialist Designation In some cases specialty dental care requires specific coverage. Consideration should be given to protecting against claims of malpractice especially if your specialty involves surgical care. It can also be important to cover investments in technologies that help you perform treatment. For some dental specialties, insurance companies require riders on existing coverage for full protection.

The good news is that WDIA agents are experts at navigating the ins and outs of insurance policies for dental specialists and can direct you to effective coverage for your needs.

3 Practice Purchase Buying a practice is a dream come true for many dentists. Protecting your dream, empowers you and your care team to produce outstanding smile outcomes for patients every day. It’s why, at this critical juncture in your career, you need to proactively consider insurance coverage specific to your practice.

When you purchase your dental practice, you should: • Double-check your professional liability policy to make sure coverage is in line with the treatments you provide.

• Purchase a business owners policy to protect the physical space of your practice, equipment, and technology.

• Disability coverage is a must upon practice purchase, to protect your livelihood and keep your practice running if you become injured or experience prolonged illness.

• Group medical coverage provides health care benefits to you and members of the care team, making your practice a desirable place to work.

4 Established Ownership If you’ve owned a practice for five, ten, fifteen years or more, you know that there’s no coasting in dentistry. This includes insurance policies for dentists and dental practices.

Insurance policies change, shift, and update along with all the moving parts of your business.

Every year you should examine your policies, and make sure your coverage still fits your needs.

WDIA expert agents are non-commissioned. As your advocates for insurance protection, WDIA agents can audit your policies with you to make sure your levels of coverage fit your practice, and your career.

5 Practice Sale The sale of your dental practice should trigger changes to your insurance coverage. Practice sales can mean many things including expansion to group ownership, becoming an employee dentist, more volunteering and missionary work, or quasi-retirement to full retirement.

What we have learned is that if you are exploring a practice sale, you should also be exploring changes to insurance coverage to fit your changing needs. It’s best to get in touch with Matt, Kerri, or Emily to discuss your evolving needs, and plan for appropriate coverage.

Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency Expert Agents Matt French Director of Insurance Matt directs WDIA, oversees team operations, and ensures quality coverage for our dentist clients.

Kerri Seims Associate Director of Insurance Kerri focuses on serving the individual needs of our dentist clients through insurance program education and audits.

Emily Wilkinson Assistant Director of Insurance Emily helps dentists identify the best insurance policies for their needs.

If you would like to review your current coverage or get quotes for additional coverage, please contact WDIA at 1-800-282-9342 or info@wdiains.com.

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ADA NEWS

Funding Assistance Available to Dentists Impacted by Change Healthcare Cyberattack ADA continues to monitor resources available to affected providers.

A funding assistance program is available to dentists impacted by the cyberattack on Change Healthcare.

The Feb. 21 attack is preventing many dentists from sending electronic claims and attachments to insurance companies to receive payment. Change Healthcare, owned

by UnitedHealth Group, is one of the largest health care technology companies in the U.S. UnitedHealth launched a website with information and resources related to the cyberattack. The website includes information about the temporary funding assistance programavailable through Optum Financial, including eligibility criteria, and a daily update of which payers’ providers can reach electronically through direct or third-party clearinghouse connections.

The temporary funding assistance program is designed to help bridge the gap in short-term cash flow needs for providers impacted by the disruption of Change Healthcare’s services.

Read more at www.bit.ly/3J9u8oQ.

Updated Medicare Toolkit Available on ADA Website ADA offers guidance for dentists who treat beneficiaries under new Medicare rules The American Dental Association has updated its website to include a new toolkit of resources surrounding Medicare and medically necessary services. This release of educational materials follows new Medicare regulations that institute payment for limited dental services deemed medically-necessary prior to medical procedures, which took effect Jan. 1, 2023. No new dental benefit has been established with this change.

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The toolkit includes an overview of what Medicare covers, how it is organized, and information providers should know. Medicare does not cover most routine dental services, but the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently began reimbursing for dental services that are linked to the clinical success of a medically necessary procedure.

CMS notified the Association that dentists who treat patients under the limited medically necessary payment rules should choose one of the enrollment options to remain in compliance with CMS regulations.

Read more at www.bit.ly/3PS40Tb.

CMS Streamlines Medicaid, CHIP Final rule prohibits annual and lifetime limits on CHIP benefits The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services finalized its rule overhauling the enrollment, cost-sharing and eligibility processes for Medicaid, the Basic Health Program, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP. CHIP provides low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to purchase private insurance. The final rule prohibits annual and lifetime limits on CHIP benefits to improve access to care and aligning with Affordable Care Act standards, which the ADA previously supported.

Read more at www.bit.ly/4aMMdop.

Dental Loss Ratio Model Legislation Receives Final Stamp of Approval Bill would set transparency standards for dental insurance plans The National Council of Insurance Legislators, or NCOIL, provided a final stamp of approval for model legislation addressing a dental loss ratio. NCOIL’s Executive Committee approved on April 14 a slate of models adopted previously by various subcommittees;

this included the DLR model, which sets transparency standards for dental coverage and ensures that patients with dental insurance get more value out of their dental plans.

The Medical Loss Ratios for Health Care Services Plans Model Act, which borrows elements from legislation in other states, would set transparency standards consistent with those established under the Affordable Care Act for major medical insurance plans if enacted by state legislatures. States such as Ohio, Utah, and Tennessee have said that the dental loss ratio model may help them push this issue forward in the future.

“The ADA fought diligently to achieve this important reform, and the dental insurance industry for the first time conceded that it is appropriate to set what is called a ‘loss ratio’ on dental plans,” according to an ADA press release.

A dental loss ratio requires dental insurance companies to disclose the percentage of insurance premium dollars collected that is spent directly on patient care. It also mandates insurance companies to refund part of the premium collected to insured patients if the dental loss ratio falls below a certain percentage instead of allocating the funds for company overhead.

According to ADA President Linda J. Edgar, D.D.S., the model legislation’s approval is a “huge win for dentistry” because it shows that the dental insurance industry “agrees that reporting ratios is not enough to guarantee premiums will go towards actual patient care.”

“It goes beyond reporting because it guarantees enforcement — meaning if a dental plan repeatedly reports loss ratios that are too low, it will have a loss ratio imposed on it by the state. So, one way or another, dental plans will have to provide more value to patients by paying out more for their care,” Dr. Edgar said.

Read more at www.bit.ly/4aZlCEx.

Economic Impact of Dental Offices in Washington

$15 billion

ANNUAL ECONOMIC IMPACT GENERATED

BY DENTAL OFFICES

$2.7 million AVERAGE ANNUAL ECONOMIC IMPACT PER DENTIST PER YEAR

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DENTAL OFFICES SUPPORT

=

thousand jobs IN WASHINGTON EACH YEAR

EVERY JOB IN A DENTAL OFFICE GENERATES 1.4 ADDITIONAL JOBS IN OTHER SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY

For detailed methodology and analysis of economic impact for each state visit ADA.org/economicimpact.

For more information, visit ADA.org/HPI or contact the Health Policy Institute at hpi@ada.org.

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UW SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY NEWS

Advancing Oral Health for All through RIDE

D Dr. André Ritter

Professor & Dean, University of Washington School of Dentistry

“As you know, the UW RIDE program prepares dentists for practice in rural and underserved areas of our state, by training a cohort of UW dental students in a specially focused track of the DDS curriculum based in Spokane.”

uring the recent Washington state legislative session, with the steadfast support of the WSDA and other partners, the University of Washington School of Dentistry secured funding to expand the UW Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) program.

As you know, the UW RIDE program prepares dentists for practice in rural and underserved areas of our state, by training a cohort of UW dental students in a specially focused track of the DDS curriculum based in Spokane.

RIDE equips students to meet the unique challenges of practicing in more remote regions and has done so to astounding success. Since its inception in 2008, over 80 percent of practicing RIDE DDS graduates have returned to work in rural or underserved communities.

Through this funding, the RIDE program will deliver even greater impact in Washington state: More patients served. More providers trained. More dentists putting down roots in these communities permanently. Simply put, more people will live healthier lives because of this work.

It’s a moment to pause and celebrate and to say thank you. This is an exciting time for oral health care in Washington state, as achieving this expanded funding has been years in the making. Thank you, WSDA, for being a huge part of its success.

To learn more about the RIDE program, our students and the communities they serve, I invite you to view the multimedia feature story from UW News by scanning the QR code below. You can also follow our progress on social media @uwrideteams. n W

The expansion funding will enable the UW School of Dentistry to make huge strides in scaling our DDS program to meet the oral health care needs of Washingtonians: • Doubling the size of our RIDE cohort, from 32 to 64 students, significantly increasing our capacity to provide care in the region.

• Extending the training time for RIDE dental students in Spokane, from one to two years, allowing them to remain closer to the communities they hope to serve.

• Building a regional training center for oral health care excellence in eastern Washington, unifying preclinical simulation and classroom spaces into one new, state of-the-art facility.

The Spokane regional training center will support the growth of the RIDE program and serve as a hub for training oral health professionals and students in the region.

Together with our Eastern Washington University (EWU) and UW School of Medicine colleagues, we see a future where EWU dental hygiene students and UW dental and medical students can learn and train alongside one another.

