WSDA News | Issue 4, 2024

news Issue 4 . 2024 The Voice of the Washington State Dental Association

Making

a Life DR. KALMAN KLASS 2024 WSDA Citizen of the Year

Tacoma’s Dr. Robin Jones – 14 | Fixing Washington’s Broken Dental Benefits System – 26

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WSDA Ne w s | Issue 4 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

WSDA news

Issue 4 . 2024

CONTENTS

From the Executive Director | Bracken Killpack.............................. 6 In Memoriam: Remembering Dr. Kim Nordberg .......... 8 Guest Editorial | Dr. Randall C. Markarian.......................................................... 9 Regulatory & Compliance News.............................................................. 10 Association Updates.....................................................................................................12 Giving Back: Tacoma’s Dr. Robin Jones.................................... 14 PNDC Update .......................................................................................................................... 18 Making a Life: Dr. Kalman Klass is 2024 WSDA Citizen of the Year...................................................... 20 Fixing Washington’s Broken Dental Benefits System ........................................................................................26 ComplyBetter Update .............................................................................................29

Making a Life: Dr. Kalman Klass 2024 WSDA Citizen of the Year

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WDIA News ................................................................................................................................ 32 Partner News: Lack of Detail in Chart Entry Hinders Dentist’s Malpractice Defense | Mark Leffler, DDS, Esq.................................................................................. 34 WSDA Retro Update....................................................................................................36 UW School of Dentistry News | Dr. André Ritter........................ 38 PNWU School of Dental Medicine News

Dr. Fotinos Panagakos......................................................................................................................39

ADA News......................................................................................................................................40 Classifieds...................................................................................................................................... 45 Laughing Gas............................................................................................................................ 53 The Last Word | Dr. Stephen Lee........................................................................... 54 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. Chris Dorow, President Dr. Lisa Egbert, President-Elect Dr. Blake McKinley, Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Nathan G. Russell, Immediate Past President Dr. Puneet Aulakh Dr. Patricia Benton Dr. Lisa Buttaro Dr. Brittany Dean Dr. Emily Hobart Dr. Kevin Hudson Dr. Melanie Lang Dr. Stephen Rupert Dr. Marshall Titus Dr. Daniel Tremblay Dr. Crystal Vo Dr. Daniel Wilson

Fixing Washington’s Broken Dental Benefits System

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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 4 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dental Education in Washington is on the Rise

T Bracken Killpack Executive Director, WSDA

“Our increased investments in dentist education are being made in the best possible way – by focusing on eastern Washington, rural areas, and historically underserved communities.”

he coming year will bring great news for Washington patients and dentistry. That’s because in 2025 our state will have first year predoctoral dental students enrolled in TWO dental schools across THREE different locations – UW-Gonzaga University Health Partnership Building (Spokane), Equity Hall at Pacific Northwest University (Yakima), and UW Health Sciences Center (Seattle).

The University of Washington School of Dentistry’s Regional Initiative in Dental Education (RIDE) program moved into the aforementioned building in Spokane earlier this year. RIDE is on track to expand its annual class size to 32 students. Students will be trained in Spokane for the first two years, meaning more RIDE students will spend less time in Seattle and more time in Spokane.

Pacific Northwest University (PNWU)’s School of Dental Medicine (SDM) has received its initial accreditation from CODA. PNWU’s first class will include 36 predoctoral students that will spend their first year in Yakima. The remaining three years will be spent in facilities affiliated with federally qualified health centers in either Kennewick, Tacoma or Yakima. As of the end of September, PNWU has already received over 800 applicants for its 36 spots.

Washington, regularly a top exporter thanks to industries like agriculture and aerospace, has been an importer of dentists for more than four decades. This century, Washington has only trained about a quarter of its dentist workforce in-state. Oregon, with a state population that is about half of Washington, has annually trained the most dentists in the Pacific Northwest over this time.

Despite being a prolific importer of dentists trained out-of-state, Washington has not seen a shortage of dentists on a per-capita basis. We have been in the top quintile of the number of dentists per 100,000 residents over the past 25 years. As many dentists in King County (one dentist per 948 people) can attest, Washington’s dentist workforce issue is a matter of distribution.

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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The problem of distribution is neither unique to dentistry nor to Washington. Nationally, health care workforce shortages are most pronounced in rural communities. To compound the issue, the rural health care workforce tends to be

WSDA Ne w s | Issue 4 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

older and the percentage of students from rural communities enrolled in health care programs has declined.

Fortunately, there are solutions to addressing these issues and, at least in the case of dentistry in Washington, we are making strides in the right direction. Instead of doubling the number of dental students spending four years near Montlake, our increased investments in dentist education are being made in the best possible way – by focusing on eastern Washington, rural areas, and historically underserved communities.

Data show that health care workers often stay at or near where they complete their education. This makes sense, since students (and their families) gain lived experience where they do their training and can easily visualize their futures. The proof: Over 80% of RIDE graduates return to practice in rural and underserved communities. Another important trend: Unsurprisingly, individuals who grew up in rural or underserved communities are the most likely to work in those communities.

In other words, training dentists from rural or underserved communities in rural or underserved communities is the most effective way to improve Washington’s distribution of dentists.

Some in our dental community are concerned that an increase of 60 new dental graduates in Washington (not to mention additional graduates from other dental schools that have recently been or will soon be added across the country) is an issue. At the national level, there may well be an issue of oversupply of dentists looming in the coming years, which could result in closure and/or reduction in size of multiple dental schools.

However, I wholeheartedly believe that the dental education programs that will be the most resilient in the years ahead will be those that operate like RIDE and PNWU and focus on increasing the dentist workforce in underserved areas. I applaud both UW and PNWU for their foresight.

Dental education in our state is on the rise and is being built on a strong foundation that will serve us well for the rest of the 21st Century. n W

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WSDA Ne w s | Issue 4 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

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IN MEMORIAM

Remembering Dr. Kim Nordberg It is with tremendous sadness that we share the passing of Dr. Kim Nordberg and his wife, Bette, as a result of an automobile accident Oct. 13.

He was 72.

Dr. Nordberg was a pillar of the dental community in Puyallup, Pierce County and across the state. Kim wore many hats at the Washington State Dental Association (WSDA) including as a founding member and co-chair of the reconstituted Dental Benefits Committee, a past member of the WSDA Board of Directors, and a board member of the Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency (WDIA). He represented Pierce County Dental Society (PCDS) as a delegate to the WSDA House of Delegates and served in PCDS leadership as well. He deeply cherished mentoring younger dentists and dental students.

Kim was a tireless advocate for his patients and for the dental profession. He cared deeply about providing optimal care for each of his patients, believing that care decisions should be left to a patient and their dentist without interference from third parties. When Kim cared about a topic, he did his homework by talking with his peers and patients and reading the fine print. If collective action was needed, Kim stepped up and helped ensure the objective was achieved. Put simply, Kim cared deeply and fought wholeheartedly for his causes.

Kim was a stalwart advocate for the profession he loved so dearly. He was instrumental in working with WSDA in getting dental offices safely back to work during the dark days of the pandemic, and on advancing WSDA’s advocacy agenda, especially the parts focused on dental benefits. Time and again, Kim demonstrated

his sincerity, humility, authenticity, and commitment to doing the right thing.

Kim was a devoted father to his family of four children and cherished moments spent with his 10 grandchildren. His son, Dr. Eric Nordberg, said that Kim “worked out his salvation with fear and trembling” as a member of his local church, where he taught fifth- and sixth-grade Sunday school classes and served as a general contractor when the church built its own building.

“Kim cared deeply and fought wholeheartedly for his causes.”

Kim supported local mission groups and served on the board of the Cannon Beach Conference Center. He was devoted to international dental missions and spent over 15 years planning and attending dental mission trips to Guatemala and other parts of Central America. Recreationally, he enjoyed boating in the Puget Sound and the inside passage of Vancouver Island, as well as scuba diving around the world.

A memorial will be held on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Lighthouse Christian Center in Puyallup. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to either Dr. Kim Nordberg’s medical mission fund — Agape Ministries — or Cannon Beach Conference Center in Cannon Beach, Oregon [see box].

Our hearts go out to the Nordberg family during this difficult time. Kim will always be missed and will never be forgotten.

Donations in memory of Dr. Nordberg can be made to either: Agape Ministries www.spot.fund/6mss7lsc or Cannon Beach Conference Center cannonbeachconferencecenter.givingfuel.com/memorials

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WSDA Ne w s | Issue 4 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

GUEST EDITORIAL

Making a Difference on ERISA: The ADA in Action

H

ave you had the following experience?

You submit a claim for a patient and the response from the insurance carrier is one you were positive state law does not allow. It’s extremely frustrating and costly to find out that, because of a federal law called The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), self-funded plans covered

by ERISA assert that state laws that should protect you and your patients don’t apply to them. To add to the confusion, many of the same insurance carriers that provide fully-insured coverage, where state laws do apply, also process claims on behalf of self-funded plans, and in such cases assert that state laws do not apply. As an American Dental Association (ADA) trustee, I know that this is happening more and more around the country. Approximately half of the dental coverage nationwide is now provided through plans that are self-funded, allowing carriers to use ERISA as a “get out of jail free” card.

In a nutshell, the ERISA preemption is applied too broadly by the carriers. In response, nearly two years ago the ADA House of Delegates formed a special committee on ERISA to look for innovative strategies to deal with the problem.

We have identified a number of paths forward.

Here’s a brief snapshot: • Legal Activities. In a recent decision, the Supreme Court clarified that the scope of the preemption is narrower than carriers consider it to be. The case dealt with pharmacy benefit managers and a state law governing them. The ADA is working to have the Court’s analysis applied to other state laws such as those governing dental plans. To that end, on June 12, the ADA filed an amicus (friend of the court) brief in the United States Supreme Court asking it to accept a review of a decision from the United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit concerning so-called ERISA preemption of state statutes. The brief argues that the Supreme Court should take up the case because the 10th Circuit decision is directly at odds with the Supreme Court’s holding in Rutledge v. Pharmaceutical Care Management Association that appropriately limits the reach of the federal ERISA statute’s preemption of state law.

• State Activities. A number of state dental societies have begun outreach to their

departments of insurance and attorneys general, arguing that these offices have the authority now to limit the scope of the ERISA preemption. Additionally, some states – like Arizona – successfully lobbied for provisions in state laws that say the rules should apply to all carriers, whether they are acting as an insurance carrier or as an administrator of a self-funded plan.

• Federal Activities. It’s important to remember that ERISA has a lot of friends in Washington, D.C. Employers rely on ERISA to keep pensions, IRAs, 401(k) plans and benefit plans consistent across state lines. With that said, the ADA is spurring a conversation about limiting the scope of the ERISA preemption and has sent a number of recent letters to the Hill on the issue. We are also on the hunt for allies in this effort.

The American Optometric Association has already joined with us in financing the amicus brief, as have American Association of Orthodontics, American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, The Association of Dental Support Organizations and American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. It was also supported by the American Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology, American Association of Endodontists, Academy of General Dentistry and American Academy of Periodontology.

Dr. Randall C. Markarian

Chair, ADA Special Committee on ERISA

“In a nutshell, the ERISA preemption is applied too broadly by the carriers. In response, nearly two years ago the ADA House of Delegates formed a special committee on ERISA to look for innovative strategies to deal with the problem. We have identified a number of paths forward.”

ERISA has its benefits. But shining a light on how it can be interpreted in a better way, one that benefits us and our patients, is a high priority for the ADA. We need your help too. If you receive notification from a carrier about a state law not applying because of ERISA, let us know about it by contacting the ADA’s department of state government affairs at dsga@ada.org. Finally, and maybe most importantly, get as educated as you can about the issue. I’ve learned so much about this federal law in the two years I’ve led the special committee. I encourage you to do the same. To learn about ERISA and what the ADA is doing, visit www.ada.org/ERISA. Hopefully, together, we can take some of the needless frustration out of this process. n W Randall C. Markarian, D.M.D., M.S., an orthodontist in Swansea, IL. He serves on the ADA Board of Trustees, Eighth District and is also a member of American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and a past president of the Illinois State Dental Society.

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 4 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

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REGULATORY & COMPLIANCE NEWS

E-Prescribing Waiver Attestation Due December 1

Key Dates • Dec. 1, 2024: Deadline to submit annual PMP/EHR and E-prescribing waivers

Similar to the EHR/PMP integration waiver attestation, waiver attestations for e-prescribing must be submitted annually, by December 1 of each year for the proximate year. For example, for calendar year 2025, providers should resubmit a waiver attestation

by Dec. 1, 2024. All information concerning a prescription for controlled substances Schedule II — Schedule V, or information concerning a refill authorization for controlled substances Schedule III — Schedule V, must be communicated electronically unless one of the authorized exemptions are met, or the health care provider has obtained a waiver from the DOH.

• Jan. 1, 2025: Pediatric Sedation Endorsement Required • Jan. 1, 2025: Corporate Transparency Act deadline for filing ownership reports • Jan. 1, 2025: Minimum wage increases to $16.66 • Jan. 1, 2025: Licensure renewal will include additional demographic questions Learn more about these regulatory dates and deadlines at www.wsda.org/regulations.

Upcoming Laws & Regulations EHR/PMP Integration Waiver Attestation Due December 1 Waiver attestations for Electronic Health Records (EHR)/Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) integration must be submitted annually, by December 1 of each year for the proximate year. For example, for calendar year 2025, providers should resubmit a waiver attestation by Dec. 1, 2024. All health care facilities with ten or more prescribers, excluding critical access hospitals, must have fully integrated their EHR systems with the state’s PMP or have obtained a waiver from the Department of Health (DOH).

To qualify for a waiver, an organization must be experiencing an economic hardship, technological limitations, or other exceptional circumstance. Most WSDA members qualify for the waiver under the exceptional circumstances category as they generate fewer than one hundred prescriptions of Schedule II – Schedule V drugs in a one-year period (both new and refill authorizations).

Submit the waiver at www.bit.ly/3C0TLYn.

To qualify for an e-prescribing waiver from the DOH, the provider must be experiencing an economic hardship, technological limitations, or other exceptional circumstance. Most WSDA members qualify for the waiver under the exceptional circumstances category as they generate fewer than one hundred prescriptions of Schedule II – Schedule V drugs in a one-year period (both new and refill authorizations).

Submit the waiver at www.bit.ly/3Yr4sel.

Pediatric Sedation Endorsement As part of the new anesthesia rules, effective Jan. 1, 2025, dentists administering any type of moderate sedation to pediatric patients aged 12 and under will be required to obtain a pediatric sedation endorsement.

To obtain this endorsement, dentists must have a valid moderate sedation permit (enteral or parenteral) and have either completed: • A CODA-accredited postgraduate program in pediatric dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, or dental anesthesiology; or • Pre-doctoral dental school, postgraduate instruction, or continuing education that includes at least 37 hours in minimal and moderate sedation and an additional 14 hours focused on pediatric sedation.

To retain a pediatric endorsement, dentists will need to complete 14 hours of CE each renewal cycle as well as maintain current Basic Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support certifications.

Health Care Professionals’ Demographic Information Starting Jan. 1, 2025, the Department of Health (DOH) will collect demographic data from healthcare professionals at license issuance and renewal. Applicant and license renewal forms will include questions on race, ethnicity, gender, spoken languages, specialty, and primary place of practice.

This new requirement is part of legislation passed in the 2023 legislative session and the data collected will help DOH better understand and plan for the healthcare workforce in Washington state.

Corporate Transparency Act Deadline for Filing Ownership Reports 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).

FinCEN began accepting beneficial ownership information reports from entities, which includes most dental practices, on Jan. 1, 2024.

A dental practice must file under the act if one or both of the following criteria are met: • The practice employs fewer than 20 people.

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

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.

Ways to Get Involved 4 Sign Up for the DQAC Interested Parties Email List n

4 Join the WSDA Committee on Regulatory Affairs n

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

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REGULATORY & COMPLIANCE NEWS

Recently Implemented Laws & Regulations

The WDC intends to clarify dental assistant registration eligibility for minors and ensure compliance with these labor laws.

Paid Sick Leave

Dental Therapy

To align with Senate Bill 5793, which passed during the 2024 legislative session, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has updated the state’s paid sick leave rules. Effective Aug. 23, 2024, the definition of “family member” is expanded for the purposes of using paid sick leave. It now includes a broader definition of relatives, such as grandchildren, grandparents, and siblings, in addition to those who regularly reside in the employee’s home and depend on them for care.

