WSDA News | Spring 2022

WSDA

news

Spring 2022

The Voice of the Washington State Dental Association

YAKIMA GROWN Future Dental School Planned for Yakima’s Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences

New WSDA DEI Mission & Strategic Priorities — 14 | Negotiating Employment Contracts — 32

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WSDA news

Spring 2022

From the Executive Director | Bracken Killpack.............................. 6 Guest Editorial | Dr. Pollene Speed McIntyre.................................................. 7 Guest Editorial | Dr. Ronald Marsh............................................................................ 8 Letters to the Editorial Board.......................................................................... 9 Regulatory & Compliance News.............................................................. 10 2022 Legislative Session Summary....................................................1 1 I’ve Been Contacted by the DOH, Now What?..............12 WSDA Adopts Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Mission & Strategic Priorities....................................................................... 14 PNDC Update............................................................................................................................ 16 Association Updates....................................................................................................... 18 New & Reinstated Members............................................................................... 19 Giving Back — Toothapalooza 2022.............................................. 20 Yakima Grown.......................................................................................................................... 22 WSDA Retro Year in Review...........................................................................28 Apply for the WSDA Leadership Institute........................... 30 WDIA News.................................................................................................................................. 3 1 Understanding the Business of Dentistry.............................. 32 Employee vs. Independent Contractor.......................................36 ADA News.......................................................................................................................................39 UW School of Dentistry News | Dr. Gary Chiodo......................40 CE Opportunities / Around the State.......................................... 42 In Memoriam............................................................................................................................. 43 Classifieds.......................................................................................................................................47 Laughing Gas............................................................................................................................ 57 The Last Word | Dr. Stephen Lee............................................................................58 EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Dr. Julie Kellogg, Chair Dr. Brittany Dean Dr. John Evans Dr. Stephen Lee Dr. Jeffrey Parrish WSDA NEWS PUBLISHER Bracken Killpack BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dr. Ashley Ulmer, President Dr. John L. Gibbons, President-Elect Dr. Nathan G. Russell, Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Dennis L. Bradshaw, Immediate Past President Dr. Kristine M. Aadland Dr. Lisa Buttaro Dr. Amy J. Cook Dr. Joseph Y. de Jesus Dr. Chris E. Dorow Dr. Lisa Egbert Dr. Todd R. Irwin Dr. Christine L. Kirchner Dr. Mark Koday Dr. Blake McKinley Dr. Kim D. Nordberg Dr. Patrick Sharkey

CONTENTS On the cover: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences students stand before the site of a new dental school planned for Yakima.

Yakima Grown Future Dental School Planned for Yakima’s Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences

22

Understanding the Business of Dentistry Negotiating Employment Contracts for Personal and Professional Success

32

WSDA STAFF Executive Director Bracken Killpack Assistant Executive Director Kainoa Trotter Director of Government Affairs Emily Lovell Administrative Director Peter Aaron Manager of Communications and Marketing Emma Brown Policy Project Coordinator Megan Bartol Governance and Membership Coordinator Natalia Hilal Government Affairs Coordinator Lauren Johnson Membership Concierge Martina Torres

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

Copyright © 2022 by the Washington State Dental Association, all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the editor. 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 | Spring 2022 | www.wsda.org

5

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

UWSOD Must Move Off UW Seattle Campus

A Bracken Killpack Executive Director, WSDA

“In order to be viable into the future, UWSOD must radically and urgently reimagine where its students are trained. Bold action and a new bold leader are desperately needed.”

t a meeting earlier this year, the University of Washington’s (UW) Board of Regents authorized a 20-year lease (with two 10-year extension options) to consolidate its Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology into a five-story building in Renton.

According to public documents, the total financial obligation will be $125 million for rent and operating expenses over 20 years, $51 million for tenant improvements, and an additional $12 million in initial lab equipment.

This move will allow that department (which, by the way, has processed 30% of the COVID-19 tests in our state) to increase its space fourfold and potentially grow its annual revenues five-fold.

A UW Facilities report states that the department’s current spaces “are too old, small, and disaggregated to allow for efficient operations and do not allow for future growth.” The department’s existing space located at UW Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center will now be “available to be repurposed for patient care and other revenue-generating hospital use.”

While there are certainly significant differences between the UW’s Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and the School of Dentistry, this recent decision by the university begs the question of whether a similar move is warranted for our state’s first dental school.

The University of Washington School of Dentistry (UWSOD) is highly ranked in large part due to its research and curriculum advancements like the Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) program. However, certainly everyone would agree that UWSOD’s rankings are not helped by the quality and location of its facilities. UWSOD’s own “Campaign for Clinics” literature describes much of the school’s equipment as being “past its useful life, marred, or in disrepair.”

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.

6

WSDA Ne w s | Spring 2022 | www.wsda.org

Putting aside the shortcomings of its facilities, UWSOD also has faced extreme difficulties in getting patients into its dental clinics. One obvious barrier exacerbating these difficulties is the school’s location. UWSOD’s clinics are located within a labyrinth of asbestos-filled walls (also known as the Warren G. Magnuson Health Sciences Center) on a campus that is, putting it politely, generally inaccessible to those without a Husky Card. If Dante desired to design a physical concept for a dental school

for his Inferno, he could draw liberally from the northeastern shore of Portage Bay in the 2020s.

Furthermore, UWSOD is highly dependent upon Medicaid-eligible patients, patients on a sliding fee scale, and those, to quote from a 2020 State Auditor’s Report, “willing to accept longer treatment times.” These patients are increasingly hard to find in or near a city with some of the nation’s highest housing costs and where half the households earn more than $100,000 per year.

It is quite remarkable how successful UWSOD has been despite these challenges. Imagine that the UW were founding a School of Dentistry today. Would the whole school operate as a RIDE program? Would the school build out space suitable for a vibrant faculty practice and cutting-edge research? Would it be located in an area that would reduce students’ room and board expenses, shorten travel times for the school’s administrative support staff, and increase accessibility for potential patients?

In other words, would a school designed from scratch today look anything like the current iteration of UWSOD? In order to be viable into the future, UWSOD must radically and urgently reimagine where its students are trained. The UW Seattle campus is not an environment that sets the dental school up to succeed in the long run.

The UWSOD of the future must look different than the UWSOD of the past to maintain its strong reputation. Bold action and a new bold leader are desperately needed.

The search for the next UWSOD dean is underway. I sincerely hope that UW leadership will seize the opportunity to hire a transformational leader willing to challenge the status quo. Equally important, I hope that the UW Board of Regents, president, and provost will wholeheartedly support the work of a transformational leader by investing in a completely reimagined UW School of Dentistry. n W

GUEST EDITORIAL

Why We Should Diversify Our Health Professions: An Academic Perspective

M

ultiple articles and media clips will state the need for diversification. However, very few articles and declarations will cover the reason(s) that diversification is important. The year of 2020 and the ensuing years of 2021 and 2022 have been very insightful to the health care status of our country and the deficiencies of providing care within our dental and medical professions.

Apart from the University of Washington School of Dentistry and community clinics, the dental care delivery system ceased or at the very least struggled to serve those most in need of dental care during this crisis. The early deaths of our elderly populations at nursing homes and other assisted living facilities have shown us the deficiencies in caring for this population. In reflection of this crisis, I am considering not only services to minority populations but also those populations over 65 years of age. Both groups of people had high numbers of fatalities and continue to suffer highly from the pandemic.

We need to diversify our health professions simply to provide comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and compassionate services to the public. Diversity increases access to care, improves equity in dental care and provides a more personal, shared decision-making experience for patients. It is well documented that minority patients are most likely to inquire and accept medical, dental, and other health care from those of their same racial and ethnic groups. Having these providers will create a pool among dentists and health professionals with the cultural wherewithal and willingness to serve these folx.

4.2% 3.7% 0.4%

4.8% 3.9% 0.5%

2010

4.7% 3.0%

63.7% 16.4% 12.3%

Dr. Pollene Speed McIntyre

Clinical Assistant Professor, Operative Clerkship Director University of Washington School of Dentistry

The lack of Black and brown dentists, physicians, nurses, counselors, other clinical decision-makers and professional providers of care is detrimental to patient care. Having health providers that are similar in cultural exchanges and capable of providing familiar modes of communication during this stage of their life will be immeasurable. The resultant medical and social impact will provide a greater quality of life for our elders at a time that is most precious to them. It is upon all of us as health professionals to take an active role in creating this pool of diverse providers.

For it is the right thing to do, then we may resolve that our legacies will be on the right side of history. n W

“We need to diversify our health professions simply to provide comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and compassionate services to the public.”

Racial and Ethnic Mix of the Dentist Workforce in the U.S.

Racial and Ethnic Mix of the Dentist Workforce in the U.S. DISTRIBUTION OF DENTIST WORKFORCE,

BY RACE DISTRIBUTION OF DENTIST

DISTRIBUTION OF

U.S. POPULATION, BY RACE ● WHITE DISTRIBUTION OF ● ASIAN U.S. POPULATION, BY RACE

WORKFORCE, BY RACE

79.8%

79.8%

11.8% 11.8%

4.2% 4.2% 2005 3.7% 3.7% 0.4%

0.4%

77.2%

77.2%

13.6%

2010

4.8% 13.6% 3.9%

0.5%4.8%

74.2%

15.7%

74.2%

Racial and Ethnic Mix of the Dentist Workforce in the U.S.

11.8%

3.6%

Given this information, we must also consider that the populations of these racial and ethnic groups increased from 7.8 million in 2009 (20% of older Americans) to 12.9 million in 2019 (30% of older Americans). Racial and ethnic minority populations are projected to increase to 29% by 2040, which represents a 115% increase. Despite these predictions, according to the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), “Dental schools in the United States have failed to make DISTRIBUTION OF significant U.S. POPULATION, RACEand inroads in attracting and enrollingBYBlack African American (BAA) students in the past 67.0% two decades, 4.2% which may be contributing to 14.4% 2005 persistent oral health disparities among Black 12.2% 2.2% Americans.”

Despite data that racial, ethnic, and elderly populations will increase significantly, the workforce has not improved to meet this challenge. According to a report by the ADA Health Policy Institute in February 2021, the 2020 dentist workforce compared to the U.S. population consisted of 18% Asian (U.S. population 5.6%), 3.8% Black (U.S. population 12.4%), 5.9% Hispanic (U.S. population 18.4%), 70.2% White (U.S. population 60%) and 2.2% other (U.S. population 3.6%).

3.9% 0.5%

5.2% 3.8% 1.0%

15.7% 70.2%

18.0%

70.2%

≠

5.9% 3.8% 2.2 %

18.0%

● WHITE ● ASIAN ● HISPANIC THE RACIAL MIX OF THE DENTIST ● BLACK WORKFORCE DOES NOT REFLECT THE ● OTHER U.S. POPULATION. Black and Hispanic

≠

dentists are significantly underrepresented while Asian dentists are significantly overrepresented.

2015

4.2%

200514.4% 2.2%

12.2%

4.7%

2.2%

2010 3.0%

● HISPANIC ● BLACK ● OTHER

4.7%

16.4% 12.3%

61.5%

5.3%

17.6% 12.3%

5.6%

18.4% 12.4% 3.3%

2020

60.0%

60.0%

5.6% 3.6%

OVER TIME, THE DENTIST WORKFORCE HAS DIVERSIFIED. But almost all of the diversification is accounted for by more Asian dentists. The share of dentists who are Black, for example, has not changed at all.

63.7%

61.5%

17.6% 12.3%

2015

67.0%

14.4% 12.2%

3.0%

5.3%

3.6%

5.9% 3.8% 2.2 %

67.0%

63.7% 16.4% 12.3%

3.3%

5.2% 3.8% 2020 1.0%

4.2%

● WH ● ASI ● HIS ● BLA ● OTH

18.4% 12.4%

RESEARCH INDICATES SOME CAREER

CHOICESin AREall INFLUENCED RACE*.

The views expressed WSDABY publications For example, Black dentists are more are those of the likely individual and do not to participateauthors in Medicaid than White dentists, all else equal. necessarily reflect the official positions or policies of the WSDA.

63%

THE RACIAL MIX OF THE DENTIST WORKFORCE DOES NOT REFLECT THE U.S. POPULATION. Black and Hispanic dentists are significantly underrepresented while Asian dentists are significantly over-

43%

OVER TIME, THE DENTIST WORKFORCE RESEARCH INDICATES SOME CAREER 53% 51%But almost50% HAS DIVERSIFIED. all of the CHOICES ARE INFLUENCED BY RACE*. diversification is accounted by more 2022 | For example, Black dentists are7more WSDA Ne w s for | Spring www.wsda.org Asian dentists. The share of dentists who 39% likely to participate in Medicaid than are Black, for example, has not changed White dentists, all else equal.

GUEST EDITORIAL

If You Become Disabled Today, Are You Prepared?

“I Dr. Ronald Marsh

President, American Association of Disabled Dentists

“As dentists, we are faced with challenges on a daily basis. In order to overcome these obstacles, we plan, practice, prepare, and research. Why should we treat the possibility of a disabling event any different?”

’m sorry, you have cancer,” your doctor says. Your car is struck by a drunk driver. Both scenarios are possible for you tomorrow. Go ahead, think “It won’t happen to me.” The odds are greater than you realize.

I once thought the same and went about running my dental practice and taking care of my family.

A sudden cardiac event, followed by cancer, and finally a stroke changed my perspective entirely.

I found that the risk of encountering a disability was much higher than I ever thought possible.

Even though I was able to continue to work for years after the first two events, the stroke hit me the worst. After a tough recovery, I made the decision to help others like me. Unfortunately, I found many other dentists in virtually every state, in desperate need of support after suffering catastrophic injuries and illnesses. The ADA was of little help and even today I continue to lobby them to create a national viable support network.

In the meantime, I developed a website (www.disableddentists.org) along with my friend, Dr. Greg Ogata, to at least try to help some of these disabled dentists survive. Yes, not everyone we support “makes it.” This is a deadly serious topic that challenges us daily.

What Is Your Documented Risk?

One in four of us will encounter a disabling event during our dental career. It may be shortor long-term: 90% of disabilities are medically related; 10% are accident related. As a young dentist, you are 10 times more likely to encounter a disability than die young. The effect on your dental practice will be significant. Do you know if you will be back to work in six weeks, six months, or six years? An average of 1-2 dentists become permanently disabled in the U.S. every day. I know, I speak to them on heartbreaking phone calls every week.

Why don’t we hear about this happening?