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READ MORE ABOUT RIDE Interested in learning more about RIDE, the innovative Regional Initiatives in Dental Education program? In 2023, WSDA News profiled the program and the people who have helped contribute to its success. Read the story here:

PNWU SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE NEWS

Momentum Builds for PNWU Dental School

W

elcome to May! Spring has arrived in Yakima, and our fertile valley is bustling with activity and growth.

Similarly, it has been a busy few months at our School of Dental Medicine (SDM), and I am delighted to share some highlights.

Our school underwent its Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) initial site visit on April 2 and 3. It was a challenging two days for our team, but the visit went very well and we emerged from the process in great shape.

During their exit meeting with our SDM team, site visitors shared the following strengths they wanted to recognize regarding our program: • The dental school team and their hard work and effort regarding the CODA process.

• Our innovative educational model.

• The mission of PNWU and the SDM and our relentless focus on access to care for the rural and underserved.

• The diversity in our team and our commitment to recruiting a diverse student body.

• Our commitment to growing the oral care workforce.

• Our partnerships and collaborative relationships with our FQHC partners and the WSDA. • The financial support from the Legislature, Delta Dental of Washington,

the WSDA, the FQHCs, individual donors, and PNWU. • Our beautiful campus facilities and the planned community clinics.

• The overall support provided by PNWU and our sister schools in the development of our program.

The site visit team identified three areas within our curriculum that require followup. The SDM team is preparing our follow-up documentation addressing these three areas, due before June 1.

Dr. Fotinos Panagakos Dean, PNWU School of Dental Medicine

“Our faculty recruitment

This positive outcome was largely due to the tireless efforts of the entire SDM team. In particular, I want to extend a sincere thank you to Drs. Reinke, Klingman, and Pape and Ms. Brown, Ms. Turner, and Ms. Gutierrez.

Without their support and hard work these past months, we would not have achieved the results I described.

continues, with over 60% of the positions filled and a number of highly qualified candidates in the interview process.”

And now, onto other news!

Construction of Delta Dental Equity Hall is progressing and is scheduled to be completed this summer. The exterior shell is being installed, and sheetrock is being hung. I recommend you connect with the school via its LinkedIn profile (https://www.linkedin. com/company/pnwu-sdm) to receive the latest construction updates and images.

Our faculty recruitment continues, with over 60% of the positions filled and a number of highly qualified candidates in the interview process. On the staff side, this summer we will begin recruitment of some key staff positions.

Finally, we took possession of our first SIMtoCARE (https://www.simtocare.com/) virtual reality dental education simulator, which arrived on campus this week. There is still much to learn regarding the capabilities of this amazing system, and it is evident that there are huge opportunities to leverage this technology, not only for dental students, but also for continuing education opportunities for dentists and our dental hygiene student colleagues at the Yakima Valley College dental hygiene program. This summer, it will be moved to the completed Delta Dental Equity Hall Virtual Reality Room, where five additional units will join it in the spring of 2025. This will allow our faculty, who begin in early 2025, ample opportunity to learn about the system and include it in their courses. At left is a photo from our recent training session.

This month marks my two-year anniversary at PNWU and in Washington. It is surprising how quickly time has flown by. I still recall my first day on campus, when on my desk was the May 2022 issue of the WSDA News, with a cover story about the new school. What a wonderful way to start!

Thank you all for your continued support of our program, and have a wonderful summer. n W

Reviewing Dr. Williams’ endodontic access opening he made in the simulated tooth, with Stef explaining the information on the teaching station with the SDM’s Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, Dr. Robin Reinke, looking on.

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NEED BETTER BOOKKEEPING? SCHEDULE A MEETING TODAY

DENTAL ACCOUNTING GROUP THE NEW STANDARD OF CARE FOR YOUR DENTAL PRACTICE

As a Practice Owner, You Should be Able to Answer the Following Questions: 1. Do you have or have you considered an exit strategy?

2. How long do you plan on being a practice owner? If your health allows, would you like to continue practicing after that point?

3. Do you know what your practice is worth today? How do you know?

When was your last Practice Valuation done?

4. Have you met with a financial planner and have a documented plan?

Have you established a liquid financial resources target that will enable you to retire with your desired lifestyle/level of income?

If you answered no or do not kn ow to any of these questions, le

t’s have a conversation !

Henry Schein Dental Practice Transitions has your best interests in mind throughout your career.

Schedule a complimentary consultation with me today!

Jessica Burbon Transition Sales Consultant 503-601-9687 Jessica.Burbon@HenrySchein.com www.henryscheinDPT.com

Call: 503-601-9687

or scan the QR code to get started!

n PRACTICE TRANSITION PLANNING n SALES & VALUATIONS

n BUYER REPRESENTATION

© 2024 Henry Schein, Inc. No copying without permission. Not responsible for typographical errors. 23PT2801

23PT2801_DPT_Question_7.25x4.75.indd 1

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WSDA Ne w s | Issue 2 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

4/26/23 10:09 AM

IN MEMORIAM

The following obituaries have been submitted by families, local dental societies, or colleagues. To submit a member obituary for recognition in the WSDA News, please email info@wsda.org.

Jason Tynkila December 31, 1973 – March 9, 2024 Dr. Jason William Tynkila, DMD, born Dec. 31, 1973 to loving parents, Bill and Nancy Tynkila, left us March 9, 2024, in Ilwaco, Washington.

A 1992 Honors Graduate of Knappa High School, 1996 Honors graduate of Lewis and Clark College, Jason graduated from OHSU Dental School with honors in 2000 with a new wife and baby on the way, and practiced in Pendleton, Oregon, until 2005 when he purchased a practice in Long Beach, Washington, where he faithfully served his community until his recent passing.

Jason was a DaVinci of his time. He excelled at everything he did and his range of talents were never ending. His life at the coast, hunting, fishing, clamming and our daily beach drives were his constant joys, and the memories volunteering with youth sports were most cherished. Dentistry, his chosen profession, was his way of serving people.

Rather than Doctor, it was always: “Hi, I’m Jason, what can I do for you?” He took great pride in being able to help others, any time day or night.

He was a man of great compassion, kindness, and love for all, and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. In our memories, he will always be with us and live on.

A man of great wisdom, knowing that time was the most valuable gift, spent it wisely, doing the things he loved with the people he loved. Jason’s love of life was boundless and he shared that joy with all who knew him.

What’s your practice worth?

Run Your Ad in the WSDA Classifieds Are you looking to advertise a job opening, practice for sale, etc.? Purchase an ad in the WSDA Classifieds!

The WSDA Classifieds are available both in the WSDA News Magazine and online at www.wsda.org/classifieds (consistently one of the most visited pages on the WSDA website!)

Classified Ad Rates Per Month • WSDA Members: $60 for the first 30 words, $1 for each additional word.

• Non-Members: $100 for the first 30 words, $1 for each additional word.

Learn more at www.wsda.org/classifieds.

Request a FREE MARKET VALUE ANALYSIS www.AFTCO.net | 800.232.3826

WSDA Ne w s | Issue 2 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

47

When you work with Practice Transition Partners...

the difference is obvious!

EXPERT GUIDANCE . IMPECCABLE SERVICE . UNPARALLELED INTEGRITY .

Current Practice Opportunities: N. Snohomish County - Highly profitable!

N. Seattle/I-5 Corridor - Modern practice in a superb location

Wenatchee Orthodontic - Spacious, long established downtown office - SOLD! Upcoming: Snohomish County general practice Kitsap County general practice Robert Stanbery Transition Specialist

call us or visit our website to learn more

888.789.1085

www.practicetransitions.com DENTAL PRACTICE SALES | AQUISITIONS | MERGERS | VALUATIONS | CONSULTING

SUCCEED WITH US Work with compassionate teams that deliver care for the benefit of their patients’ long-term oral health. We’re hiring in Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

Apply today at wdgcareers.com/wsda Elizabeth Gustafson

503.351.1968 egustafson@willamettedental.com

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WSDA Ne w s | Issue 2 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

CLASSIFIEDS OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE EXPERIENCED DENTAL ASSISTANT-FRONT OFFICE Mar 27, 2024

About Us: Join our esteemed dental practice located in Bellevue, where excellence in patient care and professionalism are paramount. With a strong emphasis on quality service, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards in dental care. Position: Experienced Dental Assistant Requirements: Proven experience as a dental assistant, with proficiency in Dentrix dental software preferred Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills Ability to adeptly manage both front and back office responsibilities Position Details: Full-time position available, with a schedule of 4 days per week Part-time options are also open for individuals seeking flexible arrangements.

How to Apply: If you possess the requisite qualifications and are enthusiastic about contributing to our esteemed practice, we invite you to submit your resume to: neda-sayyah@msn.com.

We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to connect with you and discuss how your expertise can enhance our team.

ASSOCIATE DENTIST Mar 27, 2024

We are Main Station Dental! A 2nd generation, familyoriented, general dentistry practice located just outside of Tacoma in Puyallup, Washington. Great downtown location, easily accessible from many surrounding communities.

We pride ourselves on our excellent patient care, 4.5+ Star reviews, and professional yet fun atmosphere! Part-time to start (2 days per week) with the opportunity to grow into full time. Prefer 3+ years of experience, providing a range of procedures. We offer competitive compensation of a daily guarantee to start and commission-based earnings on collections. We can’t wait to meet you!