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 WDC Dental Therapy Committee has since begun preparing for the implementation of this new law by beginning the rulemaking process for this profession.

Employees are now also able to use paid sick leave when their child’s school or place of care is closed due to an emergency declared by authorities. While this provision is already in effect for health-related closures, it will expand on Jan. 1, 2025, to include closures due to any type of emergency declared by local, state or federal authorities.

Use of Voluntary Personal Protective Equipment In response to legislation, L&I revised its workplace safety rules to allow for the voluntary use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Effective Oct. 1, 2024, this means employees can choose to wear additional PPE beyond what an employer requires, provided it doesn’t create any safety hazards or violate workplace security protocols. However, employers are not responsible for providing or maintaining any voluntary PPE.

Rules Under Consideration Dental Assistant Registration The Washington Dental Commission (WDC) is considering amendments to establish a minimum age requirement for dental assistant registration. The WDC is proposing language modifications to include reference to L&I state labor laws, which prohibit minors from working in hazardous occupations, including those with potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens. There is an exception for minors enrolled in training programs.

Under the proposed rules, for prescriptions dispensed in office for patient take home use and upon patient request, health care providers will be required to provide prescription information in accessible formats such as braille, large print, and electronic formats that can be read by assistive devices. This rule will apply to prescriptions such as prescription toothpaste, mouthwash, or teeth whitening products.

Additionally, the proposed rules require that upon patient request, providers make available competent oral interpretation and written translation services for prescription instructions to patients with limited English proficiency.

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.

Dental Licensure Requirements The WDC Continuing Competency Committee has held several discussions on licensure requirements for dental school graduates of non-accredited schools as well as on the pathway to dental licensure without examination. From those conversations, the WDC is proposing clarifying the clinical and didactic educational and training requirements for dental licensure without examination to ensure minimum competency requirements are met. This proposal is in response to WDC Committee member concerns that current regulations may allow licensure without sufficient hands-on clinical training.

Accessible Prescription Labeling In response to petitions advocating for increased accessibility, the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission is in the process of developing new rules to ensure prescription information is readily accessible to individuals with visual impairments or limited English proficiency.

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ASSOCIATION UPDATES

2024-2025 WSDA Board of Directors, Back Row, L to R: Dr. Kevin Hudson, Dr. Daniel Tremblay, Dr. Chris Dorow (president), Dr. Brittany Dean, Dr. Blake McKinley (secretarytreasurer), Dr. Daniel Wilson, Dr. Melanie Lang, Dr. Puneet Aulakh, Dr. Nathan Russell (immediate past president). Front Row, L to R: Mr. Bracken Killpack, Dr. Lisa Egbert (president-elect), Dr. Stephen Rupert, Dr. Marshall Titus, Dr. Crystal Vo, Dr. Emily Hobart, Dr. Lisa Buttaro, Dr. Patricia Benton.

2024 WSDA House of Delegates Resolution & Election Results The 2024 meeting of the WSDA House of Delegates, the governing body of the Association, was held 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.

Resolution Results Members can visit www.wsda.org/HOD to view resolutions adopted at the 2024 House.

Election Results The following member dentists were elected to WSDA leadership positions: WSDA President-elect Dr. Lisa Egbert ADA Delegate WSDA Board of Directors Dr. Lisa Buttaro Dr. Puneet Aulakh Dr. Brittany Dean Dr. Patricia Benton Dr. Christopher Delecki Dr. Stephen Rupert Dr. Tofunmi Osundeko Dr. Marshall Titus Dr. Crystal Vo

Significant Membership Savings in 2025: Renew Today!

WSDA is excited to announce our participation in a three-year membership model pilot program with the ADA that will significantly decrease the cost of membership for most dentists.

Thank You to Outgoing WSDA Board Members Thank you to outgoing directors Dr. Joseph de Jesus (right), Dr. John Gibbons (left), and Dr. Christine Kirchner (not pictured) for dedicating their time and expertise to the betterment of the Association throughout their terms on the WSDA Board of Directors.

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Under the new membership model, most members will pay significantly less in 2025 than they did in 2024.

• Early Career dentists up to five years out of dental school will see the largest decrease in price, paying no more than $37/month ($444 annually) for 2025 membership.

• Most dentists six or more years out of dental school will save $270-$520 from 2024 to 2025, paying no more than $104/month ($1,249 annually).

• Dentists six or more years out of dental school have the opportunity to maximize their savings with the WDIA Appreciation Discount. Purchase MedPro Group

WSDA Ne w s | Issue 4 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

professional liability insurance through Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency (WDIA) to receive $250 off your 2025 membership! Learn more at www.wsda.org/discount.

Renew online at www.wsda.org/renew by Jan. 1 and be entered to win a refund of the cost of your 2025 membership.

Password Change Required for All Membership Accounts In September, the American Dental Association (ADA) upgraded its technology to a new system that will enable the ADA, WSDA and local dental societies to deliver additional value to our members through a more streamlined experience and enhanced services and support.

As part of this upgrade, there have been changes to all members’ login credentials for their membership account. Members need to update their password to log into the WSDA, ADA and some local dental society websites and to renew memberships online.

ASSOCIATION UPDATES

With the new login process, ADA number is no longer used as the member login username.

Instead, members will use their unique (only used by the member) email address as their username to access membership accounts. All members must change their password the first time that they login.

Learn more and change your password at www.bit.ly/3YMuHxe. For assistance with username and password updates, email us at info@wsda.org.

Stay Informed: Get Text Alerts on Issues Important to Dentists

Sign Up for WSDA Retro WSDA Retro is a free program exclusively available to WSDA members offering employers free workers’ compensation claims support, wage reimbursement and other benefits if you have a workplace injury or other issue with L&I.

What are the Benefits of WSDA Retro?

Register for PNDC 2025 Registration is open for the 2025 Pacific Northwest Dental Conference, which will be held May 8-10 in Seattle!

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

PNDC 2025 will be held at Summit, the new expansion of the Seattle Convention Center. We heard from PNDC 2024 attendees that last year was “by far the best PNDC yet,” and we can’t wait to invite the dental community back to Seattle next spring to do it all again!

PNDC 2025 will feature a lecture by Dr. Frank Spear, one of the world’s premier speakers on restorative and esthetic dentistry. Don’t miss out on this headlining lecture on Saturday, May 10!

PNDC offers deep discounts for WSDA members (with additional discounts for recent graduates) and affordable pricing for the entire office team.

• WSDA Member: $385 Early Bird • Recent Graduate WSDA Member (Class of 2020-2024): $248 Early Bird • WSDA ADA Life Member: FREE • WA State Non-Member: $1,980 Early Bird • Hygienist: $248 Early Bird • Dental Assistant/EFDA: $165 Early Bird • Front Office: $165 Early Bird Early Bird price available through March 21.

Learn more and register today at www.wsda.org/pndc.

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).

Sign up for WSDA’s text message-based action alert system. Signing up will enable you to receive updates on your phone at the moment action is most necessary on critical dental issues. By clicking a link in a text message, you will be able to contact your legislators about dental issues by email, phone, and various social media platforms.

To sign up, text WSDA to 52886.

During signup, you will be asked for your name, the zip code where you are registered to vote, and your email address. After answering those questions, you will be entered into the system and will receive a text message every time we need you to take action in support of our advocacy agenda.

• ERNwest can help you improve your workplace safety and maximize strategies to control the cost of the premiums you already pay to L&I. • 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.

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 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.

Register for Dental Action Day 2025 Dental Action Day, WSDA’s largest annual advocacy event, will take place on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. Gather in Olympia with dentists from across the state to meet with your legislators and advocate for issues affecting the dental profession. One profession, one voice! Learn more and register at www.wsda.org/DAD.

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.

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GIVING BACK

When You Give to Others, You Give to Yourself

Dr. Robin Jones is making a difference for low-income, underserved patients in Tacoma

QUICK BITES: • Tacoma native Dr. Robin Jones practices “Community Dentistry” in her hometown • In addition to her private practice Dental Village PLLC, she founded the nonprofit Children’s International Health Relief (CIHR) • CIHR serves low-income and primarily Black, Indigenous, and People of Color patients • CIHR is unique in that it operates both mobile and office-based free dental clinics

Both Jones’ practice and non-profit efforts serve a diverse population of low-income patients.

“The Children’s International Health Relief (CIHR) was founded by Jones in 2001 to address health disparities and promote oral health equity by providing access to care.”

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W

hen asked about her practice model, Dr. Robin Jones replied that she is “a general dentist specializing in ‘community dentistry.’ It’s a specialty I created.”

From day one, her sense of community shaped her private practice. For nearly three decades, Dental Village PLLC – named for

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the concept that it takes a village to raise a child – has operated in the Tacoma Mall area.

There she has provided dental services for mostly low-income Medicaid- and Medicareeligible patients from a broad range of cultural backgrounds. Those patients include otherwise underserved families, veterans, the elderly, unhoused people, and children and adults with special needs and disabilities.

“Since the inception of my private practice, I have also provided free dentistry for adults

GIVING BACK

Jones recalls the faculty at Meharry being friendly – one instructor would routinely tell her he was eating a Washington apple for lunch that day. Still, “The professors were old school, commanded respect and did not play around,” Jones said. For instance, there was a strict dress code for clinical rotations: Business attire, with male students required to wear a white shirt and a tie.

Jones summed up her dental school experience by saying, “At Meharry, I experienced Black excellence.”

CIHR routinely participates in community events to extend its patient reach.

and children who did not have any dental insurance,” Jones said. “They would come to my practice in pain with a toothache and no dental coverage, which led me to think about starting a nonprofit to better meet their needs.”

That nonprofit, the Children’s International Health Relief (CIHR) was founded by Jones in 2001 to address health disparities and promote oral health equity by providing access to care. CIHR’s mission is to improve the healthcare of needy families in United States and abroad.

Tacoma Roots Before going into more detail about the important work being done by CIHR staff and volunteers, it’s important to understand where Jones is coming from.

Jones grew up in Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood, the eldest of three children raised by a single mother. Her mother had moved the family from Ohio to be closer to her extended family; that family and their neighborhood church became a defining force for Jones. She recalls family dinner parties and barbecues where her mother would feed not only her extended family but also neighbors, church members, friends and friends-of-friends. No one was turned away.

Their home also became a place for family and friends who needed somewhere to stay.

Jones’ mother babysat young children so their parents could work, cared for the elderly, and ran the church’s free breakfast program to help feed the less fortunate in the Hilltop community.

Jones and her siblings helped in all these efforts. She credits these experiences, along with her experience in her church, in helping

her get where she is today.

“The Black church experience gave me confidence, taught me self-love and developed my leadership skills,” she said. “I stand on the shoulders of my ancestors who sacrificed and paved the way for me to be here and for my success,” she said.

While attending Tacoma’s Wilson High School, Jones took a career class and decided to pursue a career in dentistry.

“At that time, I thought it would be more fun to work in dentistry as opposed to medicine, because a dentist did not deal with death and dying and had the weekends off,” she recalled.

Preparing to Serve After majoring in biology at Seattle University, Jones enrolled in dental school at Meharry Medical College, a historically Black college in Nashville. Meharry was founded in 1876 – a time when Black people were denied access to public hospitals and clinics because of racism and segregation – and its mission is to worship God through service to mankind.

Jones was the only Meharry student from the Pacific Northwest, which led to some interesting and amusing exchanges with her fellow students, who would often confuse Washington state with “that other Washington.”

“I would tell my classmates and instructors that we were the only Black family in town or that Tacoma was something out of a Western movie. Surprisingly, most of the time they believed me,” she said, adding that in the days before Google, internet access in the palm of your hand, and ready access to social media, it was much more difficult for them to check out her stories.

Upon graduation from dental school, Jones completed a general practice residency at Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, followed by a fellowship in geriatric medicine and dentistry at the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) & School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, New Jersey. With an eye on an academic career as a dental research scientist, she then took on a series of positions that combined her passions for dentistry, medicine, research and teaching both dental and medical students (see box). Even as her career path changed and the beckoning of her hometown prompted a return to the Puget Sound region, she maintained that strong interest in and commitment to hospital dentistry for both adult and pediatric patients.

“I felt it was the right thing to do. I believe that we come to this earth in the physical form to be a vehicle for God and to do the work to make the world a better place. We all are just passing through. When you give to others, you give to yourself.”

“I have always enjoyed hospital dentistry,” she said. “I’m proud of the fact that I have maintained hospital privileges with the MultiCare Health System – both Tacoma General Hospital and Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital – here in Tacoma for the past 27 years.”

CIHR is Born As Jones built her private practice, she saw a need and was inspired to create a nonprofit to meet it.

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GIVING BACK “I felt it was the right thing to do. I believe that we come to this earth in the physical form to be a vehicle for God and to do the work to make the world a better place. We all are just passing through. When you give to others, you give to yourself,” she said.

In her case, that giving meant developing plans and soliciting donations of equipment to create CIHR. Much like Jones’ contributions through her private practice, the program focuses on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) patients who are low income and either uninsured or underinsured. Most CIHR clients have been denied care from other dentists, have severe dental needs, and have nowhere else to go. They are not charged fees for service, co-pays or deductibles.

CIHR’s initiative was its Dental Village Outreach Program, a mobile dental clinic that provides free care at community events and facilities. Over the years, the mobile dental clinic has treated low-income patients at a number of cultural festivals, including Seattle’s Black Wall Street Festival, Tacoma’s Juneteenth Festival, and local tribal powwows. It has also made appearances at back-to-school fairs, health carnivals, parks, churches, rehabilitation centers, shelters, other tribal events, and even in a Walmart parking lot.

Additionally, CIHR has for many years been the fiscal sponsor of the Hilltop Healthy Kids & Family Carnival, an event Jones

“Expansion made CIHR unique in offering both mobile and fixed-location clinics for low-income patients.” chairs. Since 2010, the carnival has been held annually in February, and brings together community partners to promote healthier lifestyles to multicultural at-risk urban youth and families in the Hilltop community. It focuses on promoting four key pillars of health to children and their families: dental/ medical health, nutrition, fitness and mental/ emotional health (including safety). The message is delivered through t-shirts, games, toy giveaways, a juice bar, free healthy food, and public service announcements. Free dental cleanings, blood pressure checks and diabetes screenings are among the health services offered at the carnival.

Expanding to an Office In August 2022, CIHR’s Dental Village Outreach Program expanded to include an office-based free dental clinic. This expansion made CIHR unique in offering both mobile and fixed-location clinics for low-income patients. The office clinic is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and has two full-time paid dental assistants, one full-time paid receptionist, and Dr. Jones as a full-time dentist. Care is taken to make the clinic inviting to all patients.

PREPARING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN “COMMUNITY DENTISTRY” Dr. Jones has a broad range of dental, medical, and academic experiences that she brings to her private practice, nonprofit clinic, and community volunteer efforts. They include: • General practice residency at Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York • Fellowship in geriatric medicine and dentistry at the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) & School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, New Jersey • Clinical instructor in the Department of General & Hospital Dentistry teaching dental students at UMDNJ

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• Lecturer at University of Michigan, Department of Oral Medicine, Pathology & Surgery at the University Hospital teaching both dental students and general practice residents • Researcher on salivary gland preservation in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiation therapy, University of Michigan • Dental Director of Odessa Brown Children’s Dental Clinic in Seattle, were she supervised University of Washington School of Dentistry pediatric residents’ clinical rotations

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IT TAKES A VILLAGE Coordinating mobile and office-based free dental clinics is a team effort. Dr. Jones would like to acknowledge and thank the following: FUNDING SOURCES: (A partial list) Puyallup Tribal Charity Fund, Muckleshoot Charities Funds, Tulalip Tribes Charitable Contributions, Washington State Health Care Authority, Washington State Department of Commerce, Norcliff Foundation, Milgard Foundation, Arcora Foundation, City of Tacoma-Events & Venue, City of Tacoma-Neighborhood & Community Services, Seattle Foundation, Pierce County Local Impact Network, MultiCare Health Care System, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Community Health Care, Molina Healthcare of Washington, Community Health Plan of Washington, Coordinated Care, United Health Care Systems, Tacoma Urban League, United Way, Tacoma Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, Comcast, Salal Credit Union, Costco and Walmart.