Dentists are very reluctant to discuss the fact that they are disabled in any capacity. Our patients require the utmost confidence in our abilities. Word travels fast in healthcare.

The unwarranted perception that one cannot function at 100% can have serious effects on our practices.

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.

8

Be Prepared When faced with a disabling event, emotion and anxiety often dictate the poor decisions

WSDA Ne w s | Spring 2022 | www.wsda.org

subsequently made. Being prepared for such an event is very important. As dentists, we are faced with challenges on a daily basis. In order to overcome these obstacles, we plan, practice, prepare, and research. Why should we treat the possibility of a disabling event any different? A solid, understandable plan is needed.

The following are steps I recommend you take now, while you are healthy. If you do face a disabling event, your family will be in shock!

1. Develop a detailed Practice Continuity Plan — multiple copies, one attorney copy.

2. Make sure your significant other knows how your practice runs in detail.

3. Maintain a list of up-to-date passcodes, keys, passwords, etc. (see #1).

4. Have a mutual-aid agreement to cover your practice while you are gone.

5. Determine the way your practice is to be run, sold, or managed if you are incapacitated.

6. Make good financial decisions now (invest and save wisely)!

7. Get your affairs in order now (wills, trusts, life insurance).

8. Have a solid DDR (Death, Disability, Retirement) clause if in a group practice.

9. Purchase good business overhead insurance.

10. Get the best disability insurance (after tax dollars paid only)!

What Happens After You Become Disabled?

There is a series of steps to take after you encounter a disabling event. We have developed a logical list of actions to take to survive. We have made mistakes and can help others avoid them. Please refer to our website at www. disableddentists.org for more detailed information. We provide help for free, and our only reward is the success of ill and injured dentists throughout the country.

Please don’t follow the herd and say, “This won’t happen to me.” Our profession is subject to stress in many forms. Clinical dentistry is demanding, and backs, necks, shoulders, wrists, and hands are vulnerable to injury. Add a little stress and it’s like gasoline on a fire. In the end, it doesn’t matter whether it’s bad luck or just karma — the results are the same. You decide on where to go from here. n W

LETTERS TO THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Letters to the Editorial Board Thanks for a great issue of

WSDA News, I especially enjoyed reading the intergenerational chat, and the other editorials regarding dentistry and politics.

Although retired and have not been an active member for a number of years, I recall WSDA leadership espousing “a seat at the table” even in the 1970s. Keep up the good work.

— Robert Pilger, DDS, Gig Harbor

When I heard about the

upcoming CE requirement for “equity training,” I immediately thought “That sounds a lot like legislators making happy talk with the voters” and saw no practical application relative to my licensure. Concerns with improving equity in delivering dentistry – removing obstacles that may keep certain populations overall from enjoying all the health benefits of our profession – is certainly a noble public policy goal, and much of the reason those inequities exist is due to poor public policy in the first place. Without exposing all my conservative bent, let us just say that there exist many incentives to promote actions not congruent with creating successful people or successful families.

I spoke with leadership at WSDA, I wrote and shared my concerns with the folks at our state office and received responses that were nice and justify government action, but they never addressed the issue of, “how am I supposed to do dentistry differently.” Nor did our executive director address this in his recent WSDA News editorial.

More happy talk. More citing of studies done by college professors that show there exists inequity in health care delivery. Yes. Yes. Yes. No argument. There is inequity in home prices, in the availability of a decently qualified plumber, in the talent and competency of our kids’ teachers. Life is one big inequity.

Thank God. I do not wish to live in the world of Disney’s Wall-E. If my kids work harder, I want them to get more regardless of what the guy down the street not willing to do the work gets. You cannot build character or self-esteem without obstacles to overcome.

From a practical point in our own individual delivery of dentistry, what are we to do?

The state cannot evaluate inequity on an individual basis for several million people, so they must divide people into groups in some fashion and assign commonality of inequity (man I am tired of that word). Based on what?

Pigmentation? Who they like to sleep with?

Tall? Short? Fat? Ugly? Just generally rude? (I will refuse to care for the last. Go ahead and cuff me.)

Here we are getting another new regulation.

It must be tied to an expectation of us on an individual basis as a clinician if it is tied to our licenses. Otherwise, why is it required?

Licensure is based on what we must do and what we may not do or risk loss of it. If it is an attempt to make me to “feel differently about different populations” I resent the inference that DQAC has any right in the first place to do that or presume after coming as far as we have to get here to not already be aware of the public need. In addition, the timing fits a little

too closely with one political party’s current bent.

I can also see the folks in Olympia are not really concerned about how our input because their “listening sessions” are always scheduled during working hours like 10 am or 1 pm. This is a great public policy issue that can and should be addressed at the regulatory level to remove the obstacles and create incentives to serve different populations based on socioeconomic factors, not on the identity politics labels so popular right now.

We keep compromising on our careers with Olympia. We always seem to be the ones moving closer to their position, not them towards ours. The camel’s nose keeps getting further into the tent with each new regulation. Having our licensing board pushing this issue as something we as individuals need to be trained in to keep doing what we spent 10 years learning and 40 years perfecting seems something all dentists should be upset about.

This looks like an easy thing to say yes to but make DQAC and WSDA address the question they so far refuse to answer. “When it is said and done, what are we to do with Mr. Kasinski that is different than what we do with Mrs. Abdullah and who decides?” The answer must be key to why this is attached to licensure. We deserve a succinct answer, not some lectures on how life is not fair. So then, what else do I need to believe in to be qualified to continue my career? What is next?

— Robert Knudson, DDS, Bellingham

Publisher’s Note: Correction to Cover Story WSDA News would like to issue a correction to the Winter 2022 cover story It’s All About Character: Washington’s Dr. Linda Edgar Running for ADA President-Elect. The print version of the story incorrectly stated that Dr. Edgar is running to be the first Washington dentist to lead the ADA. Dr. John M. Deines of Seattle was ADA President from 1970-71.

Thank you to the member dentist who called WSDA with this correction.

WSDA Ne w s | Spring 2022 | www.wsda.org

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REGULATORY & COMPLIANCE NEWS qualify for a waiver under certain economic hardships, technological limitations not reasonably in the control of the provider, and other certain exceptional circumstances including if the provider issues fewer than one hundred prescriptions, including refill authorizations, of prescriptions for Schedule II – Schedule V controlled substances in a one-year period.

Regulatory Dates & Deadlines • July 1, 2022: A licensed dentist in a group practice that includes two or more dentists must be identified as a general dentist or a specialist.

• Aug. 31, 2022: Sterilization of Low-Speed Hand Piece Motors Requirement in Effect

PMP/EHR Integration

• By License Renewal Date in 2022: ThreeHour Suicide Prevention CE

As of Jan. 1, 2022, all health care facilities with ten or more prescribers (excluding critical access hospitals) must fully integrate their Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems with the state’s Prescription Monitoring Program or have obtained a waiver from the DOH.

• By License Renewal Date in 2022 for Dentists Who Prescribe Opioids: ThreeHour Opioid Prescribing CE Learn more about these upcoming regulatory dates and deadlines at www.wsda.org/regulations.

Waterline Testing

Recently Implemented Laws & Regulations Dentist Continuing Education The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) recently adopted amendments to the dentist continuing education rule to allow for full continuing education credit, in place of half credit, for recorded interactive webinars.

The adopted language also clarifies that the full credit applies to live interactive webinars.

Dentist Retired Active Status Recently, DQAC brought the continuing education requirements for dentists with a retired active status into alignment with the three-year continuing education requirement for actively practicing dentists.

E-Prescribing Requirement As of Jan. 1, 2022, 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 Department of Health (DOH). Providers may

As of Dec. 1, 2021, all water lines must be tested to determine acceptable water quality.

For more information on this specific requirement such as how often a facility must test and acceptable methods of testing, please visit www.wsda.org/infectioncontrol.

Rules Under Consideration Dental Anesthesia Updated Rules DQAC is considering several changes to our state’s dental anesthesia rules and has recently filed a CR-102, signaling the next step in the rulemaking process. Specifically, DQAC is considering requiring the continued use of monitoring equipment such as ECGs during moderate sedation with parenteral agents for certain patients, modifying on-site inspections and emergency protocols, the addition of a pediatric sedation endorsement, and several other updates to minimal, moderate, and deep sedation requirements.

WSDA strongly encourages members to submit comments on the proposed rules to DQAC’s Temporary Program Manager Bruce Bronoske at bruce.bronoske@doh.wa.gov.

Board of Denturists Placement of Prefabricated Abutments The Board of Denturists has recently opened its rules and formed a Special Topics Committee to begin drafting regulations regarding the placement of prefabricated abutments by denturists. This rulemaking is a result of concerns raised by the WSDA and discussions with the Board of Denturists and the Dental Collaboration Committee, which is composed of members from the Board of Denturists, DQAC, and the Hygiene Examining Committee.

Health Equity Continuing Education Rules Due to legislation passed in 2021, all health professions, including dentistry, must complete continuing education on health equity at least once every four years. The DOH has begun the rulemaking process and will determine the minimum standards for continuing education programs to meet the health equity training requirements.

The DOH must adopt rules by Jan. 1, 2023, and individual Boards and Commissions, such as DQAC, must adopt rules by Jan. 1, 2024. Finally, the DOH is required to provide at least one health equity course option that is free of charge to licensees.

For more information, please contact healthequityimplementation@doh.wa.gov.

Get Involved WSDA strongly encourages members to get involved in the rulemaking process by reviewing proposed rules and providing feedback to DQAC. Visit www.wsda.org/regulations to learn more and for a link to sign up for DQAC’s interested parties email list.

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

✔ Join the WSDA Committee on Regulatory Affairs n

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

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2022 Legislative Session Summary

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ashington state’s 60day legislative session adjourned, on time, on Thursday, March 10, 2022.

The 60-day session is the second half of the biennium, during which legislation that did not pass in the first half (2021) is reintroduced, along with new legislation. Like the 2021 legislative session, due to the pandemic, this session was conducted almost entirely virtually, significantly altering advocacy efforts.

WSDA tracked several bills this session concerning dental-specific issues, health care, small business issues, employer/employee matters, and much more. The following is a summary of passed legislation that may impact you as a provider, business owner, employer, or employee.

Health Care Legislation

Budget Highlights • Pediatric Medicaid Reimbursement Rate Increase • State Board of Community and Technical Colleges Dental Education Proviso • University of Washington Center for Health Workforce Studies Proviso • Access to Baby and Child Dentistry Program Funding • Community Water Fluoridation • Grant for Tacoma Nonprofit to Continue Providing Dental Services to Low-Income Youth • Funding to Reduce the Issuing Time of Health Care Provider Licensure

Business & Employer/ Employee-Related Legislation

• Updating References in the Health Professional Monitoring Program

• Delaying and Modifying the Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Program

• Updating Board and Commission Requirements

• Employer Requirements for Providing Wage and Salary Information to Applicants for Employment

• Establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board • Concerning the Ability of an Unaccompanied Homeless Youth to Provide Informed Consent

• Reducing the Social Cost Factor in Unemployment Insurance Premiums

Other Legislation • Overdose and Suicide Fatality Review • Preventing Suicide Among Veterans and Military Members • Allowing for Stipends for Low-income or Underrepresented State Board Members

Visit www.wsda.org/advocacy to read the full summary.

Stay Informed 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.

To sign up, text “WSDA” to “52886” Once you text “WSDA” to “52886,” 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 respond to an action alert.

• Providing B&O Tax Relief for Small Businesses

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PARTNER UPDATE

I’ve Been Contacted by the Department of Health.

Now What?

By The Dentists Insurance Company’s risk management staff with contributions from Washington-based attorney John C. Versnel, III

When dentists are contacted by a Washington Department of Health Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) investigator, the next steps are basic but important.

S

ome correspondence is more welcome than others. For dental practice owners, correspondence from a local or state public health department is about as welcome as an audit notice from the IRS. If you are faced with an investigation by Washington’s Department of Health Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC), some anxiety can be lessened by understanding how the Department functions and best practices for your response.

State and county public health departments exist to prevent the spread of illness, promote healthy communities, and protect those communities through the implementation and enforcement of policies. The DQAC is the arm of the state department of health that

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“Upon receipt of a whistleblower letter, no action is required, and no action should be taken other than contacting your insurer.” specifically oversees dentistry. It protects both the public and the integrity of the profession by regulating the competency and quality of dental healthcare providers.

Dentists should be aware that DQAC is not an advocate for, or defender of, the individual dentist. The relationship is not necessarily adversarial, but neither is it friendly.

An investigation by the DQAC can be the result of a patient complaint, a complaint from a former disgruntled employee or

another practitioner, or as the result of a malpractice settlement (which insurers are required to report). Most complaints are investigated. Investigation of a complaint, in and of itself, does not automatically mean there is merit to the complaint.

The most recent statistics from the Washington Department of Health (Biennium 2017- 2019) report the DQAC conducted 1,080 investigations over the two years studied. Over the same period of time, an

PARTNER UPDATE

“If you are contacted by the DQAC, immediately contact your carrier, review your options and rights related to board investigations, cooperate with the investigation, work with your attorney, and remember to be patient.” average of 6,684 dentists practiced in the state of Washington, which equates to 16% of practicing dentists being investigated

by DQAC. Of those, 607 investigations were closed without any action, 133 were closed with some action taken and the remaining open investigations carried over to 2020.

In the event you are contacted by a representative from DQAC, the following actions are recommended.

• Immediately contact your insurance company, which will typically arrange for appropriate representation by an attorney.

• Cooperate with the investigation by acting through your attorney.

• Work with your attorney to provide any materials that may be requested during the investigative process.

The first notice a dentist will receive alerting them to an investigation is a “whistleblower” letter, which simply states an investigation is being conducted and that the identity of the complainant, to the extent it can be released under the whistleblower statute, will be provided at a later date. Upon receipt of a whistleblower letter, no action is required, and no action should be taken other than contacting your insurer.

Interestingly, the whistleblower letter invites the dentist to provide a response to the allegations. The whistleblower letter does not identify the patient in question or the nature of the issue. Therefore, responding based on speculation as to the issue or patient complaint is not recommended. Responding to the letter based upon insufficient information or assumptions may result in a separate investigation triggered because of new concerns raised by the response.

The next contact from the DQAC will be a letter of cooperation. In the letter of cooperation, the investigator will specifically set forth the nature of the complaint and the information you are requested to provide for the continued investigation. You will have three weeks to respond. An extension can be obtained, for a good cause. The definition of “good cause” is somewhat subjective; dentists are generally given at least an additional week even if the reason for the extension is simply stated as a lack of time. Failure to respond in a timely fashion to the DQAC’s inquiries can result in a fine of $100 per day, up to $5,000.