Please send your resume to mainstationdental@gmail.com.

PREVENTATIVE CARE DENTIST Mar 25, 2024

Transform your career: Fee-for-service practice, cater to engaged early retirees. Hang up the drill, not the lifestyle.

Geek out on pioneering preventative dentistry. Lead, innovate, backed by science. A competitive base salary of $800 per day, calculated monthly, with a guaranteed minimum. Bonus rewarding engagement in high-quality care, offering the greater of base salary or 30% of production.

To schedule a call email nick@anacortesdentist.com.

WILLAMETTE DENTAL GROUP SEEKS FULL TIME GENERAL DENTIST IN RICHLAND, WA Mar 25, 2024

Willamette Dental Group seeks full time General Dentist in Richland, WA. Offering in-house patient referrals, annual guarantees, performance incentives, and great benefits!

Expected hire-in range from $185k - $195k depending on experience with an earning potential range from $185k-$205k.

If interested, contact Danielle Prudden dprudden@willamettedental.com.

VANCOUVER ASSOCIATE DENTIST 3-4 DAYS/ WEEK Mar 19, 2024

Do you love working in a solid, quickly expanding, and diverse family practice? Our office in Vancouver, WA, needs you immediately. Our ideal candidate has five years of experience and is personable, highly motivated, professional, and extremely conscientious. Our location features a new spacious office with the latest equipment, top-shelf materials, and an energetic, high-caliber dental team. If you are productive, team-conscious, and ready to go, your first year’s income can exceed 200K. Competitive Compensation with no upside limits. $150-$200K+, 401K, health insurance contribution.

Please email a cover letter, with references and a CV, to this email jenniferehrlich79@gmail.com.

Visit www.wsda.org/classifieds to browse the most up-to-date job and practice opportunities.

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

JOIN OUR TEAM IN WALLA WALLA Feb 29, 2024

Located in the heart of Walla Walla, Washington near our historic downtown, Inland Family Dentistry celebrated 22 years of service this year. Join our enthusiastic team and serve our wonderful community for another 20 years and beyond. In addition to general dentistry, we offer in-house specialty periodontic services, Botox to manage orofacial pain, and Invisalign. Ideal candidates would work four consecutive days. Bring your love of dentistry and practice area(s) of interest to support a comprehensive dental experience. Walla Walla is located in southeast Washington, home to award-winning wine, three colleges and universities, the longest performing symphony west of the Mississippi River, a thriving art community, and delicious culinary scene. Enjoy traffic-free commutes to work while watching the sunrise over the Blue Mountains. Outdoor recreation is plentiful throughout the year—skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, rafting, fishing, and mountain biking are just a few ways to play outside. Concerned about losing access to the big city? Walla Walla is within four hours of Seattle, Portland, Spokane, and Boise. Inland Family Dentistry joined the Heartland Dental family in 2022 to ensure competitive employee benefits, access better supplies and equipment at more affordable prices, negotiate with insurance companies, and provide a more comprehensive contract package for associate dentists. We recognized that joining a practice with the expectation of acquisition was a heavy burden to bear.

We are excited to offer a model that supports a healthy work life balance, not to mention collaboration and support from peers. Thank you for taking a moment to learn more about our office, experienced team, and this special place we all call home. Salary is based on collections plus bonus opportunity, 401k, health benefits, vacation & sick hours.

For more information, please visit these websites: Inland Family Dentistry: www.ifdww.com Outside Walla Walla: www.outsidewallawalla.com Downtown Walla Walla Foundation: www.downtownww.com Contact Information: Tami Humbert, Practice Manager of Operations (509) 525-7250 office tamerahumbert@mydentalmail.com.

ASSOCIATE DENTIST - FULL TIME Feb 23, 2024

Wenatchee Dental is excited to add an Associate Dentist to their thriving practice this new year. This opportunity is fulltime, four days per week and beginning Spring of 2024. We have a busy practice with comprehensive menu of services using all the technology (CBCT, Digital xrays, Primescans, I/O cameras). We do Cerec Emax and Zirconia in-office crowns, Endo, Implants, some Perio surgery.

Candidates with interest in doing clear aligner Ortho is a bonus. Wenatchee always lands on the list of “Best Places to Live in Washington”. From the beautiful seasons to the charming neighborhoods and vibrant art and culture scene, Wenatchee is simply a great place to live. Sign on bonus, competitive compensation, relocation assistance negotiable, medical, dental, vision, supplemental benefits, 401k.

Potential opportunity for path to partnership. Let us help you relocate to this lovely Northwest destination.

Inquiries and CV’s can be submitted to Jamie Brochis at jbrochis@mosaicdentalcollective.com.

provide all aspects of general dentistry. We offer a healthy benefits package and the number of work days per week is negotiable. Compensation is based on adjusted production, DOE, with potential to increase depending on skill level and longevity with the practice. No weekends or evening hours.

Enjoy living in beautiful Central Washington, tour the local wineries and craft breweries, and experience year round outdoor activities.

Please forward your CV to kailani@lakesidedentistry-yakima.com.

ASSOCIATE DENTIST OPPORTUNITY Jan 31, 2024

Appletree Cove Dental in Kingston, WA is looking for an Associate Dentist to join our growing practice 2-3 days per week! We are well known in the community for providing high quality dentistry in a caring, compassionate environment for over 30 years. Enjoy coming to work every day with an exceptional team of dental professionals and kind, caring patients. The perfect candidate is looking for a long-term position with future buy-in or partnership opportunity. This could quickly grow into a full-time position. 6 min walk from the Kingston-Edmonds Ferry, easy commute from Edmonds. Competitive compensation, 401K match, CE Funds, and more!

Please send resumes to dr.ilgen@appletreecovedental.com.

RARE ASSOCIATE OPPORTUNITY Jan 31, 2024

Exceptional long-term opportunity for a PT>FT assoc with our solo super GP. We need an operator w/ dynamic personality, passion for people and clinical excellence.

Wanting to learn digital dentistry, CEREC, clear aligners or broaden their skills. 5 star office in Tacoma and killer culture.

Residency or 1 year clinical required. $800 daily minimum or 30 % AGP. Just do it.

Contact Jaime: petriedental@gmail.com or 253-761-5422 UNIQUE PRIVATE PRACTICE OPPORTUNITY Jan 24, 2024

Unique private practice opportunity. Experienced dentist just remodeled 2400 sq. ft. suite in Kent. All new equipment All digital. Looking for dentist/specialist who wants own practice and share common space without borrowing $350K$500K to get started. Turn key!

253-8562-9055 cowartdds@gmail.com WENATCHEE DENTIST WANTED Jan 8, 2024

SageBrush Dental in Wenatchee is seeking dedicated Dentist for our thriving Wenatchee practice! Enjoy guaranteed $800/day for the first 90 days, 30% production-based pay, modern facilities, mentorship, collaborative team, and right of first refusal. Explore Wenatchee’s natural beauty!

Apply: smile@sagebrushdental.com (509)436-8202 ASSOCIATE DENTIST FULL-TIME EARN UP TO $480,000 Nov 9, 2023

ASSOCIATE GENERAL DENTIST OPPORTUNITY Feb 22, 2024

We are a well established, productive private practice in Yakima, WA seeking a general dentist associate. Our modern, 11 operatory office has over 6,000 square feet located on the banks of Myron Lake with amazing views from every operatory. The office is equipped with the latest technology: digital radiography, intraoral cameras, Primescan Cerec scanner and mill, and 3D printing. We are looking for someone with a gentle touch, who is compassionate, and has good communication skills. The ideal candidate must enjoy working as an integral part of our team to improve and maintain the dental health of our patients. We

We have an advanced office with the best that modern dentistry has to offer. We have full educational support and in-office training. Our office is well managed and supportive, your autonomy is valued. We have excellent compensation and benefits. You can earn more and work fewer hours at our practice. A focus on the Patients first. Earn 35%-40% of production. Get rewarded for staying with us longer!

Production percentages increase the longer you stay.

Relocation assistance opportunity. We have a vision for our practice, along with goals and a game plan to reach those goals. Great Income Potential: Earn between $200,000 to $480,000+/yr. Health Insurance, Dental, Retirement Plan, we pay Washington Dental License after 1 year employment.

Come join us!

Please respond to Jason@HildeFamilyDentistry.com, including a resume and cover letter.

WSDA Ne w s | Issue 2 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

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Is Your Practice Due for a Financial Checkup?

Kitsap Bank is your local community bank specializing in practice refinancing, accquisitions, and growth. Every day we help NW dentists, customizing solutions for them to purchase new and existing practices, expand, finance equipment and tenant improvements, and more.

Talk to our dental banking expert abour your practice’s needs!

kitsapbank.com Trevor Delaney VP/Commercial Relationship Manager 11711 SE 8th St., #300, Bellevue, WA 98005 425.455.9300 tdelaney@kitsapbank.com

Save the Date for PNDC 2025

MAY 8-10 IN SEATTLE

2025

www.wsda.org/pndc 50

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5

CLASSIFIEDS

Visit www.wsda.org/classifieds to browse the most up-to-date job and practice opportunities.