DENTAL PROFESSIONALS: Office-based clinic Dentists: Dr. Vahid Atabaksh, Dr. Mostafa Norooz, Dr. Carolyn Thomas, Dr. Tran Dang Mobile clinic Dentists: Dr. Sheream Reed, Dr. Rose Bailey, Dr. Tofunmi Osundeko, Dr. Michael Brown, Dr. Shradha Bansal, Dr. Victor Barry Hygienists: Marcia Baker Johnson, Yvonne Walker, Denise Goudelock Dental assistants: Suzanne, Rose, Erin, Danni (aka “The Black Tooth Fairy”), Hemse, Chiamaka, Ebony, Roosevelt, Tannya, Mikayla, Gabby, Tesfom Back up crew: Rose, Val, Deborah, Timia, Brother Oscar, Cousin Kim Drivers: Russell, Kenny, Adrian DISCOUNTED LAB SUPPORT: Northwest Dental Services, Grant Denture Lab

GIVING BACK

“As a result of this demand, the clinic is seeking additional volunteer dentists and dental assistants to support and expand the program.”

“Our staff is multicultural, fluent in Spanish, led by a Black dentist, and trained to provide culturally competent dental care with compassion,” Jones said, adding that the demand for services continues to grow.

Even a volatile real estate market couldn’t slow down Jones and her team. At the beginning of this year, both the free dental clinic and her private practice were forced to move to a new facility, also in the Tacoma Mall neighborhood, because the building where she had leased space for many years was sold to developers. Fortunately, Russell, her significant other, had the talents to build out the new space and keep things moving forward.

“Currently, our phone is ringing off the hook.

We are now referring low-income people with Medicaid coverage who call with emergencies to the community clinics so we can focus on providing services to the uninsured population,” Jones said. “We also have a waiting list of uninsured immigrants needing services and another waiting list of disabled children and adults needing hospital general anesthesia.”

As a result of this demand, the clinic is seeking additional volunteer dentists and dental assistants to support and expand the program.

Jones organizes the Hilltop Healthy Kids & Families Carnival.

One Memorable Patient

“History in His Smile.” She honors his legacy every year by ensuring that the CIHR mobile clinic participates in the annual Seattle Black Wall Street Festival sponsored by SeattleAfricatown.

Having spent so many years in both private practice and CIHR’s free dental clinics, Jones has treated a wide variety of patients. These days, it’s not unusual for her to be caring for second or even third generation family members of her earliest patients. But when asked about some of her most memorable patients, she immediately recalled the oldest patient she has ever treated.

Looking Ahead

He was a Black man named Otis Clark, aka “Dad,” who had been born in 1903. He was 103 years old when Jones met him, and he still had virtually a full complement of teeth, with only two missing. Clark was a walking history book, and a Black Wall Street survivor. He survived the Tulsa, Oklahoma race massacre, the worst racial massacre in American history, which took place May 31-June 1, 1921.

Over the course of those two days, a white mob attacked the Tulsa’s Greenwood District, which was known as Black Wall Street, murdered hundreds of Black people and burned the entire community to the ground.

After surviving the riot as well as confinement in an internment camp, Clark moved to California, where later in life he became a Hollywood butler for stars like Charlie Chapman, Clark Gable and Joan Crawford. He told Jones that the secret to his longevity was that he did not take medications, took daily warm baths, and ate watermelon rinds.

“Dad” passed away in 2012 at the ripe old age of 109. There are many stories about him on the internet, and Jones wrote one called

As the demand for CIHR services continues to grow, Jones would like to focus more of her time on fundraising for the nonprofit and scale back the clinical time she spends as a dental provider. Ideally, she would like to secure funding to hire a full-time young dentist with the desire and compassion to work with under-resourced and under-served communities. That doesn’t mean she has any intention of retiring anytime soon.

“I recently was one of 10 Black female nonprofit leaders to receive a Rest & Repair Award from the Washington Women’s Foundation. The award celebrates significant contributions that Black women have made to Washington communities. The award consisted of a nonrestricted financial award given with the stipulation that I slow down and take some time for myself to rest, repair and heal,” Jones said.

She doesn’t know exactly what that down time will look like, but the odds are that she will be back making connections throughout the community soon.

“There’s an old African proverb: he who eats alone, chokes alone,” Jones said.

There’s not much chance Jones will ever find herself eating alone. n W

HOW TO GET INVOLVED CIHR You can learn more about volunteering or donating by calling (253) 476-0556 or visiting the website at www.childrenshealthrelief.org Hilltop Healthy Kids & Families Carnival The next carnival is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsoring organizations’ and community partners’ logos are printed on carnival t-shirts, fliers, banners, and the event program. To discuss sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, use the contact information above.

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PNDC UPDATE

Register Today for PNDC 2025 Early Bird Deadline: March 21 2025

Registration is open now

for the 2025 Pacific Northwest Dental Conference, May 8-10 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.

PNDC 2025 will bring the dental community together for a second year at Summit, the newest addition to the Seattle Convention Center. We heard from attendees that this new, modern venue elevated PNDC to new heights in 2024, and we can’t wait to welcome you back in May!

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.

Don’t miss a featured lecture by Dr. Frank Spear, worldrenowned restorative and esthetic dentistry expert, on Saturday, May 10.

WSDA Member Registration Discount WSDA members receive a deep PNDC registration discount, attending for just $385!* Recent graduate members get an even larger discount, registering for just $248!* Nonmember Washington dentists can attend PNDC for $1,980. *Early Bird price through March 21.

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May 8-10 | Seattle

Don’t Miss Dr. Frank Spear Don’t miss Dr. Frank Spear, one of the world’s premier speakers on restorative and esthetic dentistry, on Saturday, May 10 as he speaks on “Interdisciplinary Treatment Planning 2025: Integrating Minimally Invasive Concepts in Patients with More Complex Problems.”

Featured Speakers Lancette VanGuilder | Hygiene & Health David Landwehr | Endodontics Judy-Kay Mausolf | Communication/Team Steve Carstensen | Airway Tara Aghaloo | Implants Timothy Hempton | Periodontics Arthur Jeske | Opioids Jonathan Ng | Digital Dentistry Carrie Webber | Practice Management Anthony Mennito | Restorative Amber Riley | Hygiene

New & Emerging Speaker Series

The following up-and-coming WSDA member speakers will present 50-minute lectures at PNDC 2025.

Reid Winkler | Orthodontics Hiba Qari | Oral Pathology Chaz Vittitow | Practice Management Luis Vega | Implants Christine Shigaki | Insurance Thomas Gessel | Orthodontics

PNDC UPDATE

REGISTRATION CATEGORIES

Early Bird*

Regular

$385

$485

$248

$348

FREE

FREE

$1,980

$2,080

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

$495

$595

Hygienist

$248

$308

$165

$225

$165

$225

$165

$225

FREE

FREE

FREE

FREE

FREE

FREE

WSDA Member

(Valid for 2025 WSDA member dentists.)

Recent Grad WSDA Member (Valid for 2025 WSDA member dentists who graduated from dental school 2020-2024.)

WSDA ADA Life Member (Valid for 2025 WSDA member dentists who have reached Life Member status with the ADA.)

WA State Non-Member (Valid for Washington dentists who do not hold 2025 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

Dental Office Staff

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

Dental Lab Technician Guest

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

ADA Graduate Student Member Dental Student

(Valid for dental students in the classes of 2025-2028.)

Auxiliary Student

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

* Early Bird price valid through March 21.

PNDC Exhibit Hall: Shop All Things Dentistry Visit the Exhibit Hall on Thursday, Friday and Saturday to shop all things dentistry, try out new products and technology, catch pop-up experiences and prize raffles, sip and snack at Happy Hour and more!

Is there a company you’d like to see exhibit? Let them know you want to meet with them at PNDC! Prospective exhibitors can sign up at www.wsda.org/pndc to receive information.

Learn More & Register Here

or visit

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Making

a Life DR. KALMAN KLASS 2024 WSDA Citizen of the Year “We make a living by what we get.

We make a life by what we give.”

— Winston Churchill

B

y Churchill’s definition, Dr. Kalman “Kal” Klass has made a very, very good life. The range of his giving has touched Holocaust survivors and terminally ill AIDS patients in Seattle, at-risk children in Jerusalem, hikers in Snohomish County, and beyond. For this breadth and depth of volunteerism, Klass is being honored as WSDA’s Citizen of the Year for 2024.

Year Committee, I knew Dr. Klass would be a strong candidate,” she wrote. “He is a very engaging and interesting person who gives generously of his time, a humble individual who quietly serves the larger community in Seattle, in Washington and even around the world. I am delighted to consider him a friend and a colleague.”

“No one has ever become poor by giving.”

In nominating Klass for the award, Snohomish County Dental Society Executive Director Sandra Anderson, who had worked closely with him in her prior position with the Seattle-King County Dental Society, called him “truly an unsung hero in the Seattle dental community.”

“When I was asked to sit on the Citizen of the

— Anne Frank One program that exemplifies Klass’ commitment to service is the Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program. Created in response to a White House call to action from then-Vice President Joe Biden to find innovative ways to help Holocaust survivors, the program is sponsored by Alpha Omega, a

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Jewish dental fraternity, and Henry Schein Cares, the philanthropic foundation of the dental supply company.

Klass has served as the program’s local “ambassador” since its launch in 2014. Seattle was one of nine original U.S. and Canadian cities participating, and the home of the first patient ever treated under its auspices. Over the years, more than $112,000 in donated dental care has been provided to nearly 50 patients locally – and more than $4 million in care across North America.

Klass helped recruit a core group of about 20 local dentists, primarily among members of the Alpha Omega fraternity, to participate in the program. It was intended to provide care to address pain-related, emergency conditions, but the group has expanded their efforts to also include routine care, as well as providing some more expensive services such as prosthetics or implants.

The program receives referrals from Jewish Family Service of Seattle; while most of the patients are Jewish, it is open to any survivor and the children of survivors of the Holocaust. It is designed to include an initial diagnostic exam, followed by a referral to a volunteer dentist for treatment. However, sometimes Klass foregoes the referral system entirely and provides patient care during the patient’s initial visit. Patients often struggle to get transportation and can have problems keeping appointments, so sometimes it’s better to provide care when and where you can, he said.

But as important as the care itself is, these patients who survived such horror sometimes place an even greater value on just having a relationship with a dentist, someone they can call on.

“While our primary focus is always emergency care, if a patient asks for regular, preventive care, we tend to provide it,” Klass explained. “But they’re not necessarily even wanting dentistry; they want to have a dentist. Many survivors have deep psychological issues, and just having a dentist they know and can call provides a lot of relief.”

That’s the case with Edith, a 94-yearold patient who, along with her father, experienced the horror of November 1938’s Kristallnacht – the “night of broken glass” – in which Jewish neighborhoods were ransacked, synagogues were looted and many were burned. Soon after, her father, who was later

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On several visits to Israel, Klass has volunteered at a clinic treating low-income Jews, Palestinians, and other immigrants.

murdered by the Nazis, arranged for her to escape Nazi Germany through the clandestine evacuations known as Kindertransport, which smuggled an estimated 10,000 children – primarily Jewish – to Great Britain. For seven years, she was shuttled through a series of living and school arrangements in Britain, alone and still learning English, until she could join an older sister in the U.S. When Edith was initially referred to the Holocaust Survivors program for repairs to her chipped teeth, her post-traumatic stress created problems for her in making and keeping appointments. So, Klass went to the assisted living facility where she lived and cared for her there. He still visits her there regularly, ostensibly to deliver dental care, but more importantly to see her and maintain a relationship that matters to them both.

Another program patient, Leonid Melnikov, was born in the Gaysin Ghetto in the Vinnitsa region of Ukraine in November 1943, two years after German troops came to occupy the area. Shortly after his birth, his parents – both of whom had already lost family members to the Nazis – plotted their escape to nearby Romania.

They sought help from a doctor living in the ghetto, a German Jew who had been deported to Ukraine. He removed Leonid’s mother’s teeth with gold crowns, providing them with something they could use to pay the train conductor and bribe the border guards. After crossing into Romania, the family found themselves in another ghetto in Bershad.

Leonid’s father was forced into hard labor,

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while Leonid and his mother lived in a state of deprivation and hardship. With the help of caring neighbors, they all survived until the ghetto was liberated in March 1944.

Leonid first met with Klass to talk about replacing some missing teeth; that “talk” was made possible by Melnikov’s son, who translated the Klass end of the conversation into Russian for his father. Leonid, who is now 81, remains a patient and knows he can return any time for urgent dental needs as well as routine, preventive care. Much like Edith, just knowing that he has a dentist he can rely on is almost as much of a relief for him as getting treatment.

Given the age of the Holocaust survivor population, their numbers are diminishing rapidly. What will become of the program when their target patients are gone? Klass doesn’t see that as an issue.

“Our volunteers also serve other low-income patients. The program infrastructure is in place to continue receiving referrals and we will continue to treat those in need.”

“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”

— Booker T. Washington Some of those with the largest needs are thousands of miles from Seattle.

Dental Volunteers for Israel (DVI) operates the only free dental clinic in the entire country of Israel, serving Jerusalem’s poorest children.

“Compare that to what we have here,” Klass said, with a touch of amazement in his voice.

“Imagine, one free clinic in the entire country, compared to approximately 15 just in Seattle!”

The clinic, which has been in operation for nearly 50 years, provided more than 11,000 free treatments to 2,600 patients in 2023 alone. While its main focus remains pediatric dentistry, DVI also has recently begun providing care, including dentures, to needy elderly and Holocaust survivors as well.

Klass has had a long-term relationship with DVI, and its U.S. support group, American Friends of Dental Volunteers for Israel (AFDVI). He has served on the AFDVI board of directors and has made three trips, each lasting 1-2 weeks, to volunteer his services in the clinic. His twin sister Kay, also a dentist, first came up with the idea for their first volunteer trip together many years ago.

“One of the greatest things about this clinic is that it receives its referrals from the public school system in Jerusalem,” Klass explained.

“The referrals are all based on economic need rather than race or religion, so the patients include Jews, Palestinians, and immigrants, many of whom are from Russia.”

“To know that even one life has breathed easier because of you – this is to have succeeded.”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Closer to home – in fact, much closer to home – Klass began volunteering in 2006 with Bailey-Boushay House (BBH), which is located not far from his house in Seattle’s Madison Park neighborhood.

BBH was founded in the 1980s as one of the nation’s first hospice facilities for those dying from AIDS/HIV. Over the years, it has been absorbed into the Virginia Mason medical network, and its services have been expanded to also include hospice service for other terminally ill diseases such as ALS and Huntington’s disease, as well as an additional overnight shelter with 50 beds for homeless patients with AIDS/HIV. In addition, there is an outpatient facility providing medicines, food and shelter during the day to another 350 residents dealing with homelessness and/ or addiction issues.

According to Stephanie Pietras, a volunteer coordinator for BBH, the pet therapy program requires annual course work and an oral exam to prove that both the owner and their pet are ready to provide therapy. Pet therapy dictates a maximum of two hours of services at a time because it is so emotionally demanding for both the animal and their owner.

“Pet therapy is a way for patients to receive healing touch and loving attention from an animal,” Klass explained.

“Free of judgment and providing unconditional support, pet therapy animals are specifically trained to engage with the sick and medically fragile.”

Dr. Klass and Denali were regular pet therapy volunteers, visiting BBH every Tuesday for much of the dog’s life, until Denali’s passing in 2014.

Home and abroad, Klass’ volunteer efforts have included a healthy dose of pediatric care.

“Almost all the patients there had serious addiction issues,” Klass recalled. “The vast majority had meth-mouth. When I first got there, I didn’t know what it was. But then I learned to recognize the decay and gum disease typical of meth-mouth, and I got to where I could diagnose it from 10 feet away.”

Much as he has done with the Holocaust Survivors program, he has been known to provide free care in his own office to those patients who have no other access to dental help. Klass said that he finds inspiration to go the extra mile from others working at BBH.

Just as BBH programs have expanded over the years, so too have Klass’ volunteer efforts.

After going through an intensive training and certification process, he began visiting the facility with his Siberian Husky, Denali, to provide pet therapy to the patients.

But, true to form, Klass maintained his relationship with BBH, serving in other capacities, including on its board of directors. He also was

instrumental in establishing a dental program, helping patients understand their dental health needs and where they might go to receive free or low-cost services.