For the most part, letters of cooperation are sent through the mail and/or emailed.

However, in some circumstances the investigator may show up at your office asking to interview you and/or your staff, after which the letter of cooperation is produced. In such situations, it’s important to understand that despite being under an obligation to cooperate with the investigation, you are not required to subject yourself or your staff to an investigator’s interview. You are entitled to retain the assistance of counsel, as specifically set forth in the letter of cooperation.

“Another area of authority that the DQAC can exercise is the ability to conduct infection control inspections, unannounced and without a letter of cooperation.

However, the inspection is limited specifically to infection control.”

In the rare event that your first notification of an investigation is by an investigator visiting your office, you should first emphasize your willingness to cooperate with the investigation. Next, ask for the letter of cooperation and inform the investigator you are exercising your right to retain counsel. At that point, it is acceptable to politely ask the investigator to leave.

Another area of authority that the DQAC can exercise is the ability to conduct infection control inspections, unannounced and without a letter of cooperation. However, the inspection is limited specifically to infection

“While it may be tempting to view the DQAC as an adversary, remember that their unbiased oversight of all dentists is an important means of maintaining the high standards and integrity of the dental profession.” control. Allow the investigator to conduct an infection control inspection but do not respond to any questions outside of infection control issues.

Once your response to a letter of cooperation has been submitted, be patient. In theory, the investigation can be completed within 170 days. However, once the investigation is completed it is sent to a Reviewing Commission Member (a member of the DQAC) who will, in association with his/ her panel (a subset of the DQAC members), decide the next steps. Unfortunately, this process can take several more months — waiting a year between the first contact from the Department of Health and the final determination is not unusual. The length of time an investigation takes does not correlate to the severity of the issues or the likelihood of discipline being imposed.

If you are contacted by the DQAC, immediately contact your carrier, review your options and rights related to board investigations, cooperate with the investigation, work with your attorney, and remember to be patient. Above all else, do not believe that ignoring an inquiry from the DQAC will result in the matter quietly going away. This will only increase the interest of the DQAC and the likelihood that further investigative efforts will ensue. While it may be tempting to view the DQAC as an adversary, remember that their unbiased oversight of all dentists is an important means of maintaining the high standards and integrity of the dental profession.

TDIC’s Risk Management Advice Line is a benefit to policyholder and dental association members in the states it serves. Learn more at www.tdicinurance.com/rm or call (800) 733-0633. n W

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WSDA Adopts Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Mission & Strategic Priorities

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or over a year, WSDA has been thoughtfully contemplating a more robust strategy for increasing the diversity of the Association and fostering a more inclusive and equitable organizational culture. Several factors have prompted this focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), including individual member and non-member feedback and a formal recommendation from the 2020-21 Task Force on Leadership Opportunities & Development convened by the 2019 House of Delegates. WSDA’s DEI Work Group (Work Group), founded in Summer 2021, has been working to move interest and intent into concrete action.

“I was inspired to get involved in this current DEI effort because of the passion I saw from emerging leaders in the Task Force on Leadership Opportunities & Development,” explained Dr. Ashley Ulmer, WSDA president and Work Group member. “I’ve heard too many stories from dentists who feel like they do not belong in our organization.

I have only known the support and care of my colleagues in WSDA. As president, it is important to me that we take meaningful and immediate actions to help every dentist know and feel the same support that I have experienced.”

“I have been involved with organized dentistry at all three levels (Seattle-King County Dental Society, WSDA, and ADA),” said Dr. Gregory Ogata, WSDA past president and Work Group co-chair. “The membership increasingly wants us to champion DEI efforts and we are listening. Our work so far has been a small group of members and staff

defining a mission and priorities. We are excited to share what we’ve developed, listen to feedback, and invite others to join us.”

So, what exactly is this work? In February, the WSDA Board unanimously adopted a DEI mission and strategic priorities focused on leadership development, mentorship, training, self-reflection, and advocacy. Both the WSDA Board and the Work Group envision that the new mission and priorities will serve as a guide for activities across the Association.

“Our new mission and strategic priorities build upon the important DEI efforts and activities undertaken by the ADA, component societies, and other dental organizations,” said Dr. Harlyn Susarla, Work Group co-chair. “Our ongoing work will honor these commitments while also continuing to inspire our Association and others to focus not only on sustained actions, but also new on initiatives.”

WSDA leadership sees DEI as an integral ingredient in the Association’s strategic planning and, ultimately, in achieving our mission of empowering members to advocate for and provide optimal oral health care.

If you are interested in joining the DEI Work Group or learning more about its work, please email Natalia Hilal at NataliaH@wsda.org.

Overcoming a History of Discrimination in Organized Dentistry “Resolved, that all component societies of the American Dental Association be directed to eliminate from their bylaws and membership practices the following procedures which might be construed as discriminatory under the Civil Rights Act of 1964: 1. Any procedure which requires more than a majority vote for the entrance of any dentist into membership in a component society.

2. Any procedure which requires the submission of a photograph in connection with an application for membership in a component society.

3. Any procedure which places an unreasonable requirement for the sponsorship of a dentist applicant.

4. Any procedure which establishes an unacceptable period for the renewal of the application of a dentist who has been refused membership in a component society.”

— Policy adopted by the 1965 ADA House of Delegates in response to a Civil Rights Act of 1964 non-compliance complaint alleging that some African American dentists were denied membership into national, state, and local dental societies on the basis of their race.

“Since the origins of the ADA in 1856…through the passage of the Civil Rights Act, until 1963, ADA constituent and component societies denied membership to African American dentists against the dictates of the ADA Bylaws...These acts of racial discrimination contributed to irreparable harm and adverse health conditions for

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generations of African Americans for over 150 years…The National Dental Association deems it appropriate and necessary to insist on an apology from the American Dental Association for allowing these practices to continue as long as they did…We await your response and trust you will see the immediate benefit and value that a public apology will serve. Your action will begin the reconciliation process and serve to address the many national health care concerns of ALL Americans.”

— Dr. Nathan Fletcher, National Dental Association President, 2008

“The ADA regrets the discrimination demonstrated by a number of its state societies and local societies in the years before 1965. The ADA recognizes that all African American dentists’ lives have been affected by our nation’s discrimination history. In order to build a stronger, collaborative platform for our future accomplishments, the American Dental Association acknowledges its past mistakes and apologizes to the members of the National Dental Association and to all African American dentists. We cannot and must not forget the past, yet commit to move forward collaboratively to ensure the strength of our profession for those currently practicing and for those who will come after us. The ADA’s goal is to be a welcoming, member-led association representing the richness of a truly diverse profession, well positioned to serve the needs of all of our communities now and in the future.”

— Dr. Raymond Gist, ADA President, 2011

The WSDA Board of Directors approved the following DEI mission and strategic priorities in February 2022.

WSDA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Mission and Strategic Priorities Developed by the WSDA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Work Group, February 2022 Mission The Washington State Dental Association is committed to fostering and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. We strive to understand and embrace the lived experiences of our dental community by engaging and supporting all dentists and patients, especially those within groups that have been historically underrepresented in the Association.

WSDA’s mission is to empower its members to provide, advocate for and promote optimal oral health care. Ensuring that all people, regardless of disability, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, have equitable access to optimal dental care provided by dentists reflective of their community is paramount to achieving our mission.

Achieving our Mission We acknowledge there is much to accomplish to achieve our mission of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Currently the dental profession is less diverse than the U.S. population, WSDA membership is less diverse than the dental profession at large, and WSDA leadership is less diverse than WSDA membership. While progress has been made toward addressing historical inequities in the dental profession, there is much work to be done.

The WSDA is committed to enhancing

diversity, promoting equity, and fostering a culture of inclusion within dentistry.

Ultimately, this mission will be seamlessly integrated into the day-to-day practice of dentistry in the state of Washington, as well as within the activities supported by WSDA.

WSDA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Priorities • To intentionally increase opportunities for mentorship, leadership, and professional development for dentists from groups that have been historically underrepresented in organized dentistry.

• To develop and disseminate resources for fostering a more inclusive dental community.

• To foster a culture of inclusiveness within the leadership and staff of WSDA through training, dialogue, and reflection.

• To advocate for public policy and other actions that increase opportunities for bringing individuals from historically underrepresented groups into the dental workforce and sustainably thrive within the community.

• To identify and mitigate current and historical barriers to obtaining equitable access to optimal oral health care for all.

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PNDC UPDATE

Save the Date for PNDC 2022:

Nov. 10-12 in Seattle Registration opens in June!

Mark your calendar for PNDC 2022, held Thursday, Nov. 10 through Saturday, Nov. 12 in Seattle! Take advantage of your WSDA member registration discount and earn up to 19 CE credits for one low price. We’ll see you and your team this fall at Washington’s dental event of the year!

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PNDC UPDATE

PNDC 2022 Speaker Preview: Kristine Aadland | Digital Printing Karen Baker | Pharmacology Victor Barry | Marketing Kirk Behrendt | Practice Management Thomas Borris | Oral Surgery Brian Brancheau | Periodontics Kelley Brummett | Restorative Gavin Convey | Endodontics Scott Crabtree | Wellness/Leadership Arthur Curley | Practice Management Karen Davis | Hygiene Tim Donley | Periodontics Erin Elliott | Sleep Medicine Debra Engelhardt-Nash | Front Office Penny Hatzimanolakis | Hygiene Casey Hein | Hygiene Tim Hess | Botox Michi Katafuchi | Implants Karl Koerner | Oral Surgery Gerard Kugel | Restorative David Landwehr | Endodontics Laura Nelson | Practice Management John Olmsted | Endodontics Minal Sampat | Marketing Katrina Sanders | Hygiene Roy Shelburne | Billing/Insurance Barbara Steinberg | Oral Medicine/Wellness Corky Whillhite | Esthetics Juan Yepes | Pediatrics

Announcing the 2022 WSDA New & Emerging Speakers The following WSDA members will present 50-minute lectures at PNDC 2022 as part of the WSDA New & Emerging Speaker Series, which highlights up-and-coming dental speakers from among WSDA’s membership.

Hakan Gem | Oral Cancer Prafull Das Gupta | Implants Adam Kennedy | Sedation Tiffany Lamberton | TMD/TMJ Julia Richman | Pediatric Dentistry Wendy Sheine | Hygiene

WSDA Ne w s | Spring 2022 | www.wsda.org

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ASSOCIATION UPDATES

Apply for the WSDA Leadership Institute by June 8 The WSDA Leadership Institute is a program designed to foster new leadership in organized dentistry by getting participants involved in a variety of WSDA activities and meetings. The program provides an opportunity for WSDA members, in small cohorts of five to seven participants, to gain a better understanding of organized dentistry at the state level and to build relationships with current WSDA leaders. Participants are paired with WSDA Board of Directors or Past President mentors who shepherd them through several activities tailored to developing emerging leaders from within our membership.

Participants should plan to attend the following events. All program costs are paid

by WSDA, including airfare, hotels, meals, and transportation.

• Past Presidents Roundtable & Association Orientation (Sept. 22, 2022 in Bellevue) • House of Delegates (Sept. 22-24, 2022 in Bellevue) • Committee Meeting(s) of Participant’s Choice (Multiple Dates in Seattle) • Pacific Northwest Dental Conference (Nov. 10-12, 2022 in Seattle) • Dental Action Day (January or February 2023 in Olympia) • Board of Directors Meeting (March 10, 2023 in Seattle) Learn more and apply by June 8 at www.wsda.org/leadership.

Save the Date for PNDC 2022 Mark your calendar for PNDC 2022, Nov. 10-12 in Seattle. Bring your team together to learn and celebrate the dental profession alongside thousands of your peers at Washington’s premier dental meeting. Plus, earn up to 19 CE credits for one low members-only price.

Registration opens in June! Learn more at www.wsda.org/pndc.

2022 WSDA House of Delegates The 2022 WSDA House of Delegates, the governing body of the Association, will meet Sept. 22-24, 2022, at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue.

Comprised of voting delegates from each

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

Dr. Harlyn Susarla Named to ADA 10 Under 10 Congratulations to WSDA member Dr. Harlyn Susarla for being named an American Dental Association 10 Under 10 Award winner.

The ADA 10 Under 10 Award honors dentistry’s rising stars: dentists who are making an impact in the profession less than 10 years after graduating from dental school.

The 2022 winners are driving dentistry forward and inspiring their colleagues through their work in science, research & education, practice excellence, philanthropy, leadership and advocacy.

Read more about Dr. Susarla and the other award winners at www.ADA.org/10Under10.

Apply to Run for WSDA & ADA Elected Positions The following WSDA and ADA leadership positions will be up for election at the 2022 WSDA House of Delegates, held Sept. 22-24 in Bellevue. All terms will begin when the WSDA House adjourns on Sept. 24, 2022, except for ADA delegates, whose terms will begin on Jan. 1, 2023.

Apply online at www.wsda.org/ electedpositions by June 24. For more information regarding any of the following positions, please email info@wsda.org.

President-Elect • Open Positions: 1 • Term: 1 year as President-Elect, 1 year as President, 1 year as Immediate Past President, 3 years as ADA Delegate (2023, 2024, 2025). Term will begin when the WSDA House adjourns on Sept. 24, 2022.

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

Secretary-Treasurer • Open Positions: 1

• Term: 3 years as Secretary-Treasurer and 3 years as ADA Delegate (2023, 2024, 2025).

Term will begin when the WSDA House adjourns on Sept. 24, 2022.

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

Board of Directors • Open Positions: 4 • Term: 3 years. Term will begin when the WSDA House adjourns on Sept. 24, 2022.

• Requirements: WSDA member.

ADA Delegate • Open Positions: 3 • Term: 3 years (2023, 2024, 2025). Term will begin on Jan. 1, 2023.

• Requirements: WSDA member.

Practice Owners: Sign Up for WSDA Retro If you’re a WSDA member who owns a dental practice, you’re missing out on a great business opportunity by not enrolling in WSDA Retro!

WSDA Retro is a group retrospective rating program, or Retro program, offered by the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I).

This members-only program provides practice owners a no-cost, no-risk way to earn refunds on workers’ compensation premiums paid to L&I. There is no fee to enroll, you only have to be a member of WSDA. This year, WSDA refunded over $200,000 to qualifying members enrolled in the program!

In addition to qualifying for refunds on your workers’ compensation premiums, WSDA Retro enrollees also gain support from program administrator ERNwest.