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

OFFICE FOR SALE OR LEASE

WILLAMETTE DENTAL GROUP SEEKS PART TIME ORAL SURGEON IN TACOMA, WA

DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE IN PRIME SEATTLE NEIGHBORHOOD

Offering in-house patient referrals, annual guarantees, performance incentives, and great benefits! Earn a competitive salary of $400K in-house production with opportunity to earn $180K-$200K along with generous new hire incentives and competitive total compensation package.

If interested, contact Elizabeth Gustafson egustafson@willamettedental.com.

Bread and butter dentistry! Located in the ideal urban/ suburban neighborhood where new patient demand exceeds the practice’s current capacity. 5 ops and LL welcomes future expansion. 2023 annual collections 1.5M, 2023 annual income 360K. Hygiene/Diagnostic 69% of production revenue.

Dentrix, digital x-rays, charts, and impressions. Only in network with Delta and Premera. $1,215,000.

Contact Knutzen-McVay Group at jessica@tkmgllc.com.

(W544)

Sep 20, 2023

ASSOCIATE DENTIST WANTED Sep 15, 2023

Avanta Dental in Yakima is seeking a self-motivated dentist to provide high-quality lifetime patient care in a fun, fastpaced, highly technologically advanced, and fee-for-service practice. Mentored and trained from root canals utilizing Wave one, crowns and bridges with Sirona Primescan, iTero, dental implants with X-Nav/I-Cat. We do not see DSHS patients. We are not a corporate dental practice. Loan re-payment program available. Qualifications: D.D.S. or D.M.D. from a school accredited by CODA and ADA. Licensed to practice in state. Complies with all office, local, state, and American Dental Association regulations, protocols, and procedures. You will receive guaranteed base pay and commission. $350k+ salary annually, Medical/Dental/Vision, 401K, Paid CE, Gym Membership.

To Apply: send your resume to yakima_om@avantadental.com and call our office manager Belen at (509) 204-5756.

OFFICE FOR SALE OR LEASE RARE SEATTLE OPPORTUNITY Mar 29, 2024

Be the only dental practice in the building! About the office: Prime location in a well maintained historic building with security, condo living spaces on upper levels, large common space and gym. About the practice: Same owner since 2006, newly renovated space, features 4 fully equipped ops with an additional equipped 5th for overflow, 2023 collections over $1.1M, over $500K available net income, average 40 new patients per month! Seller is retiring, but associate has offered to work back through a short transition period.

Offered at $1.034M. Don’t miss out on this rare Seattle gem!

For more information contact Jen Bennett at jen@omni-pg.com or 206-683-8966. (WAD528) OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE Mar 27, 2024

Dental office space for lease in Spokane Valley, WA 2400 sf, 5 ops, sterilization, lab, storage, 2 admin offices, 2 bathrooms (one with lockers), Digital technology ready, beautiful open entry reception area with 2 workspaces, Consultation room. Break room/conference room with sink, dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, equipment room with laundry hook-ups. Dedicated parking for suite. Central location and easy access from freeway. Dental equipment negotiable.

Contact 509-891-7770 for more information or email: info@wilderdentistry.com 4 OP DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE IN CENTRAL WA Mar 27, 2024

Huge growth potential by adding 1 work day and expanding services. Skilled team in place, hygiene/diagnostic services 40% of revenue. Collections over $900K in 2023, avg income $280K. Dentrix, digital x-rays. Friendly lease w/options. $731,000.

Contact Knutzen-McVay Group at jessica@tkmgllc.com.

(C834)

OFFICE FOR SALE OR LEASE EUGENE, OR – HIGH TECH Feb 15, 2024

Mar 27, 2024

7 OP DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE IN IDAHO Mar 27, 2024

Well-established general dental practice in standalone building. Avg collections $1.5M, Hygiene/Diagnostic 41%, Dentrix, Dexis imaging, digital x-rays, Pano. Lending-friendly lease. Offered at $1,200,000.

Contact Knutzen-McVay Group at jessica@tkmgllc.com.

(ID973) PRACTICES AVAILABLE IN WASHINGTON Mar 20, 2024

Professional Practice Specialists have a wide range of practice ownership opportunities available in the Northwest.

WD-2308 | University Place: Practice and condo for sale west of Tacoma. WD-2310 | Seattle: A low price for a 5-operatory practice in a great location with a significant opportunity for growth. WD-2401 | Seattle: Beautiful, 100% fee for service practice which collected 1.1 million in 2023.

More information can be found on these opportunities and many more at PracticeSales.com or reach out to Cole Harrison: cole@practicesales.com, (509) 310-9531.

SKAGIT COUNTY, WA GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE Feb 26, 2024

Greater Seattle-area dental practice for sale: 6 operatories, $980,000 collections, 1,850 patients. Most specialty work referred out. FFS practice with impressive growth potential.

All offers considered!

Contact PTS - bailey@professionaltransition.com or 719.694.8320. REF #WA111323 CENTRAL WA STATE DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE Feb 26, 2024

For sale: Established general dental practice in Grant County, Washington, with 6 operatories, $1 million in collections, and $190,000 EBITDA. Serving over 10,180 active patients, this practice offers significant growth potential. Ideal for individual dentists.

Contact Professional Transition Strategies: email BAILEY@PROFESSIONALTRANSITION.COM or call 719.694.8320. REFERENCE #WA121423.

3 OPS U DISTRICT PRACTICE GROSSING 1 MIL HEALTH FORCES SALE Feb 20, 2024

3 ops U District practice grossing 1MIL. Price $450K. Need Immediate sale.

Contact Frank@omni-pg.com or call 425-985-8390.

(WAD532) www.omnipg.com/listing/wad532/ EASTSIDE GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE - PRIME LOCATION Feb 15, 2024

Eastside General Dental Practice in thriving community.

Strong hygiene program. 4 Ops. No in-network insurance plans. Seller open to work back. Over $1 Mil in annual collections for past three years. Unique hybrid practice.

Call Rod Johnston at (206) 979-2660 or email rod@omni-pg.com (WAD523) www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad523/

Eugene, OR – High tech: Primescan, Global microscopes, IO, digital Dexus, CO2 & Diode laser, 3D I-CAT, Dentrix. Implants, OS, Endo – stay in house. Collections $1.1M. Contact: Jessica Burbon, 503-647-6014, jessica.burbon@henryschein.com. OR3355 SALEM/WILLAMETTE VALLEY AREA- DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE Feb 15, 2024

Salem/Willamette Valley Area- Dental Practice for Sale: Pristine and turnkey, “bread and butter” GP. 5 ops, all ADEC, Pano, Curve PMS, 4 days a week. 2023- $864k collections.

Refers out specialties.

Contact: Jessica Burbon, 503-647-6014, jessica.burbon@henryschein.com. OR3801 WILLAMETTE VALLEY AREA DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE Feb 15, 2024

Willamette Valley Area Dental Practice for Sale: 5 ops, new ADEC everything. Pano, Dentrix, paperless. 4 days, strong hygiene. 2023- $910k collections. Refers out specialties.

Contact: Jessica Burbon, 503-647-6014, jessica.burbon@henryschein.com. OR3664 SEATTLE METRO AREA PEDIATRIC PRACTICE FOR SALE - COLLECTIONS OF $1.4 MILLION Feb 6, 2024

Available for sale is a pediatric dental practice located in a fast-growing region within the Seattle, Washington area.

Collections for 2023 were reported to be approx. $1.4 million. The practice occupies 5,000 sq. ft. of space within a two-story professional building and features 7 chairs in an open bay area. There are an additional 5 chairs in private operatories as well as a dedicated recovery room for general anesthesia. This practice, equipped with modern and up-to-date equipment, presents a turnkey opportunity for a pediatric dentist to seamlessly step into a successful environment.

Contact matt.kosciewicz@mcgillhillgroup.com for more information.

S CENTRAL WA DENTAL PRACTICE & CRE FOR SALE Feb 6, 2024

Family-owned practice along with commercial real estate available in community-oriented peaceful community.

Perfect for those seeking a laid back lifestyle. 8 equipped ops + 1 unequipped. 2023 collections 820K, avg annual income 320K. Dexis digital x-ray, pano, Dentrix software. 66% PPO. Dedicated team in place. Practice $614,000; CRE $339,000.

Contact Knutzen-McVay Group at jessica@tkmgllc.com.

(C234) TACOMA DENTAL FACILITY Feb 6, 2024

High tech and ready to go facility only in Tacoma! Spacious and well-designed floorplan, 6 ops, Dentrix Ascend, Planmeca CBCT, paperless. Favorable lease. Bring offer!

For more information, please contact Jessica Burbon, 503-446-2947, jessica.burbon@henryschein.com. #WA3822 TURN KEY BELLEVUE OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE/SALE Jan 30, 2024

Turn Key 5-6 op dental space in Bellevue Northup dental building next to Microsoft. Specialists are welcome. Dental lab conveniently located in the building.

For details, please email tkhach3@gmail.com or call (425) 658-6758.

WSDA Ne w s | Issue 2 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

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Your Trusted Partner in Dental Waterline Testing INDEPENDENT + EXTENSIVE + RELIABLE

Are you committed to providing the safest environment for your dental patients? Look no further.