“The nurses, other staff and volunteers at Bailey-Boushay are all so dedicated. It’s an incredibly challenging environment that can take an emotional toll on you. Covid really decimated their volunteer network and it will take some time for that to recover,” he said.

“There could be no definition of a successful life that does not include service to others.”

— George H.W. Bush Not content to see patients just in his office or at another facility, Klass also has taken to the open road.

The SmileMobile, launched years ago with support from WSDA and Delta Dental of Washington, was the state’s first mobile dental clinic. It travels the state providing care to low-income children across Washington. Klass was a volunteer with the program for a number of years, and remembers the experience fondly.

“The SmileMobile was coordinated by a retired prosthodontist. So he spent his career on the other end of the demographic spectrum from the patients we were serving in the SmileMobile. But the guy was just great with kids,” Klass said.

“It was a great experience to volunteer on the SmileMobile. We saw things that you wouldn’t see in your own practice,” he added.

Klass wasn’t the only one that enjoyed those volunteer hours. Dental assistant Jasmine Johnson worked with Klass for more than 20 years and considers that time to be her favorite time in her dental career. And

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volunteering together on the SmileMobile was high up on the list of reasons why.

Service coordinates its land management with local property owners, including Klass.

“Providing free dental care to kids and teaching them about dental hygiene was probably the most fun we had,” she said. “Kal’s not only a great dentist with a high ethical standard, but is also a strong advocate for our community. I admire how he has always gone out of his way to help others. He makes a positive impact on so many lives.”

“I purchased a little piece of property for $250 in 1987,” he said. “Today, that land is worth … about $250. Not exactly the best real estate investment I’ve ever done.”

The feeling was mutual. Klass said of Ms. Johnson, “in addition to my wife, she supported and encouraged me more than anyone in dentistry, in providing volunteer dental treatment throughout my career.”

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”

But Klass sees his return in other ways. He is a past president and current member of the Monte Cristo Preservation Association (MCPA), which was formed to preserve the history and ensure appropriate maintenance of the area. The MCPA organizes work parties, helps maintain the county road into the area, and tends to the trails to enhance the hiking experience. They are just completing their first interpretive site to help visitors understand the area’s history.

“Life’s persistent and most urgent question is, ‘what are you doing for others?’”

— Muhammed Ali Finally, just to prove that Klass is not a one-trick pony — that it’s not all dentistry all the time with him — he is active in the preservation of the Monte Cristo area of Snohomish County.

Established in 1889, the year Washington became a state, the town of Monte Cristo was founded by two gold prospectors and was an active mining area into the 1920s. It has since been abandoned and has become one of the most popular hiking destinations in the county.

— Martin Luther King, Jr. Klass came by his commitment to community naturally. Both of his parents were active volunteers, as are his four siblings, and even though they never told him that he should do the same, he learned by observing the example they set. Now he hopes that other dentists and their employees experience the enjoyment of volunteering.

“With how much busier people seem to be nowadays, the trend is to confine our

communication to social media. When we never leave our phones for anything, we are missing out on a tremendous amount of real-life experiences. Getting out to volunteer encourages real life interactions, which are impossible to attain through our phones or on social media,” he said.

“If we want to increase our social skills and improve communication, which is sorely needed right now in this country, we need to go out in person and get involved with other people in the world. This is why it is so important to volunteer in different areas that interest us.”

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in giving to others.”

— Mahatma Ghandi Klass realizes that many dentists are already doing just that.

“I feel like I’m preaching to the choir. Some dentists do it in a small way, others do it in a much bigger way, and most do it without any recognition,” he said.

“But it’s important to remember that when you do volunteer work, you gain experiences that you’d never have without volunteering, and that’s a good thing. You learn to do things in dentistry that you’d never do in your regular practice. You’ll meet people you’d

To keep it that way, The Trust for Public Lands purchased the bulk of property in the area, and in turn sold it to the U.S. Forest Service.

It can’t be logged or mined and is therefore protected for the public to enjoy. The Forest

Outside the office, Klass is a leader in Snohomish County’s Monte Cristo Preservation Association.

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never meet otherwise and broaden your horizons beyond what you could imagine. You get so much more in return than you’d ever get staying in your office,” he said.

“Volunteering is a way to improve the world around us – that’s the basic premise.

Especially for dentists: Why not try to serve some patients that otherwise wouldn’t receive care?” n W

Klass and Denali were pet therapy partners at Bailey-Boushay House.

KAL KLASS AT A GLANCE Name: Kalman “Kal” Klass

Select Roles in Organized Dentistry:

Resides: Seattle

• Former chair and current member, Seattle/King County Dental Society Peer Review Committee

Immediate Family: Wife Michele Years in Practice: 43 Education: Undergraduate and dental school at University of Iowa Practice: • Private practice two days per week • Dental injury claims reviewer, Washington State Department of Labor & Industries • Examiner for VA Veterans Evaluation Services disability claims • Conducts independent medical examinations

• Former Chair, Committee on Budget and Finance, Washington State Dental Association • Former Chair, Concerned Dentists of Washington • Former Lecturer on Dental Ethics, University of Washington School of Dentistry • American Association of Public Health Dentists • Former President, Seattle Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity • Pierre Fauchard Academy

Klass and his wife, Michele, enjoy their Madison Park neighborhood in Seattle.

“Getting out to volunteer encourages real life interactions, which are impossible to attain through our phones or on social media.”

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Putting Patient Care First:

Fixing Washington’s Broken Dental Benefits System QUICK BITES: • WSDA Dental Action Day is Thursday, Jan. 30 in Olympia (learn more and register at www.wsda.org/DAD).

• WSDA’s 2025 advocacy agenda focuses on putting patient care first.

F

or years now, Washington dentists and their patients have struggled to overcome a persistent oral health care challenge.

It’s not flossing. It’s not inconsistent brushing or skipping checkups.

• The centerpiece of 2025 advocacy efforts: Making dental insurance more patient-focused.

It’s something a little less clinical — but so essential to patient care: It’s the battle over dental benefits.

• Other legislative agenda items include increasing the preventive care workforce and improving the oral health care safety net.

And this year, WSDA is pulling out all the stops to fix the broken system of dental benefits in Washington state.

• Sign up for legislative updates by texting WSDA to 52886.

A BROKEN SYSTEM The hard and fast reality is that dental benefits don’t really work for patients or the dental professionals who care for them.

So, who do they work for?

“We cannot overstate the influence of insurance companies on dental benefits in our state,” said WSDA Advocacy Director Kevin Schilling. “Too many patients are paying for dental benefits, only to be denied care because of insurance companies interfering in doctorpatient treatment decisions. Patients should

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“Dental benefits plans should respond to patient needs, rather than restricting access to safe, professional and cost-effective oral health care.” have the freedom to choose the dentist that’s right for them, and unfortunately, some dental insurance carriers significantly decrease the amount they pay for claims when a dentist is not in their network,” said Schilling.

“That’s why we will be working with legislators to introduce legislation this session to ensure insurance companies provide the same benefit, regardless of who provides care. Dental benefits plans should respond to patient needs, rather than restricting access to safe, professional and cost-effective oral health care.

“WSDA’s advocacy team will be working this session to create a system that puts patients over profits, brings justice to care and creates a fair and functioning market. Because right now, insurance companies are not putting patients first,” he added.

CREATING A BETTER BENEFITS SYSTEM At the center of WSDA’s 2025 policy agenda is a proposal to fix Washington’s dental benefits system. The legislation includes three key reforms: 1. Protecting patient choice. Patients should get the full benefits they pay for, regardless of who they choose to provide their care.

They should be able to pick a dentist they trust. And they shouldn’t be punished if that dentist isn’t on an insurance company’s provider roster. Corporate monopolies should not be allowed to continue getting in the way of the patientprovider relationship.

2. Ensuring health care justice by requiring that more premium dollars are spent on care. Washington can be a leader in dental care equity by requiring that dental insurance companies invest at least 85% of patients’ premium dollars in care. Premium dollars should go to improving access to quality care, not higher administrative expenses, lavish executive salaries, and heftier corporate profits for big insurance companies. According to 2023 data provided by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, some dental insurance carriers spent less than 50% of patient premiums on patient care.

3. Prioritizing patients and their relationships with providers, not corporate monopolies. Today, dental insurance companies have the final say in whether they’ll pay for the treatment a dentist recommends to a patient. That shouldn’t be the case. Instead, patients should be able to ask for an independent review when coverage is denied or claims are rejected, as they can with medical insurance.

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE DENTAL PROFESSION IN WA • Dental offices support more than 69,000 jobs in Washington.

• Dental offices have an economic impact of more than $15 billion in Washington.

• Each dentist has an average economic impact of $2.7 million in Washington.

“We believe these three reforms will make a dramatic difference for thousands of Washingtonians who work hard to pay for dental benefits, but whose claims are often denied when the time comes to access them.”

Instead, the plan focuses on financial goals like profit margin — meaning that denying claims and paying substandard reimbursements will drive up executive compensation.

“We believe these three reforms will make a dramatic difference for thousands of Washingtonians who work hard to pay for dental benefits, but whose claims are often denied when the time comes to access them,” said WSDA Executive Director Bracken Killpack.

“What’s more, the people who stand to benefit the most from these reforms are the people who need help the most: those with limited options and limited incomes, who can’t afford huge out-of-pocket expenses and require good benefits for access to care,” he added.

“This is very much an issue of health care equity.”

FOLLOW THE MONEY In Washington state, Delta Dental of Washington enjoys near-monopoly power in Washington’s dental benefits market. Despite having approximately 90% of Washington dentists in their network, Delta punishes patients who choose to be cared for by one of the other 10%. And Delta pays a mere fraction of the “usual and customary” service fees for such care.

According to data obtained by WSDA, Delta’s reimbursements for a basic care exam (the exam, bitewing X-rays and a cleaning) at a non-network dental office can be 41% less than they pay for in-network care, and 53% less than other carriers typically pay for outof-network care.

“Without a doubt, we need better reporting transparency,” said Killpack. “Delta Dental’s anticompetitive behaviors are a key reason that dental benefits are broken in our state.”

So, if dental premiums aren’t going to patients, where IS that money going?

Tax filings from Delta Dental Washington indicate a history of significant compensation for its directors, executives and top leadership positions – more than twice its charitable donations. And while Delta’s corporate mission may be to “remove barriers and improve overall health,” the corporation’s incentive plan (which funds more than half of CEO Mark Mitchke’s multimillion-dollar compensation) does not include any measure of patient oral health.

“The data is clear when you look at things like executive and board compensation, particularly in relation to claim volume and reimbursement rates,” Killpack said.

“It’s all part of a well-orchestrated series of monopolistic practices that shortchange working people and their families who pay into dental benefit programs but are denied access to those same benefits when they see their dentists,” he added.

“It’s time to take back dental benefits for the patients who’ve paid for — and have a right to — those benefits for use with the dentist they choose and trust.”

BEYOND DENTAL BENEFITS WSDA’s efforts to reform the dental benefits system will take precedent this session. That doesn’t mean the Association won’t try to advance additional measures to improve patient oral health.

Rounding out WSDA’s 2025 policy agenda: A slate of additional measures aimed at putting patient care first and addressing ongoing workforce challenges

INCREASE THE PREVENTIVE CARE WORKFORCE Washington’s health care system, like many others around the country, continues to face serious workforce shortages. A severe shortage of trained dental hygienists makes regular cleaning appointments difficult to schedule and more expensive.

“Delta Dental’s anticompetitive behaviors are a key reason that dental benefits are broken in our state.”

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WSDA believes the solution to this challenge is to increase the preventive care workforce.

Building on last year’s success in launching the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact and new rules making it easier for hygienists moving into the state to begin working earlier, WSDA is proposing a series of additional steps the Legislature can take to do that, including:

“These are significant policy changes we are proposing. And with so many new legislators taking office next session, it will be more important than ever for WSDA members to connect with their local legislators and help educate them about our policy platform and why these changes are needed.”

• Prioritizing state funding to support the creation of new dental hygiene programs at Washington’s community and technical colleges.

• Creating a new Oral Preventive Assistant license so dental assistants who complete Washington Dental Commissionapproved training can provide basic preventive measures, increasing access to care and allowing hygienists to focus on more complex care they are trained to provide.

• Creating a pathway for foreign-trained dentists to become dental hygienists. This proposal, approved at September’s WSDA House of Delegates, is being crafted by the WSDA Legislative Task Force [see callout box for task force members].

IMPROVE THE ORAL HEALTH CARE SAFETY NET Reimbursements for pediatric dental services under Washington’s Apple Health (Medicaid) program average less than 50% of private insurance reimbursements, and reimbursements for adult dental services do not fare much better. This constrains the number of dental practices that can afford to serve Medicaid patients. Washington must find ways to invest in Medicaid reimbursement rates to ensure that all patients have access to care.

WSDA members to connect with their local legislators and help educate them about our policy platform and why these changes are needed,” said Johnson. “If you haven’t signed up for Dental Action Day, please consider making the trip to Olympia on January 30.

But effective advocacy will require ongoing contact well beyond that one day. WSDA will need everyone’s help to make lawmakers understand how these policy changes support patients and better oral health outcomes.”

“WSDA members remain committed to addressing the dental benefits, workforce, and other challenges that are facing the profession,” Schilling added. “Our 2025 agenda reflects that willingness to find innovative solutions that ensure greater access to care for all people in Washington state.” n W

ONE PROFESSION, ONE VOICE Given the potential impact of these proposals, Schilling and WSDA Government Affairs Manager Lauren Johnson underscored the importance of WSDA members engaging with lawmakers, whether in person or by text or email.

“These are significant policy changes we are proposing. And with so many new legislators taking office next session, it will be more important than ever for

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DR. KIM NORDBERG WSDA was saddened by the sudden loss of Dr. Kim Nordberg and his wife, Bette in October. Dr. Nordberg was an integral part of both the WSDA Legislative Task Force and Dental Benefits Committee. For more on his life and many contributions to WSDA, please see our remembrance on page 8. His thoughtful leadership, insights and expertise will be greatly missed.

LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE Dr. Brianne Butler Dr. Stephen Davis Dr. Brittany Dean Dr. Christopher Delecki Dr. Chris Dorow Dr. John Gibbons Dr. Joseph de Jesus Dr. Bernard Larson Dr. Aimi Mizutani Dr. Kim Nordberg Dr. Cynthia Pauley Dr. Amy Winston

WSDA DENTAL BENEFITS COMMITTEE Dr. Lilo Black Dr. Mikaely Moore Fujita Dr. John Gibbons Dr. Robin Henderson Dr. Todd Irwin Dr. Ryan Lemke Dr. Kim Nordberg Dr. Stacy Sype Dr. Danny Tremblay

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED There are lots of ways to contribute to WSDA’s advocacy efforts in Olympia this session. One of the best is to join us Jan. 30 for Dental Action Day (DAD) on the capitol campus. Learn more and register at www.wsda.org/DAD. This event is a great way to get to know your local legislators and help them better understand the issues facing dentistry and the dental profession. One profession, one voice!

Whether or not you can join us for DAD, you can also: • Sign up for WSDA text alerts: Stay in the know and help us take action at crucial moments in the legislative session. To sign up, text WSDA to 52886.

• Be prepared to take action: Things change quickly in the Legislature. Be prepared to contact lawmakers when you receive call-to-action alerts from WSDA during the 2025 session.

• Identify and contact your state legislators: If you need help confirming who represents you in Olympia, it’s easy to find out. Just visit https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder.

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Your membership.

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DR. JAMES LEE

member since 2015

© 2024 American Dental Association All rights reserved.

Updated: 10/10/2024

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By Matt French Director of Insurance, Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency About 17 years ago, I accepted a position at Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency (WDIA) after five years with WSDA. For all this time, I have enjoyed serving the dental community and felt that the dentists I work with are an extension of my own family. Like family, WDIA is here to support you for all the changes that come into your life, like a new baby, purchasing or expanding your practice.

With every change, insurance is needed and WDIA is here to assist you with the right coverage at a reasonable price.