The next quarterly WSDA Retro enrollment deadline is June 1. If you aren’t already signed up, learn more and find the application at www.wsda.org/retro.

2022 WSDA Citizen of the Year WSDA is now accepting nominations for the 2022 Citizen of the Year. Nominate a member at www.wsda.org/COY by June 24.

WSDA’s Citizen of the Year award is given to a member who has performed outstanding service that serves a community in need, reinforces the value of service to the dental community, and promotes the image of dentistry. The award will be presented at the 2022 House of Delegates, held Sept. 22-24 at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue.

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome, New & Reinstated Members!

WSDA is excited to welcome the following new and reinstated members who have recently joined our dental community.

Dr. Emily Alper

Dr. Joshua Jeppson

Dr. Ryan Reid

Dr. Conner Ames

Dr. Rooz Khosravi

Dr. Wendy Sheine

Dr. Syed Bashar

Dr. Wilson Lai

Dr. Kedy Shen

Dr. Elaha Bashizada

Dr. Kelly Le

Dr. Sohaib Soliman

Dr. Virginia Bautista de Cordero

Dr. Fransiska Lee

Dr. James Son

Dr. Rachelle Beebe

Dr. Kenneth Lim

Dr. Kevin Speer

Dr. Vickie Bui

Dr. Carol Luong

Dr. Jeffrey Stewart

Dr. Ya-Wei Chen

Dr. Mo Mahoutchi

Dr. Erika Takanami

Dr. Richard Doerhoff

Dr. Jeff Marks

Dr. Lauren Todoki

Dr. Nicholas Ferguson

Dr. Ramil Mateo

Dr. Kaitlyn Tom

Dr. Jaymar Golveo

Dr. Tori Matthys

Dr. Johanna White

Dr. Rachael Hass

Dr. Shale Ninneman

Dr. Erin Yoshida

Dr. Jeff Hobson

Dr. Christopher Pearce

Dr. Patrick Im

Dr. Robby Rabi

From Feb. 1-March 31, 2022

Thank you for renewing your membership for 2022!

Thank you for choosing to be a WSDA member in 2022. Whether you are a newer member, have been part of our community for decades, or are somewhere in between — our Association is stronger with your involvement.

Together with over 4,000 other dentists across the state, your support helps WSDA remain the strongest and most influential advocate in support of Washington dentists.

2021-2022 WSDA Board of Directors Back Row L to R: Dr. Todd Irwin, Dr. Blake McKinley, Dr. Christine Kirchner, Mr. Bracken Killpack (Executive Director), Dr. Joseph de Jesus and Dr. John Gibbons (President-Elect).

Front Row L to R: Dr. Kristine Aadland, Dr. Dennis Bradshaw (Immediate Past President), Dr. Ashley Ulmer (President), Dr. Chris Dorow, Dr. Mark Koday, Dr. Kim Nordberg, Dr. Lisa Egbert, Dr. Pat Sharkey and Dr. Lisa Buttaro. Not Pictured: Dr. Nathan Russell (Secretary-Treasurer) and Dr. Amy Cook.

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GIVING BACK

TOOTHAPALOOZA 2022

Making Oral Health Education Fun for Snohomish County Children

Instructor Karyn Gray (left) with seven Sno-Isle Tech dental assisting students at Toothapalooza night.

T

he Snohomish County Dental Society (SCDS) was delighted to join forces with Imagination Children’s Museum and Sno-Isle Tech to produce Toothapalooza 2022. The Toothapalooza/Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) program was offered during the entire month of February at Imagine Children’s Museum in downtown Everett.

Each Friday, the Imagine Children’s Museum Art Studio featured dental health themed art projects. Kids also had the opportunity to participate in many fun and educational dental-related activities and experiments throughout the museum, which demonstrated: how food and drinks can stain teeth, the effects of sugar, spin the Wheel of Knowledge to answer dental trivia questions, painting using toothpaste and toothbrush, dental-themed books for story time, and much more!

The Toothapalooza/GKAS program is designed for kids ages 1-12 and their caregivers, with the goal of providing information about dental disease prevention and available treatments in a fun, hands-on manner. This is the 15th year of partnering with the children’s museum for this successful event. In past years, approximately 2,500 kids participated throughout the month.

On Friday, Feb. 18, the event was opened up to a select group of attendees from Title 1 elementary schools in the greater Everett area. It was a great community gathering with representatives from Arcora Foundation, the Snohomish Health District

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“This the 15th year of partnering with the children’s museum for this successful event.

In past years, approximately 2,500 kids participated throughout the month.” and Snohomish Community Health Clinics in attendance. Community health providers shared resources for those families who participated. Eight member dentists from SCDS provided mini exams for the attendees.

Thank you to Drs. Kelly Anderson, Tomomi Ida, Dan Brady, Yangling Liu, Daniel Seetin, Dan Shaw, Andrew Sholudko, William Webley and Jan Shaw, RDH. Due to COVID, procedures were in place to minimize exposure while still providing exams to the young museum guests. Member dentists shared the importance of regular dental care with dental-related games and activities, and the ever-popular Tooth Fairy even made an appearance!

Fifteen dental assisting students also volunteered both before and during the event, filling over 2,000 goody bags with toothpaste, floss, and toothbrushes so that every child visiting the museum could have one to take home.

The event came together under the leadership of Lori Brush, creative director of Imagine Children’s Museum, Karyn Gray, RDA instructor at Sno-Isle Tech, and Sandra Anderson, executive director of the Snohomish County Dental Society. Funding

for Toothapalooza was generously provided by the Arcora Foundation, the American Dental Association, Colgate, and the Snohomish County Dental Foundation.

In 2002, Drs. Jeff Dalin and B. Ray Storm held the first-ever Give Kids A Smile event in St. Louis, Missouri. It went national when the Give Kids A Smile program was created by the American Dentist Association in 2003. It was a way for dentists to come together with their communities to provide dental services such as oral health, education, screenings, preventive health, and treatment to children in families in the U.S. who cannot afford it. Since its national launch in 2003, more than 5.5 million children have received free oral health services through Give Kids A Smile. The event initially started out as a one-day event in February but has since grown into a national event annually. Almost one in four children under five already have cavities and 10 million children under the age of 18 receive no dental care. Give Kids A Smile remains an important part of the ADA’s Action for Dental Health. Their mission is to end any dental health problems in America by providing care to everyone, especially those who need it the most. n W Dr. Tomomi Ida (left) and Dr. Kelly Anderson help out at Toothapalooza night.

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WSDA Ne w s | Spring 2022 | www.wsda.org

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YAKIMA GROWN Future Dental School Planned for Yakima’s Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences

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he Yakima area is already known as the home of some of the juiciest peaches, sweetest cherries, and tastiest wines. If all goes according to plan, it’s about to also become known as the home of a new dental school, Washington’s second and one of the country’s most innovative.

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) is a small, private non-profit institution founded in 2005 by a group of osteopathic physicians. After receiving its accreditation, the first class of approximately

70 students in its College of Osteophathic Medicine began their studies in 2008 and graduated in 2012. Within five years, the program had approximately doubled in size.

The school continues to grow and will welcome its first class of physical therapy students this fall, with hopes of adding an occupational therapy training program in the next few years. The plans for a new dental school are well underway, a founding dean has been hired (see sidebar on Dr. Fotinos Panagakos), and an initial class of 36 students is planned once clinical agreements, fundraising, and Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) standards are completed.

QUICK BITES

• Plans are underway for a new dental school at Yakima’s Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU).

• WSDA representatives have been working closely with school organizers.

• Initial plans call for 36-student classes spending one year on campus, followed by three years working in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in Yakima, Tri-Cities, and Tacoma.

• The school will focus on training dentists to work in rural and underserved communities, with a heavy emphasis on dental-medical care integration.

• If all goes according to plan with accreditation, financing, and clinical facilities, the first class of dental students could begin their studies in the next few years.

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According to WSDA President Dr. Ashley Ulmer, “WSDA is completely behind the effort to create this new school.” The WSDA Board of Directors has met with school planners, and Association representatives participated in the interview process to select the school’s dean.

“More is more,” Ulmer said in describing WSDA’s interest in the initiative. “With the creation of this new school, students interested in dentistry will have more opportunities to pursue in-state training and rural communities will benefit greatly from having more professionals trained in rural settings.”

FOCUS ON RURAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS That rural connection was one of the key factors in PNWU’s decision to create a dental school, according to its president, Dr. Michael Lawler.

“The developing School of Dental Medicine will advance PNWU’s mission to train health care professionals to serve rural

“The plan for the new PNWU dental school will take a more innovative approach. After completing a year of oncampus studies, students will move on to three years of work in one of three Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) around the state.” and medically underserved communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. The future of healthcare is team-based, and dentists are critical members of the healthcare team,” said Lawler.

“For many communities, we know that oral health needs are frequently unmet and dental care is not always accessible. We want to help meet those needs by developing communitybased, primary care dentists,” he added.

PNWU focuses on a five-state region encompassing Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska. Most of its students come from this region, and many graduates go on to practice in smaller communities throughout the area, earning the school high marks from US News & World Report for

preparing doctors to work in underserved communities.

“There was some initial skepticism of creating a health sciences university in a rural area,” said Adam Story, PNWU’s director of development and special projects. “But we now have a history of successfully putting providers into underserved communities.

Because many of our students come from rural areas, they understand the needs from their own personal experiences. We expect that the same will be said for the dental program.”

While more traditional dental school programs typically marry two years of oncampus study with two years in a clinical setting, the plan for the new PNWU dental

Many current PNWU students go on to serve rural communities. The hope is that students at the proposed dental school will as well.

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school will take a more innovative approach.

After completing a year of on-campus studies, students will move on to three years of work in one of three Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) around the state.

There they will continue to receive some lectures virtually, but will also receive practical training by serving low-income patients under the watchful eyes of supervising dentists. Each clinic will have a dedicated center, wing or building to provide this ongoing educational environment. These clinical teaching facilities will look and feel much like a regular dental clinic to patients, but will allow supervising dentists to observe multiple practicing students at once.

“To get more folks to consider practicing in a rural setting, we need to have a school in a rural area.”

WSDA LEADERSHIP GETS ENGAGED One of the participating clinics is operated

by SeaMar Community Health Center in Tacoma, while the other two, in Yakima and the Tri-Cities, are operated by Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic (YVFWC). WSDA Board member Dr. Mark Koday was serving as YVFWC’s chief dental officer when the organization was approached by PNWU about participating in the creation of the new dental school.

“When I was in dental school, I would never have dreamt that I’d be serving on a committee making plans for a new dental school,” Koday said. “It was personally very exciting.”

Personal excitement soon gave way to professional excitement, as Koday learned more about PNWU’s mission and the impact it could have on access to care in rural areas, and he brought the idea to WSDA’s Board of Directors for their consideration. In addition to the overall need for more dental education opportunities in the state, directors saw other advantages of the proposal.

“Having more students providing care in our clinics will be important to the patients we serve,” said Koday of his organization’s interest. “But the larger, long-term access-to-

care impact will be felt as these graduates go out and serve in rural communities. PNWU has a strong track record in recruiting and educating students from rural communities who then end up practicing in rural communities.”

The prospect of having more dentists practicing in rural communities also got the attention of Dr. Chris Dorow, another WSDA Board member who participated in the selection process for the school’s first dean.

“I’m a dentist in the small rural town of Othello in eastern Washington, and I have watched private medical and dental clinics that used to surround me close over the past couple of decades, to the point that I’m the last one serving five local communities,” he said. “It’s been incredibly challenging — impossible, really — to recruit dentists to come here if they weren’t home-grown or already have a connection to the area.”

“To get more folks to consider practicing in a rural setting, we need to have a school in a rural area,” Dorow added.

“PNWU is located in an underserved area with high need, and I have great hope that the school will recruit and produce healthcare providers that are not only well-trained, but also have a desire to come back to underserved areas like mine. Private healthcare can’t end with me for the large area I serve,” he said.

Yakima Valley’s Koday echoes that concern for the future of rural health care and the hope that the new dental school can make a difference.

“I believe that this emphasis on integrated care will help young dentists treat patients more confidently and competently as they focus on the needs of the whole patient.”

“As the school develops, one of the things that we will have to do is to identify how to connect with private practices in rural and underserved areas,” he said. “Ultimately, we need to be serving more than just the community health role. We need to grow the ability of the private sector to serve these areas. Creating fellowships and residencies in private practices would help build stronger connections. They could make a graduate dentist available to a rural-based, private sector dentist at a fairly low cost.”

“Of course,” Koday noted, “These are 10,000-foot-level ideas, and the dean will have to figure out how to make all the pieces fit together.”

AN IMPORTANT PARTNER WSDA was not the only important player PNWU brought to the table early. Last year, Delta Dental of Washington committed an initial grant of $2 million to the school to support the planning for its new Doctorate in Dental Medicine Program.

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together. That’s the way it will be in the real world, and it prepares them to meet the challenges of the communities we serve,” said Story.

WSDA’s Ulmer is a strong supporter of the integrated approach.

“The integration of medicine and dentistry is healthier for students, who develop better skill sets; for patients, who receive improved outcomes; and for communities that get better access to well-rounded dental professionals,” she said. “Students already enrolled in training settings like this are more positive about their experiences and better trained than those in other models at similar stages of their education.”

“I believe that this emphasis on integrated care will help young dentists treat patients more confidently and competently as they focus on the needs of the whole patient,” she added.

Like current PNWU programs, the proposed dental school will combine traditional lectures with extensive clinical training.

“We are thrilled to enter this strategic and funding partnership and feel strong alignment with PNWU’s vision for preparing dental students to work in rural and underserved communities across Washington,” said Diane Oakes, Delta Dental’s chief mission officer. “As a purpose-driven organization, we look for opportunities to be a catalyst for the changes needed to ensure all people can enjoy good oral and overall health, with no one left behind.”

WSDA, Delta Dental of Washington, and the Washington dental community, this opportunity to create a new school of dental medicine would not have been possible.”

“Good dentists appreciate good dentists, no matter where they trained. The results will speak for themselves. As the environment around health care shifts to whole body care, these dentists will be well-equipped to handle the changes,” she said.

impressed by another strategic approach that will be a hallmark of the new school: An interprofessional curriculum and clinical training program that integrates medical and dental education and fosters collaboration between students in both areas.

School organizers have already begun sharing their plans with the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), whose approval is required before the first students can be admitted. They recognize that their proposal is unique.