Agenics Labs is proud to be the exclusive dental water testing partner of the Washington Academy of General Dentistry.

With over 25 years of unparalleled expertise, Agenics Labs leads the industry in ensuring pristine water quality for dental practices. Trust our proven track record and cutting-edge technology to safeguard your patients’ health and your practice’s reputation.

WHY CHOOSE AGENICS LABS? • Unrivaled Experience: With over two decades of dedicated service, we bring unmatched proficiency to every test we conduct.

• Independent Authority: We are the only independent water testing authority in dental, ensuring impartial and accurate results every time.

• State-of-the-Art Technology: Our advanced testing methodologies utilize the latest innovations to deliver precise and reliable outcomes.

“I trust Agenics Labs to provide my clients with dental unit waterline testing methods that range from easy-todo in-office monitoring to more extensive testing… the Agenics team provides detailed instructions on water collection methods, shipping, and state-of-the-art testing for accurate and reliable results.”

Leslie Canham, CDA, RDA, CSP Certified in Dental Infection Prevention and Control

THE LEADING INDEPENDENT TESTING COMPANY Agenics.net 52

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719 466 5592

CLASSIFIEDS

Visit www.wsda.org/classifieds to browse the most up-to-date job and practice opportunities.

OFFICE FOR SALE OR LEASE

OFFICE FOR SALE OR LEASE

OFFICE FOR SALE OR LEASE

S KING COUNTY DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE 4 OPS

GENERAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: SOUTH PUGET SOUND

CENTRAL OREGON COAST DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE

Well established general dental practice operating 3.5 days a week, located in a secure professional building. Monthly avg collections $41K, avg income $217K. Private doctor office, staff lounge, onsite laundry, digital x-rays. Friendly lease with options. $499,000.

Contact Knutzen-McVay Group at jessica@tkmgllc.com.

(W424)

Nice family practice. Collecting $1.15M with Excellent Cash Flow. 6 Ops possible 9+ Ops. Fully equipped computerized.

Digital radiography. Nomad Portable X-ray, Dexis Sensors, Digital Pano, ITero digital Scanner, Rotary Endo, Laser, Cavitrons. Referral Out: Molar/Bi Endo, Ortho, Implant Placement/3rd Molar Ext, Perio Surgery. Approx. 2582 sq/ft .

Option to own Real Estate.

For more details please contact Karrie or Sam at (425) 216-1612 or email transitions@cpa4dds.com.

Central Oregon Coast: Practice with 38 years in an expanding affluent coastal community. It has 4 ops and has Dentrix, Dexis IOS, Cerec, Digital X-ray, and Nitrous. Refers out specialties.

Contact: Jessica Burbon, 503-647-6014, jessica.burbon@henryschein.com. #OR3739

Jan 24, 2024

S EVERETT DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE 4 OPS Jan 24, 2024

Well established general dental practice located on main floor of a 2-story professional building on a high traffic throughway. Annual 2023 collections $528K, average income $346K. 83% PPO. Private doctor office, laundry, lab, Genesis software. Dedicated team and friendly lease with options. $462,000.

Contact Knutzen-McVay Group at jessica@tkmgllc.com.

(W404) FEDERAL WAY GENERAL PRACTICE FOR SALE Jan 11, 2024

General practice for sale. 4 ops, digital x-rays and pano.

Great staff and hygienist. Great potential for growth. Many procedures are referred out including almost all endo, difficult extractions, all ortho, and most dentures. Selling price 350K. Email waofficeforsale@gmail.com for more info.

NE LAKE WASHINGTON GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE Dec 12, 2023

Dec 11, 2023

PUGET SOUND, WA DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE Dec 5, 2023

Kitsap County, WA: State-of-the-art practice in a turnkey, standalone, professional building equipped with cuttingedge technology with seven (7) equipped and one (1) plumbed operatory. 2023 collection: $1.454M. Contact: Jessica Burbon: 503-446-2947, jessica.burbon@henryschein.com. #WA3730 TACOMA, WA DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE Dec 5, 2023

Tacoma, WA: Highly Productive Practice, updated and high-tech, six (6) op + one (1) op (plumbed) located in a professional building. Dentrix, paperless and very profitable.

2023- $1.35M. Details? Contact: Jessica Burbon: 503-446-2947, jessica.burbon@henryschein.com. #WA3729 TRI-CITIES WA DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE Dec 5, 2023

NE of Lake Washington Practice available 25 minutes from downtown Seattle. Great location right off of I-405.

High visibility on busy street with 50,000 cars per day.

Four operatories with a room for a fifth op. Collections is approximately $640,000 per year. Great opportunity to grow.

Email frank@omni-pg.com or call. (WAD517) www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad517/

Tri-Cities WA: Practice in the heart of Richland near outdoor activities. This practice is positioned for expansion and increased profitability. Dentrix PMS. Digital X-rays in each operatory, and intraoral camera. 2023 collections -$600k, 3 days/week.

Contact: Jessica Burbon: 503-446-2947, jessica.burbon@henryschein.com. #WA3724

BELLTOWN/QUEEN ANNE GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE

Dec 5, 2023

Dec 12, 2023

General Dental Practice in Seattle. Three fully-equipped ops, 1,280 sq. feet. Built in 2001 and renovated in 2012. Located in “Walker’s Paradise” and excellent transit. Real Estate also for sale. Contact Frank Sciabica at (206) 979-2660.

For more information contact Frank Sciabica at frank@omni-pg.com or 425-985-8390. (WAD497) www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad497/ GENERAL/COSMETIC DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: NORTH SEATTLE Dec 11, 2023

Beautiful General/Cosmetic practice collecting $935K working 3.5 days/week with Excellent Cash Flow. Seller ready to Transition. 3 fully-equipped Computerized Ops w/ Adec Chairs, chartless, Dentrix Software, digital radiography w/ Shick software, ITero Scanner, Laser, Diagnodent, Intra Oral Camera, Cavitron, and N2O. Sterilization room, Lab, Consult room, Staff Break Room, Restroom. Services Include: General & Cosmetic, Invisalign, Botox, TMJ, Sleep Apnea, Oral Conscious Sedation, Laser Perio Therapy. Refer Out: Endo, Extraction, Perio Surgery and Implant Surgery.

For more information contact: Karrie or Sam at (425) 216-1612 or email transitions@cpa4dds.com.

GREATER SEATTLE PROST PRACTICE FOR SALE Greater Seattle/Tacoma Area: Turnkey Prosthodontic premier dental implant practice nestled in the heart of the PNW with three (3) Ops and Well-designed. Very profitable.

2023- $1.474M Priced to move!

Contact Jessica Burbon: 503-446-2947, jessica.burbon@henryschein.com. #WA3625 SPOKANE, WA DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE Dec 5, 2023

Spokane: Two (2) docs, 3,100 sf space with 5 ops, open 3 days/wk. Dentrix, pano, strong cashflow. 2023 collections: $1.478. Work life balance!

Contact Jessica Burbon: 503-446-2947, jessica.burbon@henryschein.com. #WA3510 OLYMPIA, WA DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE Dec 5, 2023

Olympia: 5+1 ops, Dentrix, OP300 CT. 2 days wk Dentist, 3 days Hyg. Growth opportunity! $715K revenue.

To learn more contact Jessica Burbon: 503-446-2947, jessica.burbon@henryschein.com. #WA3438 PUGET SOUND DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE Dec 5, 2023

Puget Sound: Beautiful, island location 40 years of goodwill.

Amazing price! 4 +1 Ops, Curve software, private office, welcoming reception. 2023 Collections $1.2M. Contact Jessica Burbon: 503-446-2947, jessica.burbon@henryschein.com. #WA3191

Dec 5, 2023

SHORELINE DENTAL OFFICE FOR LEASE Nov 30, 2023

This is a turn-key dental office ready for you to move in and equip. The office is in great condition and has 4 operational operatories and room for a fifth. Two ops are open concept and two ops are closed. There is a consultation room that could be plumbed with an operator making five total ops.

The office features a waiting room, reception, doctor’s office, office, lab, pano room, sterile, breakroom, and back exit. This office is right off of HWY 99 in Shoreline near I5 with excellent access and parking. Patients and Equipment are not included in the lease. Financing and equipment are available. 2,000 SF Rent is $5,500 per month plus NNN. For more information contact Steve Kikikis at steve@omni-pg.com or 425-905-6920. (WAR172) www.omni-pg.com/listing/war172/ NEWLY ESTABLISHED, MODIFIED STARTUP PRACTICE IN KENT Nov 30, 2023

On track to collect 650K in 2023, a 30% increase from 2022.

This practice has 1MIL$ potential. Nice facility that includes 5 ops and is fully digital. Come in with your energy and grow this practice!

Contact Frank Sciabica at frank@omni-pg.com or 425-985-8390. (WAD519) www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad519/ ESTABLISHED RENTON PRACTICE GROSSING $1.6 MIL Nov 30, 2023

Wonderful opportunity to take over and grow this practice to its full potential. Owner currently splitting time at his other practice and is spread very thin. This practice needs a fulltime operator. Nice, modern office with all digital technology including CBCT. Contact Frank Sciabica at frank@omni-pg.com or 425-985-8390. (WAD516) www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad516/ BELLEVUE, WA GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE Nov 21, 2023

Prime location, 7+ operatories, $1.678M collections, robust patient base, expansion potential, flexible transition options.