These last several years brought challenges to the dental profession in Washington with dentists struggling to find new ways to continue to serve their patients, staff, and families. Through these challenges, WDIA has remained committed to our efforts to serve the dental community. Our relationships with dentists are built on trust and on our desire to provide you with peace of mind in the insurance products you purchase through WDIA. As part of WDIA’s continued service to the dental community, we made a change in the professional liability

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When you work with WDIA and MedPro, you are investing in coverage that allows us to serve you and protect your livelihood. Because when you work with WDIA, revenue above our operating costs goes to the WSDA to fund efforts like legislative advocacy and highquality continuing education for the dental profession here in Washington.

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Additionally, as a WSDA member, when you purchase your MedPro professional liability policy through WDIA, you receive a 10% discount on your coverage. And if you are six years or more post dental school graduation and hold a MedPro professional liability policy through WDIA, you receive a $250 discount on your 2025 WSDA membership.

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PARTNER NEWS

Lack of Detail in Chart Entry Hinders Dentist’s Malpractice Defense Marc Leffler, DDS, Esq.

In dentistry, documentation is an essential element of practice, not only for accurate treatment but also for risk management. In this case study, the lack of detail in a dentist’s chart entry denoting a patient’s treatment impacts the outcome of a malpractice case brought against her.

KEY CONCEPTS • How documentation can protect dentists • Staff education and management • What to include in chart entries

Underlying Facts D, a 34-year-old man, presented to his general dentist, Dr. Z, with a recent and ongoing complaint of pain while biting down on his “lower right back teeth.” Dr. Z clinically examined her patient and found the first molar, tooth #30, to be exquisitely tender to percussion and tender to palpation in the mucobuccal fold, where slight swelling existed. Radiographically, #30 had an older 3-surface restoration which appeared very close to the pulp chamber; the periapical area adjacent to the mesial root showed some minimal radiolucency, but Dr. Z was not entirely certain as to whether that represented a true early lesion or an artifact.

Pulp testing results were equivocal.

After explaining to D what she saw his options to be, Dr. Z, with D’s approval, prepared to perform root canal therapy on tooth #30. Dr. Z says that she then went on to discuss the risks and benefits of endodontic treatment. With local anesthesia and rubber dam isolation, Dr. Z completed the root canal therapy, taking a radiograph following

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obturation. Dr. Z’s chart note for the visit read, in its entirety, “RCT complete #30 with local.”

Two days later, D called the office, complaining about increased pain and mild swelling. Dr. Z was not in the office, so the receptionist told D that these were expected to occur and asked D to come to the office in 5 days, as previously scheduled. Two more days after that, D noticed a further increase in swelling and some swallowing difficulty, so, on the advice of a family member, he went to a local hospital emergency department.

Following a work-up, D was admitted with a submandibular space abscess, placed on IV antibiotics, and taken to the operating room for a submandibular incision and drainage and extraction of tooth #30 under general anesthesia. He remained intubated in the surgical ICU for a day and was then transferred to a hospital room following extubation, where he continued to improve until discharge in 3 days.

Soon thereafter, D began to treat with a different dentist, Dr. L, who advised D that, because of the local loss of alveolar bone from the infection, he was not a candidate for an implant but would instead need a fixed 3-unit bridge to replace the lost tooth. The bridge was fabricated without complication, and D remained comfortable and able to function well. He did, however, have 2 scars near the right inferior border of the mandible, which caused him to be self-conscious.

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Legal Action D wanted to explore legal action against Dr. Z for dental malpractice, so he retained an attorney to look into the possibility. As soon as records were gathered, the attorney forwarded them to a general dentist who was experienced as an expert in dental legal matters. The expert commented that he was “appalled” by the brevity of the chart entry, saying that it gave literally no information about how the procedure was planned for and performed. The attorney knew that this also meant that Dr. Z would have a difficult time providing those details in what would be several years after treatment by the time the case would come to trial. The expert provided various opinions to the attorney regarding the care of D by Dr. Z, citing a number of departures from the standard of care: failing to obtain adequate informed consent, instituting endodontics immediately rather than prescribing antibiotics beforehand so as to allow the area to calm down, failing to prescribe antibiotics following the completion of the procedure, and allowing the receptionist to extend medical advice to D without any input from Dr. Z. All of these departures, according to the expert, were substantial factors in causing D’s damages – hospitalization, I&D, tooth loss, lost time from work, and scarring with its after-effects.

After being served with papers, Dr. Z advised her malpractice insurance carrier, which assigned counsel to defend the case. As depositions and other discovery proceeded,

PARTNER NEWS

Dr. Z and her defense counsel discussed options for resolution of the case. Dr. Z believed that she had acted appropriately at every step, but she saw how the patient’s expert could paint a very critical picture to a jury, especially with the lack of detail in her chart entry. Her counsel suggested that all parties go in front of a mediator, to hear how a disinterested third-party might see things.

Dr. Z agreed. At mediation, the mediator, after hearing all positions and seeing the relevant documents, spoke with Dr. Z and her counsel alone. The mediator expressed to Dr. Z a big concern about how tenuous a court and jury could see detailed testimony about events years prior, based solely upon such a scant procedure note. The mediator was also taken aback that medical advice – which turned out to be harmful – was transmitted to a patient

by Dr. Z’s professionally unqualified agent without Dr. Z’s input. The defense attorney argued to D’s attorney that most of D’s potential trial positions could be countered by the defense’s planned expert, who was highly credentialed. With the mediator’s assistance, and with the carrier’s authority and Dr. Z’s consent, the case was settled that day for an amount substantially below that which the patient’s attorney had previously said was “rock bottom.”

Takeaways Dentists must always walk a fine line as to the detail they enter into their charts.

While, on one hand, it is nearly impossible and often impractical to detail every single step of every single procedure performed and conversation had, it is also inadequate to sum up D’s treatment visit with Dr. Z by recording only “RCT complete #30 with local.” That entry failed to include Dr. Z’s radiographic and clinical findings, the informed consent process, the method by which local anesthesia was obtained and the agent(s) used, the techniques employed (file sizes, filling material, cement), and Dr. Z’s diagnostic approaches and reasoning for steps both taken and not taken, just to name a few deficiencies. To walk that fine line, a reasonable rule of thumb is to include in a chart entry enough information so that another dentist would be able to understand exactly what took place, simply by reading the note, without any discussion with the dentist or patient. A judge once said to a jury and to this author as trial attorney, mid-trial, “ladies and gentlemen of the jury, if it wasn’t written, it didn’t really happen.” Some tough words!

This case incorporates a litigation step which has not often been discussed in this series, that of mediation. While some jurisdictions require it, many others do not; in those that do not, mediation usually comes about only by an agreement between the parties to so engage. But the value of having an experienced intermediary – often a retired judge or attorney – to hear and see what a jury would eventually hear and see and offer insights in an informal environment, cannot be overstated. It is far from uncommon that parties emerge from mediation with a wholly different understanding of the positives and negatives of each party’s positions.

This is not to say that all mediations result in settlements, or that all lead to changes in litigation strategy, but these sessions frequently offer perspectives – often more to the litigants than to their attorneys – not considered prior.

prescribing antibiotics when the expert believes they should not have been given and for not prescribing them when the expert sees a need for having done so. Such is the world of litigation. Here, the expert was critical of Dr. Z’s failure to prescribe, so that would have been an issue for a trial jury to resolve, but the details which led to her decision was lacking from her chart entry, creating a likely uphill battle for herself.

Dentists spend their work days treating patients, not answering telephones. The latter is usually left in the hands of office staff. While office staff provide critical and invaluable roles in office public relations, billing, scheduling, and general management, they are not trained as healthcare professionals, and they are not the people appropriately qualified to offer advice about medical or dental conditions. That task is within the sole purview of dentists and other healthcare providers. Here, the receptionist’s advice led to a delay and likely worsening of D’s infection. The problem with that from a legal standpoint is that most jurisdictions will view the actions of an employee as though they came directly from the employer; the concept is known as vicarious liability, making the dentist liable for any improper advice from the receptionist.

We conclude with a brief discussion about antibiotics. It lies within the dentist’s clinical judgment as to whether and when to prescribe antibiotics. Also noteworthy is a fairly recent and growing push by dental groups, authors, and academics, clearly recognizing what some might view as a past tendency for dentists to incorporate antibiotic use in their treatment approaches too frequently, that antibiotics should be prescribed in a more judicious way. But in the end, the treating dentist has the best seat in the house to be able to make that determination. That does not mean, however, that experts in litigation settings will not freely criticize defendant dentists, both for

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Note that this case presentation includes circumstances from several different closed cases, in order to demonstrate certain legal and risk management principles, and that identifying facts and personal characteristics were modified to protect identities.

The content within is not the original work of MedPro Group but has been published with consent of the author. This document should not be construed as medical or legal advice and should not be construed as rules or establishing a standard of care. Because the facts applicable to your situation may vary, or the laws applicable in your jurisdiction may differ, please contact your attorney or other professional advisors if you have any questions related to your legal or medical obligations or rights, state or federal laws, contract interpretation, or other legal questions. 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 underwritten and administered by these and other Berkshire Hathaway affiliates, including National Fire & Marine Insurance Company. Product availability is based upon business and/or regulatory approval and/or may differ among companies. © MedPro Group Inc. All rights reserved. 10/2024

WSDA Ne w s | Issue 4 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

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Practice Owners:

Reduce and Control Your Workers’ Compensation Costs with WSDA Retro WSDA is excited to be on the forefront of developing innovative programs and services that decrease costs and increase value for our member dentists. One such program is WSDA Retro. Launched in 2020, this program currently provides over 1,100 practiceowner members across the state with free workers’ compensation support and wage reimbursement from the experts at our partner, ERNwest.

If you own a dental practice and are not yet enrolled, act today to add this free benefit to your membership!

Take five minutes to enroll at www.wsda.org/retro.

Mitigate L&I Costs when an Injury Occurs When your office experiences a workplace injury and subsequent L&I claim, participation in WSDA Retro will mitigate your costs both during and after the claim. Mitigating claim costs helps control potential increases in your L&I premium rates post-claim.

“After our employee filed a claim with L&I, our ERNwest representative helped us navigate each step in the process. The ERNwest team helped us provide required documentation to L&I, assisted us in writing a light duty job description, and helped us get the employee’s wages reimbursed through L&I’s Stay at Work Program and WSDA’s match. Our ERNwest Claims Manager was there for us every step of the way and made a very stressful experience much easier to deal with.”

How does it work?

• After a workplace injury is reported to L&I, our partners at ERNwest are notified that the claim involves a WSDA Retro-enrolled office.

Enrolled offices can also report the injury directly to ERNwest, expediting the claims process.

• Your office is assigned an expert ERNwest representative — employed by ERNwest, not L&I — who will manage the claim and advocate for your interests as an employer.

ERNwest’s review on your behalf may even lower or entirely eliminate your responsibility.

• Your ERNwest representative will manage the claim through its closure and will work with your office to implement strategies like Kept On Salary (KOS) and Return to Work (RTW) to keep claim costs as low as possible. Keeping claim costs low helps mitigate impact on your future L&I premium rates.

• To further mitigate costs, WSDA Retro enrollees can receive wage reimbursement of up to $20,000 per claim through L&I’s Stay At Work program and WSDA’s wage reimbursement match.

If you experience an L&I claim and are not enrolled in WSDA Retro, you would need to manage the claim process yourself or hire a consultant or attorney to manage the claim for you. Without an expert working on your behalf, you accept the impact that the claim costs will have on your future rates without knowing if they could have been lowered or eliminated.

– Christopher Herzog, DDS, MS

(800) 448-3368 | www.wsda.org/retro | Program administration by ERNwest 36

WSDA Ne w s | Issue 4 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

Reducing and Controling Workers Compensation Costs

REDUCING AND CONTROLLING WORKERS COMPENSATION COSTS starts with A FOCUS ON SAFETY

PREVENTING TIME LOSS

to reduce the number of injuries

and

h

it gw

n

alo

and UTILIZING INCENTIVES

Stay at Work (SAW) reimburses for RTW

IMPLEMENTING STRATEGIES

Kept on Salary (KOS) Return to Work (RTW) Both keep claim costs low & reduce Time Loss

Questions about enrolling in WSDA Retro?

Contact WSDA Membership & Engagement Coordinator Natalia Hilal at NataliaH@wsda.org.

(800) 448-3368 | www.wsda.org/retro | Program administration by ERNwest WSDA Ne w s | Issue 4 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

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UW SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY NEWS

Looking Toward the Future — Celebrating the Present

W Dr. André Ritter

Professor & Dean, University of Washington School of Dentistry

“Witnessing the excitement of students as they try on their white coat for the first time, and seeing those same expressions mirrored on the faces of their loved ones, is inspiring.”

e recently held our annual White Coat Ceremony for our rising third-year DDS students. This event is always a highlight of the academic year.

Witnessing the excitement of students as they try on their white coat for the first time, and seeing those same expressions mirrored on the faces of their loved ones, is inspiring.

As we all know, getting through dental school is a collective effort, and support from family and friends is crucial. Many proud family members and friends attended to celebrate their students and their shared achievement.

I’m happy to report that the expansion of our Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) program is in full swing. We’ve secured our lease in Spokane’s 840 Building, joining colleagues from UW Medicine and Gonzaga University. This 13,000 square foot space will house the new state-of-the-art regional training center for oral health excellence to support the growth of the program.

Construction will begin in December, and students are slated to move into the space in fall of 2025. I am very grateful for WSDA’s support of the RIDE program.

Back in Seattle on the UW campus, we started renovations of our D165 Simulation Lab and the B170 area to better train our students and incorporate additional digital technology into their educational experience. These renovated spaces will support both our DDS program and the expansion of the Shoreline Community College Dental Hygiene program.

Innovation and digital technology are our focus over the next several months, as we launch a new phase of our Campaign for Clinics aimed at raising funds to support further investments in these crucial tools.

Together with alumni, donors and friends, we will ensure students and patients enjoy the many benefits digital dentistry offers through education, patient care and research. You can learn more about our initiative here at dental. washington.edu/digital-technology or by scanning the code: Our preparation work for our upcoming accreditation site visit continues. A huge amount of time and resources are directed toward this endeavor, and we are fortunate our efforts dovetail with our School’s own stated strategic priorities. Nearly everything we do for the site visit also moves us into closer alignment with our strategic plan.

We’re looking forward to the full site visit evaluation, which is taking place just around the corner, in November.

Finally, it was a pleasure to join in celebrating the ribbon cutting for PNWU’s new Delta Dental Equity Hall in September. The occasion brought together many advocates and stakeholders who support the school’s mission and vision, and its focus on the oral health of rural and underserved Washingtonians. A focus that we at UWSOD certainly share. Congratulations on this milestone, PNWU! n W

Rising third-year students pose in their new white coats.

Family and friends gathered to watch as dental students were awarded their white coats for the first time.

Scan the QR code to learn more about the UW School of Dentistry’s Campaign for Innovation & Digital Dentistry.

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WSDA Ne w s | Issue 4 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

PNWU SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE NEWS

Full Speed Ahead for PNWU

A

lthough the days (unfortunately) are growing shorter, the activity level here in Yakima has increased since my last column.

First, I am excited to share that the school received Initial Accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) in late August. It was a team effort involving the School of Dental Medicine (SDM) faculty and staff, the PNWU administration and our FQHC partners. We will receive the second site visit of three from CODA in the spring of 2027. In the meantime, receipt of our Initial Accreditation allowed us to begin recruiting our inaugural class.

We began our admissions process for the inaugural class (Class of 2029) in mid-August and had our first in-person interviews in midSeptember. The SDM Admissions Committee, the PNWU Admissions Office, and the SDM staff have created a superb, one-day interview experience where applicants receive a wealth of information about our program, tour the campus, and are interviewed by members of the Admissions Committee.

I am excited to share that we currently have over 800 applicants for our 36 positions, with over 100 from Washington and another 30 from the greater Pacific Northwest region. The first round of acceptance letters will be sent out Dec. 13.

On Sept. 28, we held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Delta Dental Equity Hall. The event was a resounding success, with around 200 friends and supporters in attendance. The ceremony featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, each offering their unique perspective on the significance of this new addition to the School of Dental Medicine, including:

• Sen. Curtis King from the 14th Legislative District provided remarks on behalf of Washington state.

Following the ceremony, attendees were invited to participate in a social hour and tours of the new building, allowing them to explore the state-of-the-art facilities firsthand, including the WSDA Simulation Lab, with 48 simulation units, and the virtual reality lab, which will have six SimtoCare VR units in place this spring.