AN INTEGRATED APPROACH

This integration reflects a growing recognition that health care disciplines can learn from each other’s diverse skills and experiences. Story predicts that there will be many opportunities for dental students to engage with the College of Osteopathic Medicine’s faculty and classes, as well as those from other disciplines who are also training on the PNWU campus. He notes that nursing and pharmacy students from Washington State University are already receiving some of their training there.

“Our dental school would be one of the smallest in the country. The classroom/ clinical mix of our program will be 1:3 rather than 2:2. We’ll focus on rural and underserved communities and our students will be getting their clinical education in FQHCs. We will have strong integration of dental and medical education. Some of those may be taking place elsewhere, but we believe the combination of all of them is truly unique,” Story explained.

Supporters of the new school, including both WSDA and Delta, have also been

“Our campus allows these students from multiple disciplines to learn and work

In addition to improving access to dental care in underserved areas, there were other important elements of the PNWU approach that appealed to the company, Oakes said.

“PNWU will be the first in the nation to educate dental students in communitybased settings full-time for three years.

Additionally, PNWU sees the value of increasing diversity within the dental professions to help reduce disparities in oral health for communities across our state.

Each of these components of PNWU’s program will be an excellent learning opportunity,” she added.

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“Without the backing of

Despite this belief, Ulmer recognizes that some practicing dentists who have been trained in more traditional settings may be initially skeptical. But she doesn’t see that skepticism being long-lived.

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LOOKING AHEAD

That unique nature is one reason for optimism, according to those working on the project. Another is the collaborative relationship that has developed between

PANAGAKOS TO SERVE AS FOUNDING DEAN Dr. Fotinos Panagakos will serve as the founding dean of the new School of Dental Medicine at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima.

Panagakos has worked in and around dentistry for nearly 30 years, including private dental practice, dental education, dental research and clinical development. He is a retired major in the U.S. Army Reserve, and most recently served as the associate dean for research and post-doctoral affairs at the West Virginia University School of Dentistry. From July 2020 until May 2021, he served as the interim dean of that school.

“With his impressive experience as a leader, clinician, and scholar, Dr. Panagakos is ready to lead the development of a nationally unique school of dental medicine that will prepare primary care dentists for interprofessional healthcare teams,” said PNWU President Michael Lawler in making the selection announcement.

WSDA Board member Dr. Chris Dorow agrees: “We heard three very good candidates talk to us about their vision for the school and its programs, and then we made our recommendation on who we thought would be the best founding dean. Dr. Panagakos was our clear recommendation.”

As founding dean, Panagakos sees his job as helping to establish a school capable of improving oral health outcomes for patients in rural and medically underserved communities throughout the Pacific Northwest.

“Developing a new dental school provides a tremendous opportunity to create a program that will leverage interprofessional education partnerships with the other PNWU academic programs, place our students into community-based clinics to care for the underserved, and enhance the diversity of the practicing community,” said Panagakos.

“I have seen firsthand the impact poor oral and overall health has on the residents of West Virginia,” he explained. “We need to train primary care dentists that can provide exceptional oral healthcare and screen for chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, to effectively collaborate with the other healthcare providers in the community and serve as health resources for their patients.”

Panagakos is the co-author of over 88 peer-reviewed scientific research articles and is the co-editor of three dental science textbooks. His areas of interest include the role of inflammation in oral and overall health, the impact of nutrition on oral health and wellness, and the effects of enhanced oral health benefits through Medicaid and Medicare on wellness and socioeconomic measures among rural and underserved adults.

Panagakos is married to Judith L. Panagakos and has three adult children. In addition to his professional and community engagements, he is an avid runner, having completed 60 marathons since 2012. He is currently in the process of completing a marathon in every U.S. state.

WSDA News hopes to profile Dr. Panagakos in a future issue.

PNWU and its supporters in the broader dental community, including WSDA. “We are very grateful for the great support from the dental community, including WSDA and Delta Dental of Washington.

Their tremendous collaboration and encouragement have been critical in allowing us to proceed with developing a School of Dental Medicine, and we are counting on their expert guidance and active participation in teaching and mentoring our students,” said Lawler.

“Without the backing of WSDA, Delta Dental of Washington, and the Washington dental community, this opportunity to create a new school of dental medicine would not have been possible.”

That feeling of optimism is shared by WSDA, according to Ulmer.

“We are off to a great start with PNWU and look forward to a long, healthy relationship with them and their students.” n W

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PARTNER UPDATE

WSDA RETRO

Year in Review 2020-2021 Plan Year

ACCOUNTS ENROLLED

REFUNDS DISTRIBUTED THIS YEAR UPFRONT FEES

1059 $208,695 $0 VALUABLE PROGRAM BENEFITS BEFORE CLAIMS HAPPEN

Account assessment and identification of cost saving strategies.

WHEN CLAIMS HAPPEN Proactive claim management by experts in WA workers’ comp.

LONG TERM SAVINGS

Reduced workers’ compensation rates and premium refunds.

Washington State Dental Association is the only Retro group in the state dedicated to the dental industry.

“WSDA Retro is an incredible benefit for any member dentist that pays workers’ compensation premiums to L&I. WSDA pays for your professional support if you have a claim, and we’ll send you a refund check when we are able to reduce claim expenses, which will be most years. This benefit costs you nothing other than your membership dues.”

– Bracken Killpack

Executive Director, WSDA

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

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PARTNER UPDATE

BENEFITS & HIGHLIGHTS What is Retro?

Workplace incident or injury?

Contact ERNwest first.

WSDA Retro is an association-sponsored workers’ compensation Retrospective Rating (Retro) program for member dentists.

Reporting incidents is very important, including documenting the string of events that lead to an incident. Report

incidents immediately so that your claims manager is aware and can help guide you through the process.

Call, email or go online to ernwest.com/report-an-incident.

Exclusively available to WSDA members, WSDA Retro provides a no-cost, no-risk way for WSDA member dentists who own dental practices to earn refunds on their workers’ compensation premiums paid to L&I.

When are refunds distributed?

Example Distribution

The graph below shows the first 5 years of Retro Group participation.

Program Inception

Youhere are Three partial refunds earned over three plan years.

Not in Retro?

Sign up at www.wsda.org/retro.

In Retro Already? Contact ERNwest Julie Osterberg, WSDA Group Mgr josterberg@ernwest.com | (253) 881-5669

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

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2021 Leadership Institute participants and mentors (L to R): Dr. Joseph de Jesus (mentor), Dr. Caitlin Burelson, Dr. Elena Andronova, Dr. Blake McKinley (mentor), Dr. Chris Dorow (mentor), Dr. Tom Fernandes, Dr. Stephen Pong, Dr. John Gibbons (mentor), Dr. Melanie Lang, Dr. Dennis Bradshaw (mentor), and Dr. Harlyn Susarla. (Not pictured: Dr. Justin Nelson.)

Apply for the WSDA Leadership Institute The WSDA Leadership Institute is a program designed to foster new leadership in organized dentistry by getting participants involved in a variety of WSDA activities and meetings. The program provides an opportunity for WSDA members, in small cohorts of five to seven participants, to gain a better understanding of organized dentistry at the state level and to build relationships with current WSDA leaders. Participants are paired with WSDA Board of Directors or Past President mentors who shepherd them through several activities tailored to developing emerging leaders from within our membership.

Participants should plan to attend the following events. All program costs are paid by WSDA, including airfare, hotels, meals, and transportation.

• Past Presidents Roundtable & Association Orientation (Sept. 22, 2022 in Bellevue) • House of Delegates (Sept. 22-24, 2022 in Bellevue) • Committee Meeting(s) of Participant’s Choice (Multiple Dates in Seattle) • Pacific Northwest Dental Conference (Nov. 10-12, 2022 in Seattle) • Dental Action Day (January or February 2023 in Olympia) • Board of Directors Meeting (March 10, 2023 in Seattle)

Learn more and apply by June 8 at www.wsda.org/leadership.

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Here’s what current and past participants say about their experiences in the Leadership Institute: “I had a wonderful experience with my mentor and all other members and participants. It helped to get more understanding in organized dentistry Dr. Elena Andronova and I will apply all the knowledge by serving on the Executive Council at SKCDS for the next few years.

I’m spreading the word about this program among my friends.”

— Dr. Elena Andronova, 2021 Leadership Institute Participant “As a WSDA Leadership Institute participant, first as a ‘class member’ and then as a mentor, I found the experience(s) to be enlightening Dr. Joseph de Jesus and encouraging.

My initial foray, attending WSDA Board and committee meetings, provided a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the careful/diligent decisions and work/commitment involved with being active in this form of organized dentistry.

Positive attitudes and encouragement from Board members and staff allowed me to envision the role(s) within our Association in which my interests and skills would coincide with our work to ensure optimal oral health care delivery throughout our state. Subsequently, as a Leadership Institute mentor/WSDA Board member, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many enthusiastic

dentists/volunteers, newer to organized dentistry, that will carry on the work of the WSDA. Establishing collegial connections, at any stage of practice, to enhance awareness and understanding of developing challenges and trends in the practice of dentistry, is an important skill in organized dentistry. The WSDA Leadership Institute can be a great first step.”

— Dr. Joseph de Jesus, 2015 Leadership Institute Participant “Participating in the WSDA Leadership Institute has been a profoundly meaningful experience for me.

The Institute affords a unique opportunity for Dr. Harlyn Susarla dentists to develop the skills necessary to thoughtfully and critically approach issues that affect our profession.

The program structure allows us to explore our own interests as they relate to the Association’s priorities and effectively engage with a diverse set of stakeholders within and outside of dentistry. Most importantly, through this experience, I have learned how we all can serve as leaders and effect significant change, regardless of our specialty backgrounds or practice environments. I am grateful to have been a part of the Leadership Institute Class of 2021-2022 and hope to use the experiences and skills gained to benefit my patients, my colleagues, and our profession as a whole.”

—Dr. Harlyn Susarla, 2021 Leadership Institute Participant

WDIA NEWS

Navigating Group Medical Benefits: Reduce Stress with Professional Guidance

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he Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency (WDIA) takes pride in supporting our medical groups with personalized guidance and customer service. Your trust in WDIA also supports WSDA: 100% of our profits go directly towards supporting the Washington State Dental Association’s advocacy, education, and service to our dentists and community.

As a licensed broker with Regence, Asuris, Kaiser Permanente, and Premera, WDIA welcomes new groups setting up medical policies for the first time and those who have existing policies with these carriers.

Emily Wilkinson, MBA is WDIA’s medical insurance specialist who will work directly with you to help you make informed decisions. As a lifelong Washington state resident and daughter of a physician, Emily is uniquely attuned to the challenges and opportunities that practice owners face.

Here is how Emily and WDIA can support your group medical insurance coverage: • Compliance Documents (NEW this year!)

– WDIA will soon offer templates for two key federal compliance documents: the Section 125 POP and ERISA Wrap SPD. You will save on payroll taxes and protect your business from possible federal penalties by completing these compliance document templates and keeping them on file.

• Quoting and Comparing Plans – Whether you are just starting out with a new policy or preparing for renewal, we provide comprehensive assistance with quoting, comparing, and selecting plans that fit your needs and budget. Emily will help you understand and navigate the varied networks, deductibles, and cost shares on each plan. Our medical carriers also allow you to offer multiple plan options, so your employees can decide which plan is right for them.

and probationary period, create employee classes, cover multiple offices on a single policy, and more. As your business develops over the years, we will help adjust your policy design at your annual renewal as needed.

• Policy Maintenance – WDIA will help you with policy maintenance including enrollments and terminations, annual renewals, and updates to business structure. Emily also conducts a thorough annual renewal process which includes an analysis and review of your plan’s renewal benefits and rates as well as a deep dive into alternative renewal options if desired.

• Client Support and Advocacy – Emily is your resource to assist with understanding benefits, enrollment, and billing. We also serve as our clients’ dedicated advocate if there are any concerns.

As a service to our dentists and their families, WDIA does not charge our clients fees — we are paid solely via commission from the insurance carriers that we work with. The monthly medical insurance premiums that you pay will remain the same whether you work directly with the carrier or with a broker. n W

Contact Medical Insurance Specialist Emily Wilkinson, MBA today at (206) 973-5212 or EmilyW@wsda.org to explore group medical insurance options for your business.

“If you are looking for personalized service, you will be very pleased to work with our Medical Insurance Specialist Emily Wilkinson. She has a vast amount of expertise and knowledge specific to group medical insurance. It can be difficult to navigate and choose the best medical insurance options for your team while staying within budget. Emily will walk alongside you and give you the knowledge that you need to make the best decision.”

Matt French

WDIA Director of Insurance Services

• Policy Design – Emily can assist with designing your group medical policy to custom fit your business. We can define policy eligibility based on hours worked

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UNDERSTANDING THE BUSINESS OF DENTISTRY Negotiating Employment Contracts for Personal and Professional Success

Publisher’s Note: This is the second of a two-part examination of employment issues concerning associates/employees and employer/owner dentists. Read Part 1, “You’re Hired: Strategies for Navigating the Employment Process” in the WSDA News Winter 2022 issue.

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egotiating a new employment contract is inherently stressful, no matter if it’s your first opportunity out of dental school or your fifth as a seasoned professional.

Understanding standard contract components can help alleviate some of that uncertainty and better position you to achieve your personal and professional goals.

Workforce data from the ADA indicate an evolving workplace landscape for dentistry, with a sharp generational divide between younger and retirement-age dentists.

Data also suggest the COVID-19 pandemic may have expedited some retirements.

As more established dentists look to exit the profession, this creates additional employment and long-term ownership opportunities for new dentists entering the field.

To help associate dentists better navigate the world of employment contracts, WSDA News reached out to four dental practice consultants for their insights and answers to questions submitted by WSDA members through a recent online survey.

WORKFORCE DATA • There are 70.9 dentists per 100,000 people in Washington state, per the ADA. • There is now a sharp generational divide in the dentist workforce: There is a large number of young dentists in the workforce and a large number of retirement-age dentists.

• The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated retirements: A higher share of dentists aged 55 and older left the workforce in 2021.

• A higher percentage of dentists is female (34.5% in 2020, compared to 24.1 in 2010), according to the ADA. • Practice ownership among dentists in private practice has been declining over the years, dropping from 84.7% in 2005 to 73.0% in 2021, according to the ADA.

THE BUSINESS OF DENTISTRY Starting down the road of securing a new associateship is as exciting as it is daunting.

With school and residencies completed, finding the right employment fit can take some time.

And once a good opportunity presents itself, it’s important to be prepared with questions — and knowledge — heading into your contract negotiations.