Contact Bailey Jones at Professional Transition Strategies for details: bailey@professionaltransition.com or 719.694.8320. #WA11923.

RENTON PRACTICE WITH LONG TERM STAFF WILLING TO STAY AFTER TRANSITION Nov 9, 2023

Growing Renton Practice with unlimited potential. 4 equipped ops with an additional plumbed. Recently upgraded computer system. Fully digital. Great staff, including hygienist willing to stay on with new owner.

Contact frank@omni-pg.com or call 425-985-8390.

(WAD515) www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad515/

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53

Practice Sales Transitions Management Consulting

LISTINGS*

*visit knutzenmcvaygroup.com for most up to date

WASHINGTON

Central WA | $731,000 | #C834 4 ops, major growth potential by adding one more day and expanding services. Hygiene/diagnostic 40% of revenue. Collections over $900K in 2023, average income $280K. Dentrix, digital x-rays, private office, private lounge, on-site laundry.

Friendly lease with options.

OVER 50 YEARS OF

EXPERTISE IN THE DENTAL INDUSTRY We would love to help.

Serving Washington, Idaho, and Montana

S. King County | $499,000 | #W424 Thriving 4 op practice operating 3.5 days a week, located in secure professional building with ample parking. Seller started practice over 30 years ago.

Digital x-rays, Windows 10, 95% PPO. Income $217K, uptrend in collections in 2023. Friendly lease with options.

S. Everett | $462,000 | #W404 Remarkable opportunity to take ownership of a beloved 4 op general dental practice established over 3 decades ago. Located on main floor of a 2-story professional building on a high traffic throughway. Annual 2023 collections $528K, average income $346K. 83% PPO. Private doctor office, laundry, lab, Genesis software. Dedicated team and lender-friendly lease with options.

NE Seattle | $200,000 | #W253

TODD MCVAY

President

todd@tkmgllc.com

JULIE HAWKEN

MEAGAN TOMLINSON

julie@tkmgllc.com

meagan@tkmgllc.com

Broker

Lic. #20120342

Broker

Well maintained patient charts and dental equipment plus prime real estate available in the Wedgwood area! Seller also has two dedicated staff members available 1-2 days/week if new owner desires. Tangible assets and patient charts offered at reduced priced of $200,000. Real estate appraisal and details available upon request.

IDAHO

Idaho | $1,200,000 | #ID973

TRANSITION CONGRATS Dr. Mikael Kautsky to Dr. Liza Manchester OLYMPIA, WA

Well-established general dental practice in standalone building. Avg collections $1.5M, Hygiene/Diagnostic 41%, Dentrix, Dexis imaging, digital x-rays, Pano. Lending-friendly lease.

PENDING

Kent Bellevue

CONTACT US TODAY! knutzenmcvaygroup.com or 425.489. 0848

Eastside Ortho Practice S. Central WA Lynnwood Normandy Park/Burien

54

WSDA Ne w s | Issue 2 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

CLASSIFIEDS

Visit www.wsda.org/classifieds to browse the most up-to-date job and practice opportunities.

OFFICE FOR SALE OR LEASE

OFFICE FOR SALE OR LEASE

OFFICE FOR SALE OR LEASE

GENERAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: SOUTH EVERETT

NICELY APPOINTED TACOMA PRACTICE GROSSING $465K

WELL ESTABLISHED PRACTICE WITH REAL ESTATE IN CASCADE FOOTHILLS

Excellent Cash Flow in this outstanding practice in South Everett! 2023 Collections $1.44M. 6 fully-equipped Computerized operatories. Digital X-rays, Nitrous, Implant motor, DSN Software. Refer out: Ortho, Difficult Endo, Difficult Implant placement & Difficult Oral Surgery. Staff Room, Consultation Room, Lab, Sterilization, 2 Restrooms & Dark Room. 2,000 sq/ft approx w/ample parking.

For more details please contact Karrie or Sam at (425) 216-1612 or email transitions@cpa4dds.com.

5 equipped ops with 3 additional plumbed. Lots of room for growth by keeping referred procedures in-house. High visibility location on a busy street with ample parking. Real estate for sale.

Contact frank@omni-pg.com or call 425-985-8390.

(WAD507) www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad507/

30 minute drive to Seattle. Small town quality of life in a beautiful setting with loyal patient base. Many procedures are referred out so a lot of growth potential.

Contact Frank@omni-pg.com or call 425.985.8390.

(WAD498) www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad498/

GENERAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: SOUTH PUGET SOUND

Jun 5, 2023

LONG ESTABLISHED PROSTHODONTIC PRACTICE IN DOWNTOWN SEATTLE

Great opportunity poised for growth located in South Puget Sound area. Collecting $571k. 4 Computerized operatories possible for 5.w/ Adec chairs. Digital radiography, Cone Beam, Diode Laser, Rotary Endo, Diagnodent & Nitrous.

Datasystem NW Software. Refers out: Most Endo, Ortho, Implant, and difficult Oral Surgery. Private Office, Lab, Sterilization Rm., Staff Room, 2 Restrooms & 1 Private Dr. Restroom apx. 1400 sq/ft. Real Estate available to purchase.

For more information contact Karrie or Sam at (425) 216-1612 or email transitions@cpa4dds.com.

Oct 18, 2023

Oct 2, 2023

Over $1 Mil in production each year for the past three years.

4 fully-equipped ops. 8 hygiene days per week. Dentrix software. Seller willing to work back 6 months to 1 year.

Contact Frank Sciabica at frank@omni-pg.com or 425-985-8390. (WAD505) www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad505/ SNOHOMISH COUNTY GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE Oct 2, 2023

Beautiful stand-alone building with excellent visibility in a residential neighborhood. Strong hygiene program - 6 hygiene days per week. 7 fully-equipped ops (4 hygiene and 3 clinical). Ample patient parking. Over $1.4 Mil in Production YTD. Open Dental Software, KAVO CBCT. Contact Frank Sciabica at frank@omni-pg.com or 425-985-8390. (WAD513) www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad513/ STUNNING KITSAP COUNTY DENTAL PRACTICE NOW AVAILABLE Oct 2, 2023

Prime location in a beautiful modern building. Practice is in a professional business complex with easy access, ample parking, and nice visibility.

Contact Frank Sciabica at frank@omni-pg.com or 425-985-8390. (WAD506) www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad506/ ISSAQUAH MEDICAL/DENTAL BUILDING - FOR SALE Oct 2, 2023

Highly desirable downtown Issaquah Medical/Dental building for sale. This building is currently being used as a Chiropractic medical office and could work well for other medical uses and/or be easily converted into a dental office.

Neighboring sites have been redeveloped into commercial as well as residential. $2,420,000.00.

Contact Steve at steve@omni-pg.com or 425-905-6920.

(WAR162) GENERAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: PIERCE COUNTY Sep 18, 2023

Fantastic practice with Excellent cash flow and great growth opportunity. Seller ready to Transition. Beautiful location and conveniently located adjacent to several communities.

Collecting $818k. 5 Ops Fully computerized, mainly chartless w/Dentech chairs. Digital radiography. Nomad Portable Xray, Schick Sensors, Pano, CEREC, MCXL Milling Machine and Vivadent Programat CS Staining Oven, Electric Handpieces, Implant Motor, Dentsply Cavitron, Diagnodent, Digidoc Cameras and N20. Referral Given: Molar Endo, Ortho & Implant Placement/3rd Molar Extractions. Approx. 2062 sq/ft.

For more information contact: Karrie or Sam at (425) 216-1612 or email transitions@cpa4dds.com

Sep 12, 2023

Jun 5, 2023

NORTH SEATTLE MEDICAL BUILDING - FOR SALE

Jul 18, 2023

GENERAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: SOUTH SEATTLE Jul 17, 2023

Outstanding New and Beautiful General family w/ Implant dentistry practice w/ complete remodel in 2020.

Excellent Systems in place. Collecting $1.44M working 5 days/week. Fantastic Cash Flow. 5 fully-computerized operatories w/ Adec chairs, Computer and TV in 5 Ops + 2 more Ops plumbed. Chartless, digital radiography, CBCT, Digital Sensors, Dentrix Software, Implant motor, Electric Handpieces, Rotary Endo, Intra Oral Cameras. Private Office, Consultation Rm, Sterilization Rm, Pano Room, Staff Break Room, Laboratory, 2 Restrooms, Laundry Rm, Ample Storage, Terrance Patio. Refer Out: Molar Endo and Some Implants Approx. 3000 sq/ft.: 2700 sqft Office (Main level) & 300 sqft mechanical room (ground level).

For more information contact Karrie or Sam at (425) 216-1612 or email transitions@cpa4dds.com.

GENERAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: SOUTH PUGET SOUND Jul 17, 2023

Nice Growth opportunity located in South Puget Sound area. Collecting $473k and growing on just 3 days/week. 4 fully computerized operatories. Pelton Crane chairs. Digital radiography, Digital Pano, Tiger View radiograph imaging software, Intra Oral Camera, Diagnodent. Office Partner Software by Office Computer Systems. Refers out: Endo, Oral Surgery & Implant Placement. Lab Rm. Sterilization Rm. Private offices. Staff Rm. Pano Rm, Ample storage, 2 Restrooms apx. 1728 sq/ft. Real Estate available to purchase.