Dr. Fotinos Panagakos Dean, PNWU School of Dental Medicine

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the school’s faculty and staff for their tireless efforts in preparing for this momentous occasion. Special recognition goes to the PNWU Development Office team, whose hard work and dedication made the event a resounding success. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked a significant milestone for the School of Dental Medicine, paving the way for enhanced dental education and community service in the region. I have included some pictures from the event here; more can be found on the school’s LinkedIn page: www.linkedin.com/company/pwnu-sdm/.

“I am excited to share that the school received Initial Accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) in late August.”

We continue to prepare for the inaugural class, which will arrive on campus July 28, 2025.

Our faculty and staff are working tirelessly to ensure their transition to Yakima and our program is as smooth as possible.

Until my next column, thank you once again for your support. Feel free to reach out, or better yet, visit us, if you have any questions. n W

Attendees explored the new WSDA Simulation Lab and virtual reality lab.

Our Sept. 28 ribbon cutting ceremony.

• Mr. John Vornbrock, Chair of the Board of Trustees, delivered the welcome address.

• Mr. Mark Mitchke, President and CEO of Delta Dental of Washington, spoke about Delta Dental’s partnership with the school.

• Dr. Linda Edgar, President of the American Dental Association, offered insights from a national perspective.

• Dr. Chris Dorow, President of the Washington State Dental Association, represented the state’s dental community.

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39

ADA NEWS

ADA Advocates for States’ Authority to Regulate Dental Benefits Association comments on the role of pharmacy benefit managers The ADA is advocating against pharmacy benefit managers’ wish for the government to broadly interpret a law that would stop states from regulating health care benefits, including dental.

The letter highlighted that in Rutledge v. Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the pharmacy benefit managers’ argument for ERISA preemption and held that preemption should generally be limited to “central matters of plan administration.” It said that many pharmacy benefit managers and insurers have continued to invoke ERISA preemption in defiance of Rutledge, urging Congress to reaffirm the limits on preemption recognized in the case.

“If the legislature considers any action regarding ERISA preemption, it should The ADA commented on the House Judiciary reaffirm both the limits on preemption Committee’s hearing, the Role of Pharmacy recognized in Rutledge and Congress’s Benefit Managers, to share its perspective on commitment to preserving the traditional the impact of preemption under the Employee authority of states to regulate health care and Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974 dental insurance,” the letter reads. and what it could mean for state regulation of For more information on ERISA, visit dental benefits. www.ADA.org/ERISA. “We believe that ensuring states retain their authority to regulate health care, including dental benefits, is essential for the fair treatment of patients and policyholders, and it promotes consistency in the state insurance marketplace,” the ADA said in a letter, signed

by ADA President Linda J. Edgar, D.D.S., and Executive Director Raymond A. Cohlmia, D.D.S.

NIDCR Awards ADA Forsyth $6.2M to Design Restorative Materials Using AI

The letter goes on to say that preemption would leave a “regulatory vacuum” in which states could no longer restrict the behavior of pharmacy benefit managers due to an overly broad notion of ERISA preemption.

ERISA is a federal law that was established to set minimum standards for many private retirement and health plans, including self-funded dental plans. Some carriers claim that because ERISA is a federal law it preempts state rules, allowing carriers to ignore state insurance laws meant to protect patients, including dental insurance issues like noncovered services and assignment of benefits.

Broad preemption would not only impact pharmacy benefit managers, the ADA said, but it would also limit the traditional authority of states to regulate dental insurance programs.

The letter notes that every state has enacted insurance laws and enforcement mechanisms in order to hold insurance companies accountable and ensure they treat their policyholders fairly.

40

Composite will feature self-healing, antimicrobial properties

The ADA Forsyth Institute has been awarded a $6.2 million grant to develop nextgeneration smart materials for dental fillings using physics-based artificial intelligence.

This innovation marks one of the first applications of AI in basic oral health research, which will help accelerate the testing and development process. The fiveyear award comes from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

The new dental composite will feature selfhealing and antimicrobial properties through the incorporation of nanofillers that react to biological signals.

“Imagine you have a crack developing in the filling, the material will detect and repair the crack,” said biomaterials expert Jirun Sun, Ph.D., the principal investigator leading the research team. “Or if your mouth has a lot of acid that lowers the pH, which is known to

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break down traditional composites and tooth structure, the material will counteract the acid. The smart material will automatically respond to changing conditions in each individual patient’s mouth.”

The transdisciplinary team of scientists will integrate experiments with a physics-based model of testing and data-driven simulations to design and evaluate the materials. The ADA Forsyth team has partnered on this project with Optimuos, a digital engineering firm specializing in creating virtual replicas of physical objects to simulate their behaviors.

“Without this approach, the number of parameters that we must test would have taken decades to complete,” Dr. Sun said.

“Incorporating artificial intelligence and virtual lab simulations into the physical material development process will accelerate our goal of transforming personalized dental care.”

Ben Wu, D.D.S., Ph.D., chief scientific officer and chief operating officer of ADA Forsyth, emphasized the project’s broader implications.

“This grant is the first step to leveraging AI and deep learning to facilitate and accelerate research. This approach can be applied to the other cutting-edge innovative research at AFI,” Dr. Wu said.

The new material will be optimized to provide a viable replacement for amalgam. Although alternative restorative filling materials currently exist, they may need to be replaced more often and can be more expensive to use. These new materials are being designed to be easy to use and accessible to everyone.

The ADA supports a phasedown approach to amalgam use.

“AFI scientists aren’t just creating something more durable, they’re creating a completely different generation of dental composite,” said Raymond Cohlmia, D.D.S., executive director of the ADA and chair of ADA Forsyth’s board of directors. “This smart material could revolutionize dental care and drastically improve patient outcomes. I’m proud that AFI is at the forefront.”

For more research from ADA Forsyth, visit www.forsyth.org.

866 348-3800 Since 1996 www.mydentalbroker.com www.adstransitions.com Our firm has been brokering practices in Washington for 28 years.

Member brokerage firm of the ADS Transitions Network – 18 Years ADS brokerage firms average over 30 years of experience.

We are proudly an independent family-owned member company.

Our participation in the ADS Transitions Study-Club and advertising alliance provides: •

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(206) 992-0580 dan@mydentalbroker.com

Consani Associates Proudly Serving since 1996 Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska and Hawaii

23 Large Regional Independent Brokerage Firms WSDA Ne w s | Issue 4 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

41

NEED BETTER BOOKKEEPING? SCHEDULE A MEETING TODAY

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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!

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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

4/26/23 10:09 AM

WSDA Ne w s | Issue 4 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

43

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WSDA Ne w s | Issue 4 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

CLASSIFIEDS

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

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

ASSOCIATE DENTIST FULL-TIME EARN UP TO $480,000 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. 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.

one day per week that may lead to more days. Salary negotiable according to experience: $700 guaranteed base pay or 30% of prod/coll-adjusted. Ferry tolls reimbursed.

Please send CV’s to: DentistryofPoulsbo@gmail.com, 360-779-4556 office.

PT DENTIST AND RDH NORTHSOUND AREA Seeking a flexible and skilled dentist to join our portable/ mobile team. Experience in public health, oral surgery, and general dentistry. You’ll work in a mobile environment, providing dental care in patient-focused model. We are also looking for a Hygienist with 2+ years of experience who can work independently, deliver high-quality hygiene services, and assist with teledentistry. If you are confident, self-reliant, and excited about working in a unique, mobile setting, we want to hear from you!

Email your CV to: admin@dentallpllc.com

ASSOCIATE GENERAL DENTIST - SPOKANE, WA If you’re ready to make smiles about more than just teeth and want to work in an environment that values courage, confidence, and freedom, we want to hear from you! Full-time, Pay: $150,000.00 - $350,000.00 per year, 401(k) matching, Dental Plan, Health insurance, Vision insurance, 8 hour shift, 3-4 days a week, No weekends Please submit your resume and cover letter to ryan@spokanefamilydental.com.

GENERAL DENTIST Tri-Cities Community Health is seeking a General Dentist to join its mission to provide quality, affordable healthcare to everyone, every time! This position offers an attractive benefits package, including over 350 hours of paid time off and loan repayment program. The work environment is supportive, with no weekends or on-call duties, allowing for a focus on quality patient care and a healthy work-life balance. Ideal candidates will hold a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree and be licensed or eligible for licensure in Washington. We offer visa sponsorship. The Tri-Cities community offers abundant outdoor activities and a low cost of living, making it an appealing place to live and work. $164,000-$221,400/ year DOE; Median equals $192,700 and an attractive benefits package!

Please refer to our career page on our website. Interested applicants can apply by emailing their resume to HR@myTCCH.org.

GENERAL DENTIST Apple Valley Dental & Braces has an Associate Dentist opportunity in a beautiful multi-specialty private practice located in Pasco, WA - Central Washington State. Great compensation – Starting Salary at $225,000 depending on experience $225,000 GUARANTEED with potential to earn much more! Full-time Signing/Moving Bonus - up to $30,000 Bonus System with potential to earn $500,000+ Multi-specialty Mentorship Opportunities New grads and experienced general dentists welcome Medical, Vision, Aflac, In-house Dental, Oral Surgery and Orthodontic Benefits Dental License Reimbursement Continuing Education Stipend State of the art clinics and equipment Mix of child and adult dentistry Located along the beautiful Columbia River in Central Washington State. Pasco is in the heart of Washington Wine Country with 300 days of sunshine each year! Abundant watersports, fishing, hiking and tourist activities. Low cost of living, high quality of life. The Pasco airport also offers direct flights to 10 destinations, making travel easy and convenient.

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Please send CV to recruiting@applesmiles.com or apply via our website www.applesmiles.com.

PART TO FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE IN POULSBO, WA Looking for a general dentist with excellent chairside manners, quality restorative, periodontal and anesthesia skills, committed to delivering painless and pleasant comprehensive dental visits. Join our Team of 70+ years of combined dental practice experience in our state of the art practice. Flexible

ASSOCIATE DENTIST WANTED 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.

PEDIATRIC/KIDS DENTIST - PRIVATE PRACTICE - SPOKANE, WA AREA We are looking for an awesome person, who happens to be a pediatric or kids dentist, to join our dental team. We are genuinely focused on providing whole health dentistry as more people are looking for providers who are intentional about the health care they provide. Focusing on whole body health and providing state of the art, world class dentistry allows us to be fee for service. This allows our doctors financial freedom with an amazing work-life balance.

Compensation packages are incredible. Office culture is unmatched. Plus, the Spokane/Coeur D’Alene area in the Pacific Northwest is unbeatable. Fishing, skiing, boating, hiking, lakes, biking, snowmobiling, camping and everything else good and wholesome. You’ll need an ID Dental License, 1+ yrs experience, a growth mindset, integrity and a desire to bring lifelong smiles.

Please call or text 509-808-8815 or email your resume and cover letter to centerfdw@gmail.com for more information!

ASSOCIATE DENTIST NEEDED IN MOUNT VERNON, WA Join Diamond Dental in Mount Vernon, WA, as an Associate General Dentist with the potential for partnership! Our award-winning practice offers cutting-edge facilities and a strong patient base. We are seeking a dedicated dentist with at least 2+ years of experience who is ready to work four days a week and committed to delivering exceptional care. Mentorship in implants and orthodontics is available, and competitive compensation and opportunities for career growth are offered. 250k-350K Email resume and cover letter to drs@diamonddental.com TRAVELING DENTIST IN WASHINGTON Willamette Dental Group seeks full-time traveling dentist in Washington. Offering in-house patient referrals, annual guarantees, performance incentives, and great benefits! $160,000-$210,000 depending on experience.

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

WILLAMETTE DENTAL GROUP SEEKS FULL TIME GENERAL DENTIST IN RICHLAND, WA 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.

PEDIATRIC DENTIST WASHINGTON State: Seize this opportunity in growing Wenatchee Washington. We are seeking a full time Pediatric Dentist to join our busy private practice. Potential for $400,000+/year plus upwards of 50K benefit package with flexibility of 198 working days/year. Competitive advantage includes: Guaranteed rate of $1500/day or % of collections, PTO, 401K options, sign on bonus, generous CE allowance.

Our practice boasts a fully digital integrated platform for seamless efficiency. We also utilize a restorative hygienist to maximize scheduling. With our loyal and well-seasoned staff, we are a force of uplifting energy that runs like a NASCAR team. Our practice also provides orthodontic care which strengthens our patient loyalty and retention.

Wenatchee is an excitingly diverse area with robust outdoor adventures for the entire family. Adventure seekers enjoy biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, water & winter sports alike.

Wenatchee is well equipped with excellent character focused schools, a modest cost of living and a tight knit community that feels like home.

Please contact Jacobi Schall at the Wenatchee Valley Dental Village for more information or to submit your resume, jschall@wvdentalvillage.com.

GENERAL DENTIST WASHINGTON State: Seize this opportunity in growing Wenatchee Washington. We are seeking a full time General Dentist to join our busy multispecialty private practice.

Potential for $200,000+/year plus upwards of 50K benefit package with flexibility of 198 working days/year.

Competitive advantage includes: Guaranteed rate of $800/ day or % of collections, PTO, 401K options, sign on bonus, generous CE allowance. Our practice boasts a fully digital integrated platform for seamless efficiency. We also utilize a restorative hygienist to maximize scheduling. With our loyal and well-seasoned staff, we are a force of uplifting energy that runs like a NASCAR team. Our practice also provides orthodontic care which strengthens our patient loyalty and retention. Wenatchee is an excitingly diverse area with robust outdoor adventures for the entire family. Adventure seekers enjoy biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, water & winter sports alike. Wenatchee is well equipped with excellent character focused schools, a modest cost of living and a tight knit community that feels like home.

For more information or to submit your resume, please contact Jacobi Schall at jschall@wvdentalvillage.com.

GENERAL DENTIST OPPORTUNITY IN KENNEWICK, WASHINGTON Are you looking for an organization where you can develop your dental career while making a meaningful difference in our patient’s lives? Do you want a position that offers you work-life balance while you build your career? At Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, we believe you are more than a dentist, and we are more than a job. The Tri-Cities in Washington is a dynamic region known for its beautiful riverside location, sunny climate, and outdoor activities. It is a hub for wineries, breweries, and agricultural offerings, particularly in wine production and fresh produce. The area’s growing economy, diverse dining options, and familyfriendly atmosphere make it a desirable place to live and visit in Eastern Washington. What You’ll Do: Care for the underserved community in Kennewick and surrounding

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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

Register Today for PNDC 2025

MAY 8-10 IN SEATTLE

2025

www.wsda.org/pndc 46

WSDA Ne w s | Issue 4 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

CLASSIFIEDS

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

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

OFFICE FOR SALE OR LEASE

OFFICE FOR SALE OR LEASE

communities, Provide comprehensive general dentistry services based on patient needs, Work with a collaborative team consisting of dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental receptionists to provide our patients with an excellent experience. $180,400.00 base compensation; will increase for highly productive dentists, $30K hiring bonus, $20k relocation assistance available!

Contact us at providerjob@yvfwc.org for more information about this opportunity.

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

SPOKANE AREA DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE GP Practice for Sale in the Spokane Area Gross $1M+ Adj. Net ~$500K ~ 50% FFS / ~50% PPO Contact Amanda at CTC Associates, amanda@ctc-associates. com or 509-606-1559. WA24-100

ASSOCIATE DENTIST/ PROSTHODONTIST: WOODINVILLE, WA Once in a lifetime opportunity working with a top notch dental team that works extremely hard while having fun!

Learn from a Periodontal-Prosthodontist with over 30 years of experience and contribute your gifts and talents to make our team even better! You will experience the rare opportunity to work at an 8 op, full service dental office that has cutting edge technology; including IV sedation, implant reconstructions, sleep medicine, Cerec, laser, and PRF. Our work is published in dental journals and practice owner speaks nationally and internationally. Full time position at 4 days/week. Salary and % collection bonus based on credentials and experience. Guaranteed base salary of $200,000.00. If you are interested in this rare opportunity please forward your confidential resume with a cover letter about yourself. We see patients Monday - Thursday. Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to hear from another exuberant professional that loves dentistry!

Please e-mail: dentmed@comcast.net or fax to 425-485-0764.

If you are a Prosthodontist or a Periodontist two years of experience is required. Three to five years experience for a general dentist.