Before diving into the fine print of a contract, dental practice consultants strongly encourage associate doctors to take a step back and consider some of the bigger-picture issues regarding their employment and, most importantly, their long-term happiness and success.

In addition to overseeing patient care at Uptown Dental, her Gig Harbor practice, Dr. Rhonda Savage works with associates and Dr. Rhonda Savage owner dentists as a dental practice consultant. As CEO of Savage Success, she frequently counsels new associate doctors on employment opportunities and always begins her conversations with a discussion of dentistry as a business.

“We all want to get paid more, do more, buy cars and homes and pay off loans, but we also have to realize a practice is a business,” said Savage, who is also a WSDA past president. “I really want associate doctors to understand the business of dentistry. Unfortunately, many associate dentists do not have a sense of the business and the practice,” she said.

“One of the first things I like to do with them is to underline how a practice works so they have a basic understanding of overhead. I often talk about the BAM — what’s the Bare Amount of Money (BAM) they need to produce on a daily basis to meet the overhead of that practice? If they’re responsible for one chair out of six operatories — they’re responsible for onesixth of the practice.”

That means having conversations with prospective employers early and upfront to explore all of the issues associated with being an associate dentist — from finances,

to staffing, to the values of the office. This is important whether the associate is looking at a short-term position, buying in as a partner, or eventually purchasing the practice.

“Associate doctors need to understand their role as a leader in the practice — and they need to know the expectations of owner doctors with respect to leadership,” said Savage. “You need to know what the expectations are for that practice. What are the expectations for use of cell phones?

Being on the computer? Leadership with the dental assistant working with me?

Dress code? They need to understand these expectations so that there is no misunderstanding. There needs to be a communication of values and standards the owner doctor wants upheld in the practice.”

COMPATABILITY, CAPACITY, AND COMPENSATION Scott Henderson, a Seattle business attorney focusing on dental practice transitions, says there are usually three big issues that impact the length of time a Scott Henderson dentist chooses to stay at one particular practice: compatibility, capacity, and compensation or covenant conflicts.

One of the most important first steps employees should take is to make time to visit with that employer. “One of the biggest issues is really not super technical — it’s actually meeting the employer,” said Henderson. “Typically, associateships don’t last that long — two years or less on average.

When I first talk with a client, I tell them to meet [the employer] in person. A lot of things end because of personality issues,” he said.

The second issue is capacity/workload — or the lack thereof. “Dentists have very portable skill sets that are not unique to a practice and some people enjoy that. I do a lot of one-day-a-week or one-day-every-other-week agreements. Sometimes the associate finds an office that needs a full-time associate, so the associate quits other jobs for a full-time gig,” said Henderson. “Dentistry is unique. It’s hard to patchwork schedules. Not everyone has a full-time job to offer.”

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“Associate doctors should understand the business of dentistry.

Unfortunately, many associate dentists do not have a sense of the business and the practice.”

And that leads to the third component — compensation and covenants. “When I read an employment agreement on behalf of an associate, I go to the covenants,” said Henderson, noting that under Washington law, employers may not impose non-compete covenants on employees making less than $107,301 (indexed to inflation). Non-compete covenants are also generally limited to 18 months, he said.

Many associateships do not lead to owning a practice, said Henderson. So if you’re from Tacoma, and want to own your own practice in Tacoma, you may not want to associate in Tacoma because the covenant may exclude you from working there, he said.

Compensation is another big concern for many new dentists or dentists looking to make a change.

“There is an art to approaching compensation rates — nobody knows exactly what the perfect number is,” said Henderson. “A well-run dental practice will have run numbers based on adding a new person. What’s the increase in malpractice insurance? Increase in hours of dental insurance? What is the benefit? There is no one magic number — almost all practices use a percentage of collections or production,” he said.

Sam Martin, a CPA and certified financial planner with The Dental Group, encourages conversations about shortSam Martin and long-term financial goals before the start of every contract conversation.

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“Let’s talk about how to manage compensation and upcoming goals like buying a house or saving for retirement,” he said. “If we’re talking about potentially buying a practice, we also do that additional financial planning around where an associate is with buying a home or student loans.”

AN EYE TOWARD OWNERSHIP For those interested in pursuing partnership options, Rod Johnston of OMNI Practice Group encourages Rod Johnston all parties to come together early and play out all of the possible scenarios that could happen. He recalls one instance where two friends had come up through school together — first as college roommates and then as dental school classmates — and had the idea of going into business together.

After speaking about all of the “what ifs,” they decided not to do that, said Johnston, saving them the heartache and hassle of dissolving a future partnership. Working through all possible scenarios ahead of time is a valuable investment.

“If you can get that far, you can be a partner because it’s like a marriage, and you have to get along with your partner through the good and the bad.”

As with any major life decision, getting the advice or counsel of an industry expert — be it an accountant or attorney — is money well spent.

“It’s always good for an associate doctor to have an accountant and an attorney to run things past so they know what they are signing. That’s even more important when purchasing in,” said Savage.

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Additional Resource ADA: Negotiating Your Salary, Benefits and Contract www.bit.ly/3J7OwnS

CONTRACT Q&A The following employment contract questions were submitted by WSDA member dentists.

What are typical dental codes that are included in production in most associate contracts?

Dental codes are rarely included in associate contracts, but dental consultants do recommend that associates take the time to become familiar with the codes so they can be sure the correct codes are posted to day sheets. Reference books such as Dr. Charles Blair’s “Coding with Confidence” are available on the ADA website or through other booksellers — and can help associates become familiar with popular codes for crowns, bridges, and other standard procedures.

What does a typical/reasonable/ average associate-to-ownership contract talk look like?

Experts agree this can vary depending on the practice and the doctor. Ideally, it should include discussions about different forms of compensation (percentage of production, responsibility for labs); expected hours per week; expectations for if/when work needs to be performed again; how to compensate doctors if there are plans to purchase the practice.

Rhonda Savage recalls a recent consult with a doctor and her associate. The doctor invited the associate to understand the write-offs associated with insurance, which is a cost of doing business.

“When looking at a contact — anything is negotiable. Will they help cover malpractice insurance? Disability insurance? Cost of uniforms? Pay benefits?” said Savage. “Sick leave? Vacation? All are negotiable items.”

What is a typical percentage of compensation based on collection in the Seattle Metropolitan Area?

The answer depends on how the percentage is calculated. Rod Johnston of OMNI Practice Group says this could be a flat 30 percent of collections; another way is to give the employee a slightly higher amount of the collections (say, 35 percent) but require them to pay lab fees.

The percentage could also vary by specialty,

according to Henderson. Endodontists and periodontists have lower overhead, so they can afford to pay higher rates. Conversely, general dentistry has more overhead. So that might be 30% plus-or-minus for someone in general dentistry as compared with 40 percent of production for endos.

One exception to that rule might be orthodontists, where associates may be paid on a daily rate, said Henderson. “They charge patients a flat fee up front or each month over the next two years. Because of that ortho tends to go by day. You may have a full schedule hopping from chair to chair and they may pay you $1K a day. Could be less, not much more. $700-$1,500,” he said. “Pediatric dentists may do the same thing because there is less restorative work (e.g., crowns, bridges) so you may see fixed daily rates even though they can capture a percentage of production more accurately.”

Many new dentists need to do hygiene. Do you see a higher percentage allocated due to the less production associated with hygiene procedures?

The shortage of dental assistants and hygienists is having a very real impact on dental offices and on the kind of work expected from new dental associates. The best thing for new associates to do: be clear up-front about expectations.

“The shortage of hygienists has changed the role of what associates are doing,” said Rod Johnston. “Try to identify the type of procedures you’re doing — fillings and crowns or do you get to expand your skills and do some implants or bigger cases? And the same on the lower end: Will you be asked to do hygiene checks and split those with the employer?”

Some owner dentists are less inclined to compensate for hygiene checks because that’s where restorative dentistry comes into play, said Sam Martin. Others may include a small stipend (say $15 per check). “That’s where you build relationships,” said Martin.

Rhonda Savage agrees: “Many dentists look at hygiene as a nuisance, but I consider it to be an opportunity to connect with the patient.”

“Under Washington law, employers may not impose non-compete covenants on employees making less than $107,301 (indexed to inflation).

Non-compete covenants are also generally limited to 18 months.”

Is it common for practices to exclude radiograph fees in the compensation for the associates?

Again, industry experts say this can be situational. If the associate is doing hygiene, then it may be included. A dentist who does exams with the appropriate hygiene talent in the office is not normally credited for radiograph fees, said Savage. The associate may get credit for the exam but the hygiene production goes to the owner doctor. “This all goes back to understanding the business of dentistry,” she said.

If the associate is working as a hygienist — that’s an alternative pay category. Their normal job is to produce dentistry as a doctor — it is good filler work until they can be producing more dentistry.

“I have done hygiene and used dental assistants to help while I did cleanings. It gave me time to spend with the patients, but it’s not best use of talent. I should be treating patients with dentistry,” said Savage.

Is it fair to have an employer charge the employee/associate dentist for lab fees and if so how much/should the associate be allowed to pick their lab?

Lab fees can be a factor in a contract, said Henderson, and much of it is dependent on the nature of the practice and its overhead. At a prosthodontic practice focused on restorative work, an associate may get a higher percent because it’s more profitable work (cosmetic dentistry is not tied to insurance).

If someone comes in without experience, the owner doctor may very likely pick for the associate. If it’s an associate with more years of experience, they might be allowed to choose their preferred lab.”

What is the industry standard for an associate being paid on a percentage of adjusted production?

Experts interviewed for this story indicate there is more of a range than a standard.

Corporate dentistry can be as low as 25 percent, but typically for private practice, it can be 28-30 percent without lab adjustment or 30-33 percent with a lab adjustment.

It can also vary based on the economics of the area where the practice is located. In a more urban area like Seattle or Bellevue it may be 33-35 percent; in rural areas, it could look more like 27-29 percent, according to industry consultants.

Can the associate/employee dentist defer some of their compensation to equity in the practice?

In a word, yes, according to Sam Martin of The Dental Group. “There would have to be an agreement made — there is no standard mechanism for that,” he added. “I have seen a few contracts where you take less than you earn and put the remainder toward a down payment, but if you leave, you would forfeit it,” he said. “If there is a chance the associateship is leading to buy-in, there needs to be some sort of language in the contract that reflects that.”

The example Martin offers is an owner doctor may not be ready to have someone buy in right away — they want to get to know the associate better first. In this instance, there could be contract language that sets out a date two years from the start date when the owner doctor is required to talk about the sale of the practice with the associate. “That’s not a guarantee,” said Martin, “but it puts a timeline in.”

Sam Martin says some offices pay the lower amount and don’t adjust for labs. “The only equitable way to do it is to include lab as the same percentage as being paid,” he noted. “And I think that an associate’s ability to pick the lab would vary based on the owner’s biases.

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Employee vs. Independent Contractor: Classifying the Relationship between Dentist and Dental Practice This resource has been prepared by Studebaker Nault, PLLC. It is not a substitute for legal advice or individual analysis of a particular legal matter. Transmission and receipt of this resource does not create an attorney-client relationship.

A

common question dental practices confront is whether to classify workers as independent contractors or employees.

The question arises, in part, because of various standards employed by government agencies and the courts to assess whether a business should classify an individual as an independent contractor or an employee, and in part due to the desire to broadly categorize workers as independent contractors.

There are several factors for dental practices to consider in determining whether to employ or engage dentists as independent contractors.

BENEFITS OF HIRING AN EMPLOYEE VERSUS ENGAGING AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR When a practice employs a dentist, the dentist typically works only for the practice; in contrast, a dentist engaged as an independent contractor may work for more than one practice. The practice is able to train the employee dentist and direct his or her performance in an ongoing employment relationship, and the employee dentist is motivated to contribute to the practice and advance his or her career in the practice.

Despite the advantages of employment, sometimes a dental practice and/or dentist may want to enter into an independent contractor relationship. It is often less costly for a practice to engage an independent contractor because independent contractors do not receive benefits, and a practice is generally not required to withhold income taxes, withhold and pay Social Security and Medicare taxes, or pay unemployment tax on amounts paid to an independent contractor.

For the dentist, being an independent

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contractor may provide greater independence and flexibility, as independent contractors are able to complete their work without supervision and control.

Regardless of the considerations above, it is typically infeasible for practices to properly characterize dentists as independent contractors. Dental practices should evaluate any existing or contemplated independent contractor relationship under Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules, as well as state governmental regulations and court rulings to ensure proper classification.

CLASSIFICATION OF EMPLOYEES AND INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS

BY THE GOVERNMENT The IRS has extensive authority regarding the classification of employees and independent contractors. Originally, the IRS utilized a 20-factor test that it considered in determining whether sufficient direction and control is present to establish an employeremployee relationship (Revenue Ruling 87-41, 1987-1 C.B. 296). Subsequently, in recent years, the IRS shifted its analysis to consider three categories of facts that provide evidence of the degree of control and independence between the parties: behavioral, financial, and the relationship of the parties. If the practice has the right to direct and control the work done by the dentist, including when, where, how, and what the dentist will do, then these factors indicate that the practice should consider the dentist an employee. How the parties work together, including whether there is a written contract, benefits provided by the practice, an expectation of providing services indefinitely, and if the dentist’s services are a key aspect of the practice, can demonstrate how the dentist and the practice

“Despite the advantages of employment, sometimes a dental practice and/or dentist may want to enter into an independent contractor relationship.” perceive their relationship to each other.

If the practice has the right to control the economic aspects of the dentist’s job, such as paying a regular wage, and restricting the dentist’s ability to provide services elsewhere, it may indicate that a dentist is an employee.

Dental practices must weigh all these factors in determining whether a dentist is an independent contractor or an employee.

While there is no set number of factors that determine employee or independent contractor status, if a dentist is working full-time and exclusively for a practice, then the practice will need to treat the dentist as an employee. Language in the agreement indicating that the dentist has exclusive control over dental and clinical decision-making may be helpful; but this type of language is not dispositive. In cases of uncertainty, either the practice or the dentist may request that the IRS officially determine the dentist’s status by submitting Form SS-8; however, it can take up to six months for the IRS to make such a determination.

Courts, as well as other government agencies, such as the Washington Department of Labor and Industries and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, employ different tests in assessing whether an individual is an independent contractor or employee.

RISKS OF MISCLASSIFYING EMPLOYEES AS INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS Dental practices and dentists should be aware that improper classification of an individual as an independent contractor is an active area of enforcement by state and federal agencies, and failure to properly classify a dentist as an employee can have severe repercussions.