For more information contact Karrie or Sam at (425) 216-1612 or email transitions@cpa4dds.com.

SNOHOMISH GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE Jul 10, 2023

Snohomish General Dental Practice with annual collections over $300,000. 3 fully-equipped ops with option to lease an adjoining vacant office which would give you up to 7 total operatories. Located in a family friendly residential area near local schools and shopping. Seller willing to work back 1-2 days/week if needed. Implants and molar RCT referred out. Ample patient parking.

Contact frank@omni-pg.com or call 425-985-8390.

(WAD496) www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad496/

Beautifully just renovated mid-century modern medical office in North Seattle’s Broadview/Bitter Lake. neighborhood The building features three entry/exits, 9 private office spaces, waiting area, reception, doctors office, three restrooms (one ADA restroom), storage, mechanical room, courtyard, and 8 parking stalls. The courtyard is wrapped by a new deck and brings a peaceful natural landscape to the building. The building is 3,010 Sq. Ft. The lot is 8,276 Sq. Ft. Redevelopment would be the highest and best use of the site. Zoning would allow for Multi-family High Density. The site would work great for a medical/dental office, veterinary office, general office uses, restaurants, and much more. $2,199,000.00.

For more information contact Steve Kikikis at steve@omni-pg.com or 425-905-6920. (WAR164) BEAUTIFUL WELL ESTABLISHED MARYSVILLE PRACTICE Jun 5, 2023

Well established general dental Marysville practice for sale.

Great location in the middle of town. Easy access with a nice parking lot available on site. Beautiful building with great visibility from the street.

Contact Frank at frank@omni-pg.com or 425-985-8390.

(WAD486) www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad486/ VANCOUVER MODIFIED START-UP Jun 5, 2023

Great location to get your feet wet and grow this long-term practice. Refers out endo, perio, and pedo. 5 ops and pano in 2500 sq ft.

Contact megan@omni-pg.com, 503-830-5765. (WAD492) www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad492/ GENERAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: NORTH SEATTLE Mar 22, 2023

Great location-Near Light Rail- Collecting $1.2m+ on 4 days/ week. Turn-key systems with shared overhead and supply costs, Family Practice providing Comprehensive care, State of the art, Excellent urban general practice w/ great opportunity for Growth. 6 fully-equipped Computerized Ops w/Adec Chairs and Cabinetry w/TV’s in each Op (3 shared with potential for 9 Ops). Dentrix Software, Chartless, Digital radiography, Electric Handpieces, VELscope, Wand (Anesthetic), Intra Oral Cameras & Nitrous. Private Office, Sterilization room, Lab, Consult room, 2 Restrooms, apx.

4238 sqft. (Shared Rent) For more information contact Karrie or Sam at (425) 216-1612 or email transitions@cpa4dds.com.

FRIDAY HARBOR, SAN JUAN ISLAND DENTAL OFFICE FOR SALE Mar 10, 2023

Newer build-out and equipment. Plumbed for 6 ops and equipped with 3 chairs. This is a once in a life time opportunity to open the office of your dreams on San Juan Island. This is a fully turn-key dental office ready to run.

There are no patients associated with the office. The building is for lease and possibly for sale.

Contact Steve at steve@omni-pg.com or 425-905-6920.

(WAR166)

WSDA Ne w s | Issue 2 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

55

CLASSIFIEDS

Visit www.wsda.org/classifieds to browse the most up-to-date job and practice opportunities.

OFFICE FOR SALE OR LEASE

OFFICE FOR SALE OR LEASE

OFFICE FOR SALE OR LEASE

DOWNTOWN SNOHOMISH GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE

ONE OF THE FEW PLACES YOU CAN BE THE ONLY DENTIST IN TOWN!

GREAT ANACORTES PRACTICE FOR SALE IN PRIME LOCATION

New General Dental Practice in Snohomish. Four operatories located next to restaurants in downtown Snohomish.

Practice is less than 1 year old. Seller moving out of state.

Contact Rod at rod@omni-pg.com (WAD467) www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad467/

Practice and real estate for sale in Cowlitz County. Collections in 2021 were 1.3mil. Adjusted net profit 500K. State-of-the-art practice, 8 ops, CBCT. Real estate 6800 sq ft built in 2010.

Immaculate condition! Seller willing to stay for transition.

Contact Frank Sciabica at frank@omni-pg.com, 425-985-8390.

(WAD465) www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad465/

Mar 10, 2023

14 OPERATORY DENTAL OFFICE FOR LEASE IN LYNNWOOD Mar 10, 2023

This is an excellent location in the heart of the Puget Sound between Seattle, Bellevue, and Everett. The suite features 14 plumbed dental operatories, waiting area, reception, private out desks, consult rooms, large sterile, lab, mechanical/gas rooms, staff lounge, x-ray, doctors offices, managers office, restroom, storage, shared hallway restrooms, and more.

Convenient location off of I-5 and Highway 99. Near mall, convention center, transit center and future light rail hub.

This office is ready to take on any high capacity dental office needing more space. Well suited for other medical uses and office uses. Abundant parking and signage available. 4,700 Sq. Ft. Contact: Steve Kikikis steve@omni-pg.com | 425-905-6920 (WAR168) www.omni-pg.com/listing/war168/ GENERAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: BELLINGHAM Jan 20, 2023

Beautiful views from this location. Seller ready for Transition.

Great general family and implant dentistry practice w/ Real Estate. Collecting $810k working 4 days/week.

Excellent Cash Flow. 7 Ops with potential for 8 Ops. Fully computerized, chartless, digital radiography, Eaglesoft Software. 3Shape Scanner, Electric Handpieces, Rotary Endo, Intra Oral Camera, and Nitrous. Adjunctive Services include Oral Conscious Sedation, Ortho, TMJ Therapy and Sleep Apnea. Refer Out: Molar Endo, Difficult Ortho, and Difficult Ext. Approx. 2200 sq/ft. + (300 sq/ft basement) with option to own Real Estate.

For more information contact Karrie or Sam at (425) 216-1612 or email transitions@cpa4dds.com.

NORTH SEATTLE OFFICE SPACE Dec 23, 2022

Landlord Rep Lease space 1766 SF. Newly built out office space 1,716 SF featuring open entry waiting/reception area, large conference room/office, four private offices, kitchenette, restroom, and storage. Plenty of parking.

Excellent location for medical uses and/or office users. Right off of Hwy 99 at the Seattle Scottish Rite building.

Contact Steve at steve@omni-pg.com or 425-905-6920.

(WAR165) TURN-KEY GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE SOUTH SEATTLE Dec 23, 2022

Excellent dental start-up. Fully equipped turn-key practice 4 ops, shell space. No patients. South Seattle location.

Contact Rod Johnston at 206-979-2660 or rod@omni-pg.com (WAD476) www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad476/ DENTAL/MEDICAL OFFICE SPACE IN SMOKEY POINT WASHINGTON Nov 2, 2022

In Arlington, 5 chairs plumbed, reception, waiting area, and doctor’s office.

Contact Jun at junryuc21@gmail.com or 206-200-8668.

Oct 21, 2022

BELLINGHAM GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE Oct 21, 2022

5 fully-equipped ops. Beautiful office located in a rapidly growing area and a nature enthusiast’s dream. Year-todate collections $340,747 as of August 31st. Practice is in a professional office complex with ample off-street parking.

Lease effective through December 2023 with up to three renewal options of five-year terms.

Contact Rod Johnston at rod@omni-pg.com or call 206-979-2660.

(WAD464) www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad464/ 2 GENERAL PRACTICES FOR SALE: OKANOGAN COUNTY Oct 21, 2022

Two General practices available together in rural Okanogan County along the beautiful Okanogan River. Collecting $664,000. 5 and 3 fully equipped operatories respectively in each practice. Computerized ops w/ digital x-rays. Potential growth as endo, perio surgery, Ortho, Implant and some oral surgery are referred out.

For more information please contact: Karrie or Sam at (425) 216-1612 or Transitions@cpa4dds.com.

DENTAL, MEDICAL, VETERINARY BUILDING FOR SALE ON MAIN STREET Sep 2, 2022

2784 SF, 4+ ops. On-site parking. Dental lab currently renting basement. Upstairs could potentially be rented out as office space or ADU. Contact Megan@omni-pg.com, 503.830.5765. (ORR105) www.omni-pg.com/listing/orr105/ TURNKEY DENTAL OR ORTHODONTIST OFFICE BUILT-OUT IN 2005 LOCATED IN THE HEART OF BALLARD, WA

Anacortes General Dental Practice For Sale. Located at the entrance to beautiful Anacortes with great visibility on a busy street. Just minutes from the ferry terminal to the San Juans. 4 op practice with room for more. $1 mil in annual collections. Amazing Staff and Loyal patient base. Real estate may also be for sale.

Contact Frank@omni-pg.com or call 425-985-8390.

(WD300) www.omni-pg.com/listing/wd300/ LONG ESTABLISHED, STABLE, NICELY APPOINTED ISLAND GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE GROSSING 550K WITH HIGH NET Jul 12, 2022

Great location in growing area. 3 day a week practice running at 40% overhead - room for growth!