OFFICE FOR SALE OR LEASE GENERAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: NORTH SEATTLE/SOUTH EVERETT Excellent Cash Flow in this outstanding practice in South Everett! 2024 annualized Collections $1.6 M. 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.

BELLEVUE TURN-KEY 4 AND 5 OP DENTAL OFFICES FOR LEASE Bellevue 4 and 5 op Turn-Key Dental offices, Northup Place, Street Level, Next to Microsoft, prime location.

Please email Tim at tkhach3@gmail.com or call (425)658-6758.

TURN-KEY GIG HARBOR OFFICE FOR SALE An excellent opportunity to start or move your patients to this practice in Gig Harbor, off Canterwood Blvd. This 2123 sq ft office is modern and fully equipped. Key features of include: Prime location, affluent neighbourhood with surrounding residential, commercial, and other medical professionals. Ample parking for patients and staff. Newer construction in medical building. 4 ops fully functional, room for 5th op, digital pano, computers in all ops and stocked with supplies. You can start seeing patients now! This is an asset sale only. Asking price $190,000.

Email dannyleealive@gmail.com.

OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE 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

BALLARD PRACTICE FOR SALE Long time Seattle practice for sale in the Ballard neighborhood. $520K gross in 2023. 5 equipped ops with xray in each op. Open Dental, Scanx xray, digital pan, paper charts. No hygienist. Fully equipped for implant placement and restoring. 5 year lease in place. Your way to get started in expensive Seattle for only $195K. The patients are free. almunk10@hotmail.com

YAKIMA, WA DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE Well-established general dental practice for sale in Yakima Valley, WA. Six operatories, 2,850 active patients, $2.295M collections, and $815K EBITDA. Flexible transition options.

Contact PTS for details: bailey@professionaltransition.com GREATER SEATTLE METRO – MULTI-LOCATION DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE Multiple locations with multiple dentists. Collections of $3.702 million & EBITDA of $1.258 million. 15 total operatories. Seeking group partnership.

To learn more, contact PTS: bailey@professionaltransition.com Reference #WA91824

GENERAL PRACTICE FOR SALE IN SHORELINE WA Highly profitable general practice north of Seattle. The practice collected over $560,000 in 2023 with overhead of only 40%. Step into a wonderful practice at the heart of a nice, rapidly growing neighborhood.

For more information, contact Cole Harrison: 509-310-9531 | cole@practicesales.com WD-2407 WSDA News Magazine

6 OP DENTAL PRACTICE & REAL ESTATE FOR SALE MOSES LAKE, WA Well-established 6 op legacy practice w/prime CRE. Avg annual collections $936K, avg annual income $250K. Hygiene/diagnostic revenue 62%. Digital x-rays, digital charts, Dentrix. Sterilization, on-site lab, on-site laundry, large conference/team area. Bldg is approx. 2,400 sq ft, high visibility, ample parking. Practice $678,000; real estate $760,000.

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

(C434)

WENATCHEE GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE Well-established, 5 op general dental practice operating 4 days per week. Provides the full scope of dentistry including cosmetic, IV sedation and comprehensive treatment plans.

Great dental team. Digital imaging, EagleSoft, favorable lease, great location on busy street. Seller willing to stay on doing IV cases as needed.

Contact Susan Savage at Fortune Management, susansavage@fortunemgmt.com or 509-929-6972.

TURN-KEY 6 OP DENTAL PRACTICE SHELL FOR SALE This newly renovated practice is located in Fircrest, WA. a perfectly central location between King and Pierce county.

Year one, the previous practice did $1,300,000 when the owner decided to combine this practice with another leaving the shell. The practice has 4 restorative ops and 2 full surgical suites. All fully stocked, including the steri and all disposables and non disposables for any kind of surgery. The practice boasts brand new full IT overhaul, a 2018 CT machine, and new sensors. New paint, new Surgical ops (soundproofed), new Mechanical room, new IT, a 2018 Planmeca CT machine, and new Sensors.

Please reach out to rachel@denovosmiles.com. Video Walkthrough: https://www.loom.com/share/bf8162d3e95 e49b0818b14e481fd5889?sid=3e9f1277-de63-409d-aa541d74a3dbabfb 4 OP SPOKANE DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE Well-designed facility, strong revenue, and room for growth.

Avg annual collections $732K, estimated annual take-home $189K, Hyg/Diag avg 35% of revenue annually. Digital x-rays, digital pano x-ray, Eaglesoft. Space is leased. $636,000.

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

(E464) 7 OP DENTAL PRACTICE AVAILABLE SEATTLE Modern general dental practice in heart of Seattle! Strong hygiene/diagnostic at 49% of revenues. Avg annual collections $1.1M. Dexis digital x-rays, digital pano, digital charts, Dentrix software. 80% fee-for-service. Appraised at $746,000, offered at $550,000, motivated seller.

Contact Knutzen-McVay Group at jessica@tkmgllc.com. (W784) EASTSIDE GP PRACTICE FOR SALE Exceptional Eastside dental practice – 8 ops, modern, stable patient base, prestigious and growing community, $2+M annually with room for expansion!

EMAIL: Tonya@DentistryReinvented.com or TEXT: 425-221-8816

GREAT ANACORTES PRACTICE FOR SALE IN PRIME LOCATION Price Reduced - Motivated Seller - Practice and Real Estate.

Priced at less than 65% of 2023 collections. Located at the gateway to the San Juan Islands on the busiest street in Anacortes. Over 16,000 cars per day pass by the office with great visibility. Higher than average educational level and household income. Four operatory practice with room to expand. Consistently over $1 million in annual collections.

Great staff, digital technology, dentrix software. Only 20 minutes West of I-5. Anacortes is a fast growing, beautiful community. Price reduced to $650,000 for a quick sale.

Contact Frank - 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com Lic.#130877 (WD300) SHORELINE DENTAL OFFICE FOR SALE 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 sale. Banks with 100% financing are available.

2,000 SF HOA and Expenses come to $9.56 nnn per year.

Asking $1,199,000.00.

Contact Steve - 425-905-6920 or steve@omni-pg.com Lic.#94563 (WAR172) FRIDAY HARBOR, SAN JUAN ISLAND DENTAL OFFICE FOR SALE 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 - 425-905-6920 or steve@omni-pg.com Lic.#94563 (WAR166)

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Pacific Dental Conference

Savee

thes s!

Date

March 6-8, 2025

Join us in Vancouver, Canada

Featured Speakers

Three days of varied and contemporary continuing dental education sessions are offered (something for your whole team)

Amber Riley

Forensics/ Pathology

Nekky Jamal Oral Surgery

Lee Ann Brady Dental Assisting

Fantastic line-up of speakers / topics to choose from in open sessions and hands-on workshops, as well as the Live Dentistry Stage in the Exhibit Hall Spacious PDC Exhibit Hall with all your favorite exhibiting companies looking forward to connect with you again

Lunches & Exhibit Hall Receptions (Thurs/Fri) included in the registration fee

Fantastic shopping, beautiful seawall access within blocks of your hotel, and great spring skiing, golfing and cycling

Registration and program information at...

pdconf.com

48

WSDA Ne w s | Issue 4 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

Jim Grisdale Periodontics

Joyce Bassett David Rice Samuel B. Low Jackie Dorst Dimple Desai Ho-Young Chung

Lois Banta

Practice Management

Jason Goodchild Chrissy Ford David Patrick Tarek El-Bialy Tiara Anderson David Yang

Todd Snyder

Restorative/Operative

Tieraona Low Dog Aviv Ouanounou Thomas Viola Sherry Priebe Timothy Caruso Mark Lin

Fees in Canadian Funds

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

NORTH SEATTLE OFFICE SPACE 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 - 425-905-6920 or steve@omni-pg.com Lic.#94563 (WAR165)

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 - 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com Lic.#130877 (WAD496)

NORTH SEATTLE MEDICAL BUILDING - FOR SALE Price Reduction -- 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. $1,625,000.00.

Contact Steve - 425-905-6920 or steve@omni-pg.com Lic.#94563 (WAR164) EASTSIDE GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE - PRIME LOCATION 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.

Contact Rod - 206-979-2660 or rod@omni-pg.com Lic.#24938 (WAD523) ESTABLISHED RENTON PRACTICE GROSSING $1.6 MIL 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 - 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com Lic.#130877 (WAD516) SNOHOMISH COUNTY GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE 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 - 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com Lic.#130877 (WAD513) STUNNING KITSAP COUNTY DENTAL PRACTICE NOW AVAILABLE Prime location in a beautiful modern building. Practice is in a professional business complex with easy access, ample parking, and nice visibility.

Contact Frank - 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com Lic.#130877 (WAD506) LONG ESTABLISHED PROSTHODONTIC PRACTICE IN DOWNTOWN SEATTLE 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 - 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com Lic.#130877 (WAD505) SNOHOMISH GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE Snohomish General Dental Practice with annual collections over $300,000. 3 fully-equipped ops with option to lease an

OFFICE FOR SALE OR LEASE plumbed. Dentrix software.

Contact Frank Sciabica at 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com Lic. #130877 (WAD571) $1 MIL PRACTICE NEAR CANADIAN BORDER Real estate for sale. Owner refers out many procedures that could be kept in-house for immediate production increase.

Three equipped ops with two additional plumbed. Great opportunity!

Contact Frank Sciabica at 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com Lic. #130877 ( WAD567)

BEAUTIFUL WELL ESTABLISHED MARYSVILLE PRACTICE WITH $1.3 MILLION ANNUAL COLLECTIONS Well established general dental Marysville practice for sale.

Annual collections of $1.3 million per year. Great location in the middle of town. Easy access with plenty of parking available on site. Beautiful building with great visibility from the street.

Contact Frank - 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com Lic.#130877 (WAD486)

HIGH VISIBILITY-HIGH TRAFFIC SPOKANE GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE High visibility general dental practice for sale in growing Spokane, WA. Annual collections over $1.4 million.

Beautifully remodeled interior. Approximately 30,000 cars drive by the practice per day. Six modern, digital operatories.

Cone Beam x-rays. Over 1,500 active patients. Average of 30 new patients per month with minimal marketing.

Contact Frank Sciabica at 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg. com Lic. #130877 (WAD564)

TURN-KEY GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE SOUTH SEATTLE Excellent dental start-up. Fully equipped turn-key practice 4 ops, shell space. No patients. South Seattle location.

Contact Rod - 206-979-2660 or rod@omni-pg.com Lic.#24938 (WAD476) BEAUTIFUL BAINBRIDGE ISLAND GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE 4 fully equipped ops – 2 operative and 2 hygiene. Great staff, loyal patient base. Collections over $1 mil for past three years.

Contact Frank - 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com Lic.#130877 (WAD455) LONG ESTABLISHED, STABLE, NICELY APPOINTED ISLAND GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE GROSSING 550K WITH HIGH NET Great location in growing area. 3 day a week practice running at 40% overhead - room for growth!

Contact Frank - 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com Lic.#130877 (WAD429) RARE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A SUCCESSFUL, WELL-RESPECTED PRACTICE ON BEAUTIFUL SAN JUAN ISLAND OVERLOOKING FRIDAY HARBOR 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 - 206-979-2660 or rod@omni-pg.com Lic.#24938 (WAD397) SALEM OREGON - DENTAL, MEDICAL, VETERINARY BUILDING FOR SALE ON MAIN STREET 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 - 503-830-5765 or megan@omni-pg.com Lic.#201221407 (ORR105) DENTAL OFFICE FOR LEASE IN LAKE STEVENS Suite 102 - 1,755 SF built out dental office featuring 4 operatories, doctors office, consult room, sterile, lab, two in-suite restrooms, reception, private exit, and shared waiting area. Abundant parking and in a large retail plaza.

You could expand the office for another 1,198 SF. Contact Steve - 425-905-6920 or steve@omni-pg.com Lic.#94563 (WAR178) MODIFIED START-UP IN THE UNIVERSITY DISTRICT On track to collect $480K in 2024. Practice has been in the same location for over 25 years. Open 4 days/week with 2 hygienist days/week. 3 equipped ops with 2 additional ops

RARE SEATTLE OPPORTUNITY 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!

Contact Jen - 206-683-8966 or jen@omni-pg.com (WAD528) HIGH PRODUCING EVERETT FAMILY PRACTICE Grossing 1.8MIL$ with real estate for sale as well. Beautiful.

8 hygiene days/week. Practice averaging 40 new patients/ month. Acquire this profitable practice and or move your current practice into this 10 op facility and take this practice to the next level.

Contact Frank - 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com Lic.#130877 (WAD540) WELL-ESTABLISHED EAST SNOHOMISH COUNTY DENTAL PRACTICE 14 new patients per month; 100% referral from existing loyal patient base. Over $500K in collections for past three years working three days per week. 4 fully equipped ops + 1 additional op. Excellent opportunity for growth. Amazing location on a busy street - approximately 17K vehicles pass per day. Real estate also for sale.

Contact Frank - 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com Lic.#130877 (WAD524) 4 OP KENT PRACTICE IN HIGH VISIBILITY LOCATION Nicely appointed 4 op Kent practice on major thoroughfare grossing 650K/year. Very reasonable rent with great landlord. Staff willing to stay on to help with the transition.

Contact Frank - 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com Lic.#130877 (WAD491) NORTH SEATTLE MEDICAL/DENTAL BUILDING FOR SALE Welcome to Brookside Professional Center, a fantastic investment opportunity located in North Seattle. This wellkept building offers a rare chance to own a property with a long-term dental tenant already in place, providing stability and potential for growth. The building has a 1,000 square foot office space currently being used by a Naturopath. You can either keep the current tenant or find a new one if you decide to purchase. Additionally, there’s a large 1,500 square foot lower level with two bathrooms. You could rent this

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49

Practice Sales Transitions Management Consulting

LISTINGS*

*visit knutzenmcvaygroup.com for most up to date

WASHINGTON

Seattle | $550,000 | #W784

Modern, 7 op practice in heart of Seattle. Hygiene/ diagnostic revenue 49%, reliable hygiene team. Avg annual collections $1.1M, Dexis digital x-rays, Digital pano, digital charts, Dentrix, 80% fee-for-service, no Medicaid. Appraised at $746,000. Motivated seller!

OVER 50 YEARS OF

S. King County | $400,000 | #W424

EXPERTISE IN THE DENTAL INDUSTRY

Well established 4 op practice. Seller has meticulously built the foundation over the past 30 years. 2023 collections $532K. Private doctor office, staff lounge, onsite laundry, digital x-rays. Friendly lease with options.

Spokane | $1,195,000 | #E514

5 op integrative practice combining traditional dental care with natural, minimally invasive treatments. Avg annual collections $1.5M, avg annual income $657K, Hygiene/diagnostic revenue 39%. Digital pano/cone beam, Dexis digital x-rays, Trios scanner, Dentrix.

Standalone building also available for purchase!

Spokane | $636,000 | #E464

We would love to help.

4 ops, solid patient base, featuring a well-designed facility and strong revenue. Avg annual collections $732K, estimated annual take-home $189K, Hygiene/ diagnostic revenue 35%. Digital x-rays, digital pano x-ray, Eaglesoft. Space is leased.

Serving Washington, Idaho, and Montana

N. Central WA | $731,000 | #C834

4 ops, major growth potential by adding one more day and expanding services. Hygiene/diagnostic revenue 40%. Collections over $900K in 2023, avg income $280K. Dentrix, digital x-rays, private office, private lounge, on-site laundry. Friendly lease with options.

Moses Lake | $678,000 | #C434

TODD MCVAY

President

todd@tkmgllc.com

JULIE HAWKEN

MEAGAN TOMLINSON

julie@tkmgllc.com

meagan@tkmgllc.com

Broker

Broker

Lic. #20120342

Well-established 6 op legacy practice plus prime real estate. Avg annual collections $936K, avg annual income $250K. Hygiene/diagnostic revenue 62%.

Digital x-rays, digital charts, Dentrix. Building is approximately 2,400 sq ft, high visibility, ample parking.

S. Central WA | $600,000 | #C234

Family-owned practice plus commercial real estate available. Perfect for those seeking a laid back lifestyle.

8 equipped ops plus 1 unequipped. 2023 collections $829K, avg annual income $306K. Dexis digital x-ray, pano, Dentrix. 66% PPO. Dedicated team in place.