• If it is determined that an individual is in fact an employee, and not an independent contractor, the practice may incur significant penalties and fines, including: payments for industrial insurance premiums, with interest and penalties, to the Washington Department of Labor and Industries; payments for unemployment insurance premiums to the Employment Security Department; and penalties and back payment of Social Security, Medicare taxes, and unemployment taxes for the improperly classified individual.

• If the dentist should have been covered by the practice’s qualified retirement plan as an employee, but he or she was not because of the misclassification, the practice’s plan could be disqualified, and penalties assessed.

• While an independent contractor dentist may have their own professional liability insurance, if a dentist should have been treated as an employee and was not, then the practice’s professional liability insurance may not cover the dentist’s alleged negligence.

• Treating a dentist as an independent contractor may prevent the parties from being able to avail themselves of certain protections under the federal Antikickback Statute, 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b, and/or the Stark Law, 42 U.S.C. § 1395nn, for bona fide employment arrangements.

“Practices classifying individuals as independent contractors should carefully review these relationships to ensure that they properly classify these individuals, and, if necessary, incorporate changes in those relationships to support that classification.”

Conclusion There is not one specific test that establishes whether the individual is an independent contractor or employee. Practices classifying individuals as independent contractors should carefully review these relationships to ensure that they properly classify these individuals, and, if necessary, incorporate changes in those relationships to support that classification.

WSDA Ne w s | Spring 2022 | www.wsda.org

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Practice Ownership Among Dentists Continues to Decline MARCH 2022

Practice ownership among dentists in private practice has been declining over the years, dropping from 84.7% in 2005 to 73.0% in 2021.

PERCENTAGE OF DENTISTS IN PRIVATE PRACTICES WHO ARE OWNERS, BY GENDER FEMALE DENTISTS

68.1% 2005

MALE DENTISTS

59.6%

88.5% 2005

ALL DENTISTS

80.3% 2021

84.7%

73.0%

2005

2021

2021

Female dentists have been consistently less likely than male dentists to own their practice.

PERCENTAGE OF DENTISTS IN PRIVATE PRACTICES WHO ARE OWNERS, BY AGE GROUP 100% 90% 80%

93.9%

90.1%

93.4%

88.6%

85.9%

84.4%

85.0%

73.0%

70% 60% 50%

55.0%

40% 30% 20%

 In 2021, younger dentists were attaining ownership at a decreased rate compared to 2005.

34.2% 25.4%

10%

9.5%

0 2005

2007

2009

2011

2013

2015

2017

2019

2021

● UNDER 30 ● 30-34 ● 35-44 ● 45-54 ● 55-64 ● 65 AND OLDER

Source: ADA Health Policy Institute analysis of Distribution of Dentists survey and Survey of Dental Graduates. Notes: Results are weighted to adjust for nonresponse bias. .

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

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ADA NEWS

ADA Spotlights Resources to Help in Hiring Process The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a voluntary reduction of the U.S. dental hygiene workforce by about 3.75%, or about 7,500 dental hygienists, according to updated research from the ADA and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association.

The ADA Health Policy Institute’s recent Economic Outlook and Emerging Issues in Dentistry poll shows that openings for all dental team positions are on the rise again.

A sampling of available resources for member dentists from the ADA include: • Avoid the Top 10 Hiring Mistakes.

• The dental hiring challenge (a Beyond the Mouth podcast episode).

• ADA’s Guidelines for Practice Success: Managing the Dental Team (ADA Catalog).

• Dental Team Staff Recruiting: The Interview Process.

• The Members of the Dental Team: Position Overviews.

• Recruiting: Working Interviews vs. Skills Assessments.

• The ADA Practical Guide to Creating and Updating an Employee Policy Manual (ADA Catalog).

• Dental Team training courses (ADA CE Online).

Read more and find resource links at www.bit.ly/3iTYqif.

Understanding Third-Party Payer Contracts Crucial for Practice Success There are obligations throughout life that are bound through contracts, whether it be employment, mortgages or even car loans agreements.

A good rule for people signing a contract is to read the fine print, and the same is applicable in the dental world.

Participating provider agreements will often explicitly note that the provider manual or processing policies are a separate document

incorporated by reference. Payers often retain the right to change these referenced documents any time without the need for a contract amendment. In some cases this right may also apply to changes to the contract language itself.

The newly approved COVID-19 vaccination codes are effective immediately, meaning they are officially part of the CDT 2022 code set.

Other CDT Code actions approved during the meeting will be in CDT 2023, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2023.

While some agreements will require plans to communicate these changes personally to participating dentists by regular mail or fax, some agreements may allow plans to use impersonal methods, such as in their newsletters, e-mail blasts or by simply updating the policies on their websites.

Read more at www.bit.ly/3tZgE8j.

The ADA provides a resource for handling contract negotiations with third-party payers, including negotiation basics and some practical how-to’s for dentists who want to discuss fees with payers on an individual basis.

ADA online resources on contracts and clauses including an on-demand webinar titled, Understanding PPO Contracts: What You Need to Know, are available at www.bit.ly/3wX8SO8.

ADA members in need of helpful advice should also consider taking advantage of the free Contract Analysis Service offered by the ADA. Read more at www.bit.ly/3iSmbam.

Code Maintenance Committee Approves Updates in Six CDT Code Categories The Code Maintenance Committee approved updates to six CDT Code categories at its March annual meeting that include seven COVID-19 vaccination codes, six diagnostic imaging codes and codes for the administration of human papillomavirus vaccinations.

HPI Research Brief: Demand for Restorative Care Varies by Patient Age Understanding patients’ evolving dental needs as they age can inform providers and policymakers on how dentistry can best meet the evolving demand for care, according to a new research brief from the ADA Health Policy Institute.

The brief, “Demand for Restorative Dental Care Varies by Patient Age,” examines the use of restorative dental procedures by patient age in order to find trends in demand across a patient’s lifespan.

This is especially important as dentistry evolves away from restorative procedures towards preventive care, said brief author Albert H. Guay, D.M.D., the ADA’s chief policy advisor emeritus.

Dental insurance claims data from 20052017 indicated that utilization of restorative procedures peaks in early adolescence and middle age, while utilization of restorative procedures is lowest in early adulthood.

Read more at www.bit.ly/3LApEGG. n W

While the CDT Code set already includes COVID-19 vaccination codes from previous years, this is the first time the HPV vaccine administration receives a code designation, said L. King Scott, D.D.S., chair of the Code Maintenance Committee.

In all, the committee approved the addition of 29 new codes, as well as 14 revisions and two deletions.

WSDA Ne w s | Spring 2022 | www.wsda.org

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UW SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY NEWS

The Satisfaction of Trailblazing Dr. Gary Chiodo

Dean, UW School of Dentistry

O

n Feb. 22, I received the Trailblazer Award from the UW chapter of the Student National Dental Association (SNDA) for “dedication and outstanding service commitment to the recruitment, retention, and advancement of underrepresented minorities in the dental field.” The award was presented by Awa Seck, one of our fourthyear dental students and president of the UW Chapter of the SNDA, and Dr. Ashland Doomes, assistant teaching professor in the Department of Oral Medicine and the chapter’s faculty advisor. When Awa told me of my selection, I said that I was honored and humbled. I sincerely mean that. I am in year 44 of my career and have received a few awards in that time, but this is truly, unequivocally, the most meaningful to me.

It is meaningful because of the work we have accomplished together since I arrived in 2018.

One of the first things I asked about when I got here was what we were doing about diversity, equity, and inclusion. That was on my mind because I had started a diversity committee at the Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry when I was its dean, and we were making good progress by the time I left.

I was very happy to learn that we had a Diversity Blueprint here and found the document to be very thoughtful. The only problem was that it had been shelved while the school focused on its fiscal challenges. I said that we can and must focus on multiple priorities at the same time, and it was time to make the Diversity Blueprint a living document. What followed was a re-energizing of our Diversity Committee, formation of the Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Affinity Group (which started in early 2020 with about 10-12 attendees and now regularly has 30 or more), the Board of Regents annual approval for our “West Waivers” (allowing two nonWashington residents from racial groups that have been histocially underrepresented in the profession to pay resident tuition), increases in philanthropy supporting scholarships for diverse students, and appointing Dr. Douglass Jackson as Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). We also now

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coordinate our EDI efforts with those of the five other Health Sciences schools and with UW generally.

This is good progress, but so much remains to be done. Our student body and faculty still do not look like the communities we serve. With the search for my successor underway, I was asked recently to review the description for my job and noted the following: Dean Gary Chiodo receives the Trailblazer Award from Dr. Ashland Doomes (left) “The Dean will oversee and Awa Seck of the UW chapter of the Student National Dental Association. faculty and staff recruitment and retention and will create an inclusive and welcoming environment for faculty, staff, students, and “Convening the honest patients from diverse backgrounds.

The Dean will also support student retention and graduation, particularly of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) students.

The Dean will break down structural barriers facing groups historically underrepresented in dentistry, and actively seek to increase their representation and engagement in leadership roles.”

That is the path on which I have tried to position us. I can tell you that there are those who are concerned that we are not doing enough, fast enough — and I hear from them.

There are others who are concerned that we are doing too much, too fast — and I really hear from them. And there are a few who believe we should not be doing anything at all related to increasing the diversity of our student body and faculty — wow! Do I ever hear from them. This is why a thick skin is a job requirement for a dean. Nonetheless, I am very glad that my successor has these EDI recruitment, retention, and advancement deliverables as clear expectations.

In accepting this award, I quoted scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, Professor of Law at Columbia Law School and Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of California, Los Angeles, whose scholarly work has been foundational in critical race theory (CRT), defining what it is and what

talk about inequality sets the stage for doing something measurable about it. That is a marathon, not a sprint.”

it is not. She states that CRT “just says let’s pay attention to what has happened in this country and how what has happened in this country is continuing to create differential outcomes, so we can become that country that we say we are. Critical race theory is not anti-patriotic. In fact, it is more patriotic than those who are opposed to it, because we believe in the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. We believe in the promises of equality, and we know we can’t get there if we can’t talk honestly and confront inequality.”

So, that remains as the work we have in front of us. Convening the honest talk about inequality sets the stage for doing something measurable about it. That is a marathon, not a sprint. I am gratified with the progress that we have made since 2018 and will be closely monitoring my successor’s progress going forward. n W The views expressed in all WSDA publications are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official positions or policies of the WSDA.

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41

CE OPPORTUNITIES

Attend upcoming CE courses and events in your area!

Visit www.wsda.org/localce for links to more local CE opportunities.

Pierce County Dental Society www.pcdentists.org

PCDS Membership Meeting Tuesday, Sept. 20 2022 at 5:30 PM Tacoma Country & Golf Club Speaker: TBD Topic: TBD CE Credits: 2

Seattle-King County Dental Society www.skcds.org

SKCDS Membership Meeting May 17, 2022 from 6:00-9:15 PM Hybrid (In-Person Location – SKCDS Office) Speaker: Dr. Noah Letwin Topic: Opioids in Dentistry CE Credits: 3 The hybrid status of this CE program is subject to change, please visit the SKCDS Events Page on their website for updated details.

Snohomish County Dental Society www.scdentists.org

SCDS Membership Meeting May 18, 2022 from 6:00-8:30 PM Shawn O’Donnell’s in Everett Speakers: Dr. David Dean and WSDA President Dr. Ashley Ulmer Topic: Oral Cancer CE Credits: 2

Spokane District Dental Society www.spokanedentalsociety.org

Inland Northwest Dental Conference May 12-13, 2022 Northern Quest Casino Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite: www.bit.ly/3uME006 Exhibitors/sponsor sign-up: www.bit.ly/3wXE9Aw

AROUND THE STATE

Thurston-Mason Counties Dental Society Charity Golf Tournament The annual TMCDS Charity Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, May 20 at the Capitol City Golf Club in Olympia. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Olympia Union Gospel Mission’s no-fee dental clinic and Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center.

Friday, May 20 at 8:30 AM Capitol City Golf Club 5225 Yelm Hwy SE, Olympia, WA 98513 $150/Player ($100/TMCDS Member) Email tmcdentalsociety@gmail.com or call (360) 915-4062

Olympia Union Gospel Mission Benefit Concert: ‘60s Rock The Olympia Union Gospel Mission will hold its annual benefit concert, which supports the Mission’s no-fee dental clinic, on Saturday, May 21.

The ‘60s rock-themed show will feature the talented dental community with the Olympia Jazz Senators, Debbi’s Dance, vocalists Talia & Cole Hastie, Timmy & Irina, and Peter Adams.

Saturday, May 21 at 7:00 PM Washington Center for the Performing Arts 512 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501 Learn more and buy tickets at www.bit.ly/3DcDOuM.

Pierce County Dental Society Golf Day with UW Alumni Friday, Sept. 9 11:00 AM Shotgun Start Tacoma Country & Golf Club 13204 Country Club Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98498 Contact cindy@pcdentists.org to register.

May 2022/2023 Spokane District Dental Society Elections Available positions: • • • • • •

President-Elect Secretary/Treasurer Executive Council: 3 committee spots & 3 alternates House of Delegates: 2 committee spots CE: 2 committee spots Budget and Finance: 2 committee spots

SDDS members may contact info@spokanedentalsociety.org for more information.

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IN MEMORIAM

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

Dr. Roland Hublou Dr. Roland Hublou, 88, known affectionately by his many friends as “Doc” and “Hub”, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2022 in Everett, Washington.

Roland was born on October 6, 1933 to his parents, Francis and Blanche Hublou, in Minot, North Dakota. He spent his younger childhood days there with his four siblings before the family moved to Everett in 1941. As a son of Everett school teachers, Roland led a disciplined, yet adventurous, life. He attended Immaculate Conception School until his junior and high school years.

He was a trailblazer, inquisitive and curious at a young age, enjoying many hunting and fishing trips with his dad and brother. He was raised on Grand Avenue, where he fondly recalled going down the 144 stairs behind his home to his personal playground, the Everett waterfront, which he viewed from his bedroom window. There are many a story of his boyhood antics and inventions, including the raft he made to enable him to explore the water he loved.

Roland graduated from Everett High School in 1951, and went on to attend both Washington State and Seattle Universities. In his early undergraduate years, he was on the WSU Boxing Team, and a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, where he still holds honors for his academics. Roland was an ace student in anatomy and courses in the math and sciences. He went on to complete his education at the University of Washington Dental School.