Contact Frank Sciabica, DDS at frank@omni-pg.com, 425-985-8390 for more info. (WAD429) www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad429/ RARE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A SUCCESSFUL, WELL-RESPECTED PRACTICE ON BEAUTIFUL SAN JUAN ISLAND OVERLOOKING FRIDAY HARBOR Mar 11, 2022

Motivated seller willing to carry portion of financing. Over $700K in only 15 working days per month. Three operatories with potential for four. Waterfront home with mooring and beach available to rent if desired.

Contact rod@omni-pg.com; 206-979-2660. (WAD397) www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad397/ THRIVING GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE IN CHARMING POULSBO NEAR THE BAY Dec 3, 2021

Poulsbo Practice on busy street. 4 fully-equipped operatories. Shared space with 4 additional plumbed ops available. Annual Collections over $850,000. Room to Grow!

Frank Sciabica - frank@omni-pg.com; 425-985-8390.

(WAD378) www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad378/ CURRENT OMNI LISTINGS Apr 29, 2021

For the most current information and to see all available practices for sale in Washington, please visit our website at www.omni-pg.com.

Aug 1, 2022

Signage, parking garage, and open street parking. Built for 3 ortho ops, has a waiting room, reception, ortho x-ray room, restroom, consult, staff room. This space will save you $350k and 6 months of build-out time.

Call ASAP - Steve Kikikis 425-905-6920; steve@omni-pg.com. (WAR161) GENERAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: BAINBRIDGE ISLAND Jul 22, 2022

Beautiful practice and located in a desirable area of Puget Sound! Collecting $751k. Seller ready to Transition. 5 fullycomputerized operatories. Belmont chairs. Digital Records.

Digital radiography and Pano. Primescan Scanner. Rotary Endo. Nitrous. Intra-oral cameras. Dentrix Software Refers out: Endo, Ortho, 3rd Molar Extractions. Lab/sterilization.

Private office. Staff Room. apx. 1900 sq/ft.

For more information contact Karrie or Sam at (425) 216-1612 or email transitions@cpa4dds.com.

BEAUTIFUL BAINBRIDGE ISLAND GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE Jul 15, 2022

4 fully equipped ops – 2 operative and 2 hygiene. Great staff, loyal patient base. Collections over $1 mil for past three years.

Contact frank@omni-pg.com; 425-985-8390. (WAD455) www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad455/

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Jul 12, 2022

WSDA Ne w s | Issue 2 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE DENTAL EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Feb 29, 2024

(1) ASI Triton 90-2025 Mobile Unit (2021) $10,700; (2) Dynamic DS1000 Extraoral Suction Unit (2021) $450; (3) Tuxedo Sensor Size 1 (Model PN 6100A - 2021) $2700; (4) iCam IO Camera (2021) $160; (5) Dentsply PureVac HVE System New ($130), (6) Misc. disposables North Idaho.

Shipping not included.

Contact: kgreenedds@gmail.com PANO-CEPH, ITERO, SELF CONTAINED DENTAL UNITS Jan 15, 2024

Recent satellite office closure equipment for sale: 1.) Soredex digital Cranex 3D Pano-Ceph Machine ($20,000). 2.) Itero element Scanner ($5,000). 3.) 2 ASI self-contained dental delivery units ($3,000 each).

For more information or pictures please email: omarcaballero@hotmail.com

LAUGHING GAS

DG Transitions LLC

General Dental Practice Opportunities

Comprehensive | Professional | Tax Efficient

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND

5 ops + > Collecting $751K

BELLINGHAM

7+ ops w/Real Estate > Collecting $800K

NORTH SEATTLE

6 ops > Collecting $1.3M

NORTH SEATTLE

3 ops > Collecting $935K

NORTH SEATTLE

6+ ops > Collecting $1.2M+

OKANOGAN COUNTY 2 locations

5 and 3 ops > Collecting $664K

PIERCE COUNTY

5 ops > Collecting $805K

SOUTH OF SEATTLE

5-7 ops > Collecting $1.4M

SOUTH PUGET SOUND

4 ops w/Real Estate > Collecting (Inquire)

SOUTH PUGET SOUND

4+ ops w/Real Estate > Collecting (Inquire)

SOUTH PUGET SOUND

5-9 ops w/Real Estate > Collecting $1.2M

A DENTAL GROUP COMPANY

dgtransitions.com

We’re your Transitions Specialist We bring all of our tools and expertise to bear to achieve your desired transition: and, through tax and other planning, leaving more of your hard earned value in your pocket.

Transition Complete BELLINGHAM AREA

5+ ops w/Real Estate > Collecting $1.0M

EASTSIDE

6 ops

NORTH SEATTLE

4-7 ops w/Real Estate > Collecting $779K

OLYMPIC PENINSULA

7 ops > Collecting $779K

SEATTLE AREA

Endodontics

SOUTH OF SEATTLE

5 ops > Collecting $1.06M

> Collecting $2.35M

> Collecting $1.29M

Coming Soon

karrie@cpa4dds.com

sam@cpa4dds.com

BELLINGHAM

4 ops > Collecting $700K

EASTSIDE

5 ops > Collecting $1.1M

KIRKLAND

5 ops > Collecting $1.3M

WSDA Ne w s | Issue 2 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

57

THE LAST WORD

It’s Time for CODA to Change

T Bracken Killpack Executive Director, WSDA

“WSDA has strongly advocated for CODA to eliminate or, less preferably, level its faculty-to-student ratios for dental hygiene and dental assisting education.”

his installment of “The Last Word” focuses on what has become my least favorite four-letter word: CODA. Alas, we are not talking about an Academy Award-winning film or a literary epilogue, but instead about the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

WSDA has strongly advocated for CODA to eliminate or, less preferably, level its facultyto-student ratios for dental hygiene and dental assisting education. We question the inconsistency across CODA standards. While dental hygiene programs must have one instructor for every five students for clinical education, dental therapy and dental assisting programs can operate with one instructor per six students. Furthermore, there is NO required ratio for predoctoral dental education.

There are two big problems with this inconsistency. First, CODA is promulgating accreditation standards where student training in the least invasive procedures has the most restrictive faculty-to-student ratio. Second, the overly restrictive standards effectively reduce the number of new hygienists during a time of serious workforce shortages.

Thankfully, WSDA has been joined by 18 other state dental associations, the ADA’s Council on Dental Education and Licensure, and the 2023 ADA House of Delegates in our effort to address the faculty-to-student ratio issue.

WSDA also has serious antitrust concerns about CODA’s inconsistent and seemingly arbitrary standards; these concerns have been clearly articulated to CODA by WSDA legal counsel on two separate occasions. To be clear, WSDA raised these anti-trust concerns on its own; we have not asked others to join us in doing so.

What has been CODA’s response to this persistent advocacy? To date, the commission has made three attempts to respond. First, CODA simply tried to shut down the request, effectively saying “we don’t agree with you; go away.” For its second attempt, CODA tried to overwhelm states advocating for change by demanding extensive and irrelevant data and then using survey data from educators in an attempt to end discussion of the issue.

The views expressed in all WSDA publications are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official positions or policies of the WSDA.

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CODA is currently in the process of developing its third response. This time, CODA is doubling down on “researching” its way out of addressing its arbitrary standards. Here’s how I summarized CODA’s current progress to my fellow state

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dental association executive directors: “If you would enjoy reading a document where CODA twists itself into pretzels about first acknowledging the dental hygiene shortage and then attempting (unsuccessfully) to explain it away, then argues that there’s no need to change faculty-to-student ratios, only to recommend that further study and a literature review is needed, than I would HIGHLY encourage you to read their report. As a public service announcement against self-asphyxiation, I would recommend against holding one’s breath in anticipation of the Review Committee on Dental Hygiene Education coming out with any recommendation other than maintaining their extraordinary 1 to 5 faculty-to-student ratio. I remain amazed with how much rope ADA legal counsel is letting CODA use to tie itself into an antitrust mess.”

CODA is expected to share its latest report and any recommendations for changing standards at its next meeting in August 2024.

After spending two years on the Sisyphean task of trying to change a standard set by a commission that strives to be the antithesis of change, I have come to the conclusion that CODA must be fundamentally disrupted. My conversations with MANY individuals across the country on the topic of CODA indicate that a lot of folks agree with that conclusion – and for a wide range of reasons. CODA is overly bureaucratic, incredibly slow, and prioritizes stability at the expense of innovation. Meeting current accreditation and re-accreditation standards is also extremely expensive. These sentiments have been shared with me on many occasions, often confidentially out of fear of CODA’s wrath.

So, what would disruption look like? Fortunately, CODA is not an independent entity. While its decision-making process is independent of the ADA, the commission is an entity of the American Dental Association. It receives financial, staffing, and other support from the ADA. I implore the ADA to take decisive action to disrupt and revamp the current operations of CODA. I hope to write a future column about CODA’s transition into an accreditor that meets the needs of 21st Century education, instead of fighting to maintain its status as a relic of the 20th Century.

WSDA will determine next steps on its own faculty-to-student ratio advocacy after the commission’s next meeting in August. Stay tuned. n W

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