TRANSITION CONGRATS Dr. Mark Janczakowski to Dr. Tien-Dat Nguyen

Dr. Michele Taylor to Dr. Wyman Chen

LYNNWOOD, WA

NEWCASTLE, WA

Dr. Gail Kautzman to Dr. Ophelia Huang

Dr. Safina LeClair to Dr. Chelsea Keck

EVERETT, WA

SPOKANE, WA

N. Central WA | $463,000 | #C474

Well-established 4 op family general dental practice, operating 4 days/wk with significant growth opportunities bringing endo and oral surgery in-house.

Hygiene/diagnostic revenue 37%. Collections avg $565K, avg annual income $243K. Digital x-rays, Eaglesoft, friendly lease w/options.

PENDING

CONTACT US TODAY! knutzenmcvaygroup.com or 425. 489. 0848 50

WSDA Ne w s | Issue 4 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

Lynnwood

Northgate

North Idaho

Queen Anne

Seattle (ortho)

Billings, Montana

SE King County (denture clinic)

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

space out for extra income or use it yourself for storage or as additional office space. NNN Leases. The tenants in the building handle their own operating expenses, which means less hassle for you as the owner. Whether you’re looking for a steady rental income or the chance to increase the property’s value by leasing out more space, Brookside Professional Center offers an excellent opportunity in the bustling real estate market of North Seattle. 3,001 RSF Dental Group 2031.

Lease, NNN. 1,000 RSF Therapy Group Month to Month, NNN. 1,500 RSF Lower Office Space Vacant.

Contact Steve - 425-905-6920 or steve@omni-pg.com Lic.#94563 (WAR174)

STUNNING 6 OP DOWNTOWN PRACTICE GROSSING 900K 6 hygiene days per week. Seller refers out many procedures that could be kept in house. Great views of the city from everywhere in the office. Seller willing to stay for a transition.

For more information contact Frank Sciabica at 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com. (WAD559)

2400 SQ FT MILL CREEK TURNKEY OPPORTUNITY WITH EQUIPMENT IN SHOPPING CENTER PRICE 150k. mill creek bothell office, 6 plumbed ops, 4 chairs, CBCT wall mounted Gendex, sale by owner charts not included, 5-10 year lease negotiable.

Text 425-429-2828

BETTER THAN A START-UP, NEWLY BUILT FOUR FULLY-EQUIPPED OPS, GROWING PATIENT BASE Projected collections in 2024 over $300,000. Highly trafficked location with excellent visibility. Dentrix software, pano, 3D printer, Itero 5D scanner and photography studio.

Tremendous opportunity for growth. If this practice was newly built, it would cost approximately $600,000. Priced to sell at $250,000.

Contact Frank - 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com Lic.#130877 (WAD545) 4 OP FEDERAL WAY PRACTICE 4 Op Federal Way practice for incredible potential for growth. The existing owner refers out many procedures that could add increased revenue to this practice. This practice receives 25-30 new patients/mo and poised for growth.

Contact Frank - 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com Lic.#130877 (WAD538) NORTH SEATTLE GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE NEAR GREEN LAKE Average annual collections of $350,000 in five operatories over the past 3 years.

Contact Frank - 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com Lic.#130877 (WAD543) NORTH SEATTLE HYBRID ABSENTEE OWNED DENTAL PRACTICE North Seattle Absentee Owned Dental Practice. Annual collections over $1.6 million in 10 operatories. Practice employs general dentist, periodontist and endodontist. Most dentistry can be done in-house. If you’re looking for either an investment practice, or a practice to work yourself, you should check this out.

Contact Frank - 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com Lic.#130877 (WAD526) FAMILY MEDICINE CLINIC FOR SALE IN BEAUTIFUL NORMANDY PARK Family Medicine practice located in Normandy Park, WA. Annual collections over $625,000 in fast growing practice.

Great location with newer build out and equipment.

Contact Rod - 206-979-2660 or rod@omni-pg.com Lic.#24938 (WMO9011) HIGH PROFIT OLYMPIA PRACTICE Reputable Olympia dental practice, with a solid patient base, state-of-the-art equipment, and a prime location.

The current owner is willing to assist with the transition and willing to work back on a year to year contract at buyers request. 5 fully equipped ops with an additional plumb.

Contact Jen - 206-683-8966 or jen@omni-pg.com (WAD553) PEDIATRIC PRACTICE AND BUILDING FOR SALE IN BEAUTIFUL WHATCOM COUNTY, WA Pediatric Dental Office and Building for sale in Beautiful Whatcom County, WA. Escape the Hustle and bustle and enjoy practice in beautiful and growing Whatcom County, WA. Annual collections of approximately $600,000. Plenty of room for growth in this 6 op, 2,500 square foot building.

Contact Rod Johnston at 206-979-2660 or rod@omni-pg.com. (WAD546)

LARGE PRIVATE DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE IN EAST VANCOUVER Large, state of the art, dental practice for sale in Vancouver, WA. This is a well established practice (open at this location for 18 years) currently employing one full time owner dentist and one full time associate dentist as well as numerous hygienists. Collections in 2023 of 2.0 million.

Please contact John by email with any questions or for more information. vancouverdentalpracticeforsale@gmail.com

TIGARD/BEAVERTON OREGON - PRICE IMPROVEMENT-PROFITABLE PRACTICE IN SUPERB LOCATION Collections over $1.0M last several years. Powerful hygiene.

Growth opportunity as most endo, oral surgery and surgical implants referred out.

Contact Megan - 503-830-5765 or megan@omni-pg.com Lic.#201221407 ( ORD181) SIX OP PRACTICE IN THE CASCADE FOOTHILLS JUST OFF OF I-90 Annual Collections of $1.2 million with year over year growth.

The practice is well managed with overhead below the national average at 61%. Most endo, ortho and oral surgery referred out. Over 1,700 active patients. Poised for further growth.

Contact Rod - 206-979-2660 or rod@omni-pg.com Lic.#24938 (WAD569) WELL ESTABLISHED EVERETT PRACTICE GROSSING 700K READY TO GROW Very well established 4 operatory practice with 2 additional ops plumbed. Refers out many procedures so a lot of growth potential. High visibility location.

Contact Frank - 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com Lic.#130877 (WAD552)

S. CENTRAL WA DENTAL PRACTICE & CRE FOR SALE 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 829K, avg annual income 306K. Dexis digital x-ray, pano, Dentrix software. 66% PPO. Dedicated team in place. Practice $600,000; CRE $339,000.

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

(C234) BELLINGHAM, WA AREA DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE Bellingham dental practice for sale - 45 mins from downtown, with five fully-equipped operatories, ready plumbing for a sixth. Currently operates four days a week under a 100% Fee-For-Service model, with $980,000 in collections and SDE over $320,000. Serving 1,850 active patients.

Contact Bailey Jones at BAILEY@PROFESSIONALTRANSITION.COM or 719.694.8320.

REFERENCE #WA111323.

GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE NEAR THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON General Dental Practice located near the University of Washington. Annual collections over $1 million in a conveniently located three operatory practice. Well established practice with a great reputation.

Contact Rod - 206-979-2660 or rod@omni-pg.com Lic.#24938 (WAD551) EUGENE OREGON -PRACTICE FOR SALE Collections over $800,000 in 5 ops. Wonderful opportunity as investment practice or work it yourself. Associate possibly stay on part-time. Growth opportunity as surgical implants, oral surgery, ortho and most endo is referred out. Averaging 22 NP per month.

Contact Megan - 503-830-5765 or megan@omni-pg.com.

Lic.#201221407 (ORD180) HILLSBORO OREGON - PROFITABLE PRACTICE FOR SALE Long-standing, profitable practice in great location near OHSU, Intel, Nike and downtown Hillsboro. Collections over $1.0M and opportunity to grow by adding services.

Contact Megan - 503-830-5765 or megan@omni-pg.com Lic.#201221407 (ORD174) WESTERN IDAHO - THRIVING WESTERN IDAHO PRACTICE WITH A SMALL TOWN FRIENDLY FEEL Thriving General Dental Practice For Sale in Western Idaho near the Oregon border. Annual collections nearly $1 million in approximately 150 days per year leaving plenty of time for outdoor activities. Real Estate is also for sale. Room for growth.

Contact Rod - 206-979-2660 or rod@omni-pg.com Lic.#DB49245 (IDD106)

SOUTH EVERETT PRACTICE FOR SALE Over 800 active patients. Cone beam, IO scanner, 3D printer, digital x-rays and charts. 3 equipped operatories but plumbed for 6. Central location with high traffic and visibility.

Projected $770K in 2024 on 6 days per month! $275,000.

Please contact William Webley at williamwebleydds@gmail.com or call 425-919-7202 GENERAL/COSMETIC DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: NORTH SEATTLE Beautiful General/Cosmetic practice collecting $935K working 3.5 days/week with Excellent Cash Flow. Seller ready sell ASAP. 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. 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.

GENERAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: SOUTH PUGET SOUND Great opportunity poised for growth located in South Puget Sound area. Real Estate Available to purchase. 2023 Collections $622k. 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.

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

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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 CONSTRUCTION

GENERAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: SOUTH PUGET SOUND Nice Growth opportunity located in South Puget Sound area.

Real Estate available to purchase. 2023 Collections $493k 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.

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

5 fully-computerized 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

CONSTANTINE BUILDERS INC. (CBI) — WSDA endorses CBI as their preferred builder of Dental facilities with over 25 years of experience from ground up buildings, renovations, remodels, and interior tenant improvement projects. All projects are completed on time and within budget. CBI provides the highest level of quality service with integrity that exceeds our client’s expectation.

Please see our display ad on page two and website at www. constantinebuilders.com for additional information and how you can become another satisfied client.

Telephone (206) 957-4400, O. George Constantine. See our ad on the inside front cover!

GENERAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: BELLINGHAM 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.

GENERAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: BAINBRIDGE ISLAND Beautiful practice and located in a desirable area of Puget Sound! 2023 collections $808k. Seller ready to Transition.

2 GENERAL PRACTICES FOR SALE: OKANOGAN COUNTY Okanogan River. Collecting $830,000. 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.

OPPORTUNITIES WANTED ORTHODONTIST 2024 Boston University grad, want to practice in Renton area.

Read my full CV here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/157EOm3Hu85vXSAvUpd0jPEBCR4PiyDl/view

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE GENTLEWAVE FOR SALE Sonendo GentleWave system for sale. Original owner & gently used. Comes complete with all original paperwork and accessories plus extras.

For serious inquires please call (360)757-3636 or email office@skagitendodontics.com

Since 1968

We are pleased to announce...

Daniel J. Madden, D.D.S. has acquired the practice of Monica Calderon, D.M.D. Vancouver, Washington Call today for a FREE MARKET VALUE ANALYSIS ($5,000 value)

We are pleased to have assisted in this transition.

800.232.3826 | www.AFTCO.net 1-800-232-3826 www.AFTCO.net Sales & Purchases Over $3.2 Billion Practice SalesPractice & Purchases Over $3.2 Billion

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WSDA Ne w s | Issue 4 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

LAUGHING GAS

DG Transitions LLC

General Dental Practice Opportunities BAINBRIDGE ISLAND

5 ops + > Collecting $751K

A DENTAL GROUP COMPANY

BELLINGHAM

7+ ops w/Real Estate > Collecting $800K

dgtransitions.com

SOUTH EVERETT

6 ops > Collecting $1.4M+

NORTH SEATTLE

3 ops > Collecting $935K

OKANOGAN COUNTY 2 locations

5 and 3 ops > Collecting $664K

SOUTH SEATTLE

6 ops > Collecting $1.2M

PIERCE COUNTY

4 ops w/Real Estate > Collecting (Inquire)

SOUTH PUGET SOUND

4+ ops w/Real Estate > Collecting (Inquire)

Comprehensive | Professional | Tax Efficient

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

6+ ops > Collecting $1.2M+

NORTH SEATTLE

4-7 ops w/Real Estate > Collecting $779K

OLYMPIC PENINSULA

7 ops > Collecting $779K

PIERCE COUNTY

5 ops > Collecting $805K

SEATTLE AREA

Endodontics

SOUTH OF SEATTLE

5-7 ops > Collecting $1.4M

SOUTH OF SEATTLE

5 ops > Collecting $1.06M

SOUTH PUGET SOUND

5-9 ops w/Real Estate > Collecting $1.2M

> Collecting $2.35M

> Collecting $1.29M

Coming Soon

karrie@cpa4dds.com

sam@cpa4dds.com

EASTSIDE

5 ops > Collecting $1.1M

KIRKLAND

4+ ops > Collecting $1.01M

KIRKLAND

5 ops > Collecting $1.3M

KITSAP PENINSULA

6 ops > Collecting (Inquire)

KITSAP PENINSULA

6 ops > Collecting $900K

SEATTLE AREA

Oral Surgery > Collecting $2.33M

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THE LAST WORD

What Does My Component Do for Me?

A Dr. Stephen Lee

WSDA News Editorial Advisory Board

“Component societies are often run on a shoestring budget, and we don’t give them enough credit for the important role they play in our professional lives.”

fter finishing my residency and returning home to begin my career, my first dental meeting wasn’t a big conference or a $5,000 weekend class at some institute: it was the monthly meeting of the Snohomish County Dental Society. I was introduced to the audience as a new attendee, and later I was welcomed personally by several individuals. The whole occasion was very collegial, and I immediately felt like I was a part of the local dental community.

Leadership Opportunities: Component societies are a reliable training ground for young leaders. The vast majority of dentists who serve in state and national leadership capacities started at the component level and gradually take on greater responsibilities as they became more comfortable with it. Additionally, components are small enough that one person’s energy and motivation can make a meaningful difference. If you’re highly driven and willing to champion a good oral health cause, your component society can help get the word out.

Component societies are often run on a shoestring budget, and we don’t give them enough credit for the important role they play in our professional lives. I’d like to discuss several of the benefits my component society has offered me over the years:

Peer Review: While it’s rarely discussed, components like mine have a review board that handles patient complaints of dentists, giving both providers and patients a last chance to resolve differences before escalating to more formal channels. Most of us hope to never use this service, but it’s good to know it’s there.

Peer networking: For some of us, the primary benefit of our local society is the way they bring dentists together for professional socializing and collaborating. I frequently hear conversations between generalists and specialists about difficult patients. On multiple occasions, I’ve brought photos or diagnostic casts to dinner meetings to informally bounce ideas off other dentists. While often lasting only a couple of minutes, these in-person collaborations are invaluable and benefit both doctors and patients.

Continuing Education: Most general meetings offer a chance for continuing education hours.

The smaller venues lend themselves well to robust discussion and more interaction between speaker and audience than can be found at larger meetings. Additionally, it gives emerging speakers a chance to hone their skills before going before a larger audience.

Volunteer Opportunities: For the dentists who aren’t as excited about going to meetings, or whose schedules don’t align with the local society meetings, components can offer volunteer opportunities. In Snohomish County, one of the big events is Toothapalooza held at the Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett. We get a great turnout of volunteer dentists, and for many of them, the volunteer event is one of their favorite member benefits.

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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Social Events: Additionally, our society has recently introduced a family-friendly social night during the summer at Everett’s minor league baseball park. Again, there are society members who don’t participate in much else, but have a great time relaxing with their peers at this event.

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Group Collaboration: A component society can effectively collaborate with other groups to help members get advice, supplies and local regulatory information — whether that’s helping obtain PPE during a pandemic or working with local health districts on oral health matters.

Component societies are small groups with significant budgetary constraints, and they aren’t going to solve the world’s oral health problems. But they can make a real difference in your practice and your career, and they serve a vital role in welcoming our newest members and introducing them to the value and community of organized dentistry.

Your active participation matters more at the local level than at any other. I challenge you to reflect on the culture and benefits of your component society. Is it providing you and your peers with the benefits you’re looking for at the local level? What is your society doing best?

Are there areas for growth, especially among offerings for our newer members? You may find yourself surprised by some of the benefits you were unaware of and inspired by what the future of your component could be. n W WSDA is gathering ideas for a future story on local dental societies. Do you have a favorite benefit your local dental society provides? Or are you looking for ways to help grow your society or expand its offerings? Let us know! Visit www.wsda.org/survey to share your thoughts.

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WSDA Ne w s | Issue 4 . 2024 | www.wsda.org

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Washington State Dental Association 126 NW Canal Street, #300 Seattle, WA 98107

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