His workmanship was perfection and beauty. He demanded that of himself, but Roland was a natural artist. He and Dee were supporters of the UW Dental School Program and scholarships throughout their lives. He served as president of the Dental Society and continued to be involved in his retirement years; remaining affiliated as a faculty member of the UW Dental School, where he also provided pro-bono services for the handicapped, both lecturing and clinical instruction, until age 85. Roland was talented with remarkably steady hands, and there

was no one better at the art of dentistry or filleting fish.

Roland briefly met the love of his life, Dee, at the UW Dental School. As fate would have it, their paths would cross again two years later while Dee was employed as an airline stewardess for United Airlines, and Roland, a senior dental student. Roland decided not to let her get away, and he married his special bride and lifelong partner in 1958. Together they shared 4 children. Roland was a man with many facets, and a “diamond in the rough”, with Dee smoothing his edges over the years allowing him to shine his very best and brightest. Together they grew through perseverance, dedication and love. He was so proud of Dee, and to celebrate their special milestone 60th wedding anniversary in 2018 with family and dear friends at their beloved Fobes Hill home, “The Ranch”, of 53 years.

During their early years, 1958-1962, Dr. Hublou was inducted into the U.S. Navy Dental Core Program, where he became a lieutenant officer and department head of the dental clinic through two full deployments to S.E. Asia, aboard the US Salisbury Sound, AV-13.

He was a proud patriot, and served until he was officially honorably discharged to begin his private dental practice in 1962.

Roland was an excellent dentist, practicing at the Everett Medical Dental Building until his retirement in 1997. He would recall standing on the corner of Colby and California streets and smelling the fresh salt water when he first arrived in Everett as a boy, looking at the very same building he would find himself in, years later, practicing the profession that he loved.

Roland’s other love was fishing, which led him to his second career in the commercial fishing industry. He was an active and successful commercial fisherman with his sons, from 1973-2007, building three commercial gillnetters over the years; “Persistence”, the “Eagle Jack” and his final boat, “Doc’s Eagle”. He was elected President of the Puget Sound Gillnetters Association in 1980, and spent many years in all aspects of the fishing industry; including traveling to Washington DC in support of fishing rights for all, and participating in the Everett Fisherman’s Tribute proudly displayed at the Everett waterfront. His joy of the water and fishing was paramount in his life.

His other sport was competitive and accomplished tournament handball where he won several awards; Everett Elks Single Champion (several times), Doubles Champion in the Seattle Seafair Tournament, and Washington State Singles Champion (3rd place). He made many lifetime and good friends in both fishing and handball.

Roland was a lifetime member of the American Dental Association, Pierre Fauchard Academy, Elks Lodge 479, Knights of Columbus Council 763, and the Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity. Amongst the many awards during his lifetime, one of his most prized was the “Lifetime Service and Dedication to the Puget Sound Commercial Fisheries” award he received in 1996.

Roland had many interests, the first and foremost was his family’s love and welfare.

His pursuit of continuous learning and education was passed to him from his parents. He loved to garden, tending one all of his life, or tinker around “The Ranch” smoking salmon for his friends. As an avid sportsman, Roland enjoyed hunting birds in Skagit Bay, playing league softball, skiing and golfing. In his younger days, he was passionate about coaching boys’ basketball, including his sons, and the family was a constant fixture at the Everett Boy’s Club and other gymnasiums in Snohomish and around the area. He read extensively and had knowledge and interests about many things.

Roland successfully managed his dental profession, commercial fishing and the love of his family with the support of his wife, Dee, whom he credited with any of his successes.

He loved his family, including his big, extended family, where he spearheaded the reunions with Dee for over 25 years. He had many friends from all areas, and was quick with questions and conversation. He never liked talking about his own achievements, but rather, wanted to focus on others. He was genuinely happy for everyone and their own successes and joys in their lives. He enjoyed people, and loved to laugh with family and friends and share a great joke. He always said how lucky and blessed he was in life.

Roland is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Dee; his son, Luke (Cathalynn); daughter, Cindy (Lars); and sons, Matthew and Jon. He also leaves behind four grandchildren and one great grandson, as well as twin

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IN MEMORIAM

sisters, Sharon and Charlotte. Roland was predeceased by his loving parents, Francis and Blanche Hublou, brother Wally and sister Barbara.

We are forever grateful to Golfview Residential Care Facility (owners, Adan and Deborah Balangue, and their wonderful staff, Wandy, Del and Gloria), for embracing “Hub” and our family with love, compassion and kindness during his last several years.

He truly felt at home with the warmth and special closeness. We thank you with all of our hearts.

We have been a very blessed family to have Roland for 88 years. He was a friend to many, and to everyone who wanted to be his friend.

Although our hearts are broken, we are so happy for him, that he is flying free with the eagles now. We will love him forever.

Dr. Frank F. Vedelago Frank was born to John and Marcella Vedelago in Potlatch, Idaho on September 17, 1934 and passed away on March 22, 2022. He moved to Spokane, attended Trinity Catholic School, Gonzaga Prep High School, Gonzaga University, and Marquette School of Dentistry. He practiced Dentistry in Spokane for 52 years. He was loved by his staff and patients.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, brother Victor Carnell and first wife Angie.

He is survived by his wife Kathy, children Debbie (Paul), Tom (Wendy), Vince, Mary (Ken), and Todd, stepchildren Christy (Archie), and Robert (Lori), seven grandchildren, four stepgrandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

We would like to thank Horizon Hospice and especially Jodi and Robin for their love and care of Frank..

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Dr. Sidney James Wise Dr. Sidney “Jim” James Wise of Seattle passed away peacefully on Jan. 21, surrounded by his three daughters.

A beloved father, grandfather and friend, he will be deeply missed.

Jim was born in 1939 to parents Lucy and Clarence Wise, and to sister, Mary Ann. Jim grew up in Allegan, Michigan, and developed a love for gardens from his mother, fishing in the creek with his father and boating on the shores of Lake Michigan.

He learned to drive on his uncle’s tractor and bought his first car at age 14. His love of classic cars remained, decades later winning the “Top Flight Award” with his self-restored 1963 Corvette split-window coupe.

In high school Jim excelled at basketball, track and football. He sang in the glee club, played French horn and enjoyed sock hops to music of the 50s.

Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Michigan State University, he married Lori Bonine, and earned his D.D.S. in dental school at The University of Michigan (GO BLUE!). They moved to Germany where he served as a captain in the US Army, traveled extensively and developed passions for photography, cuisine, architecture and art history.

Jim and Lori moved to Seattle where he attended The University of Washington, specializing in periodontal surgery and teaching at the UW School of Dentistry.

In 1970, Jim opened his practice and was one of the first periodontists in Bellevue. A skilled surgeon with a magnetic yet modest personality, Jim earned respect from his patients, colleagues and staff alike.

With an eye for design Jim and Lori built a custom French-inspired home where they raised their three daughters. A proud and compassionate father and grandfather, he regularly attended their performances, recitals, games and meets. He encouraged them to follow their pursuits and professions without limitation.

Jim loved riding his Harley through winding roads, waterskiing on Lake Washington, fishing in the San Juan Islands on the “Mackinaw,” skiing fresh tracks, hunting, lying in the sun and spending lazy days by his fireplace watching the Seahawks or Big Ten football.

Jim retired in Sun Valley, a years-long “vacation” filled with skiing, motorcycling, golfing, hiking (reluctantly), horseback riding, rafting, grilling, sledding with grandkids and enjoying the peaceful topography. He delighted in cruising down Baldy and treating his companions to a cold beer and a dance with the band at the base of Warm Springs.

Jim’s genuine spirit, empathetic demeanor, sense of humor, dapper style, inviting smile, infectious chuckle, warm and gentle eyes and endearing personality will remain forever with us.

He is survived by his former spouse and mother of his children Lori Wise; his three daughters, Lisa (Eric), Cheryl (Nathaniel) and Sara (Pete); and his grandchildren Mia, Zoe, Harper and Thad. Additionally, his sister Mary Ann and nephew Dr. Bill Renk.

Jim is also survived by former spouse Alex duMauriée; his step-daughters, J’A ime and Devan (Eric); and his grandson Xavier.

In his final years, Jim found “young love” and happiness with Dorothy Miller, who recalls Jim asking daily, “What can I do for you?” to which she’d respond, “Always remain as sweet as you are.

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CLASSIFIEDS

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

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

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HIRING FOR FULL TIME GENERAL DENTIST IN TUMWATER, WA Annual guarantee of $165K - $185K based on experience, non-production pay for performance compensation plan, up to $50K in sign-on, relocation and in-house loan forgiveness advances + benefits! Willamette Dental allows you to focus on engaging you patient through education so that you will positively impact their overall health through an evidence based scientific approach. No production goals, quotas or pressure to sell dentistry. Work in a collaborative environment with multiple General Dentists and Specialists and a highly trained team of patient Care Advocates, Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants.

Apply by contacting Jamie Brochis, jbrochis@ willamettedental.com or call/text 503-277-0555.

resonates with you, we invite you to explore our newest opportunity on the gorgeous Puget Sound between Tacoma and Seattle. Our thriving practice is proud to offer care to a caring and diverse community, and the compassion within our team is truly creating patients for life. Find unmatched clinical autonomy right alongside rich collaboration with peers. Gain valuable experience in an array of procedures with just the right amount of supportive guidance. Our compensation is top-tier and comes with benefits including malpractice, vision, and health insurance. In addition, we offer a matching 401k program along with numerous continuing education opportunities. We hope you’ll consider joining us -- or at least exploring the opportunity -- as we continue to strengthen the extraordinary culture that shines through our service to each and every patient.

Email resume adam@atlastdentistry.com

THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON GPR PROGRAM IS SEARCHING FOR A PART- OR FULL-TIME FACULTY MEMBER AT THE RANK OF CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR This position will engage in clinical activities in the faculty practice, provide patient care, teach and mentor dental residents. Qualifications include: Successful completion of a GPR or AEGD program Eligible for dental licensure in the State of Washington.

Email resume to Sujit Joginpally at sujitj@uw.edu SEEKING FULL TIME ASSOCIATE DENTIST (OLYMPIA) People who love their career often talk about a “Right place, right time” moment in their life. For many of us in dentistry, that might have been an important experience with our family dentist or maybe a key conversation with a friend or family member. For others that moment came later in dental school or even while serving one of our first patients. While maybe not the case for everyone, it certainly is for our group of “Right place, right time” doctors whose passion for our profession and patients runs deep. That passion extends to the team members who support us each day and who deserve our best efforts to make the work of dentistry more human. If any of this resonates with you, we invite you to explore our newest opportunity in Olympia, WA. Our thriving practice is proud to offer care to a caring and diverse community, and the compassion within our team is truly creating patients for life. Find unmatched clinical autonomy right alongside rich collaboration with peers. Gain valuable experience in an array of procedures with just the right amount of supportive guidance. Our compensation is top-tier and comes with benefits including malpractice, vision, and health insurance. In addition, we offer a matching 401k program along with numerous continuing education opportunities. We hope you’ll consider joining us -- or at least exploring the opportunity -- as we continue to strengthen the extraordinary culture that shines through our service to each and every patient.

Email resume to adam@atlastdentistry.com SEEKING FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE DENTIST BETWEEN TACOMA/SEATTLE People who love their career often talk about a “Right place, right time” moment in their life. For many of us in dentistry, that might have been an important experience with our family dentist or maybe a key conversation with a friend or family member. For others that moment came later in dental school or even while serving one of our first patients. While maybe not the case for everyone, it certainly is for our group of “Right place, right time” doctors whose passion for our profession and patients runs deep. That passion extends to the team members who support us each day and who deserve our best efforts to make the work of dentistry more human. If any of this

PEDIATRIC DENTIST Looking for pediatric dentist associate 1-4 days/ week starting in June or July. Ideally full time, but can work with part time. Great opportunity to serve the Marysville Community.

Email: drlucas@cascadekidsdentist.com ASSOCIATE DENTIST NEEDED IN NAMPA, IDAHO Our team provides amazing patient experiences for families (we love kids) via comprehensive care: implants, orthodontics, cosmetics, crowns/bridges, sedation, pediatrics, dentures, and emergency services (including wisdom teeth and root canals). Dentist needed 4 days per week and at least 1 Saturday per month. Associate Dentists are paid on commission. We also cover the cost of your licensing, insurance, and annual CE. Preference given to applicants with more experience. Most of us are bilingual, so your ability to speak Spanish is a plus!

Send your resume to: middlecreekdental@gmail.com WE ARE A WELL ESTABLISHED GENERAL DENTISTRY PRACTICE IN SHELTON, WA Looking for a Dentist who is able to carry out our core values of providing integrity, commitment, accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement. We are currently looking for a Full Time or Part Time Dentist.

Please send your CV/resume to kamilchedental@hcc.net so we can discuss this opportunity with you. We look forward to hearing from you!

ASSOCIATE DENTIST WANTED TO JOIN OUR PROFESSIONAL TEAM IN ROSEBURG OREGON We are a fast-paced private practice that provides family and cosmetic dentistry to our community. We are an enthusiastic, goal-oriented, highly trained team with a desire to mentor.

Visit Indeed at https://employers.indeed.com/jobs/ view?id=e90ce61f4e0e to submit a resume!

FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT FOR A PEDIATRIC DENTAL SPECIALIST IS NOW AVAILABLE IN THE BEAUTIFUL WENATCHEE VALLEY, LOCATED IN CENTRAL WASHINGTON We are a privately owned dental office and specialize in providing exceptional care to children and teens. We proudly serve our community by offering an in-house team of providers for the following services: oral surgery, general anesthesia, and orthodontics. We are offering a unique opportunity for a pediatric dentist to join our team for recall exams, restorative needs, and to take on our general anesthesia cases. The ideal candidate is passionate about working with children and teens, possesses exceptional clinical skills, is a team player and likes to have fun in a productive and continuously evolving office setting.

For more information and details about the competitive

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE compensation plan and benefits, please send your curriculum vitae to jschall@wvdentalvillage.com We look forward to getting to know you!

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR OWNERSHIP (PARTNERSHIP) IN TRI-CITIES WITH A PATH TO 100% OWNERSHIP IF DESIRED Established dental practice in Richland with major untapped potential. Looking to partner with a doctor and grow this practice. Offering majority ownership, working capital, base pay, mentorship, in trade for sweat equity. Senior docs will work with you every step of the way. Estimated income to reach $250,000+. Office has potential to be a two doctor practice. 6 operatories. Ability to pay off school debt quickly.

For inquiries email bsorensen22@gmail.com LOOKING FOR SKILLED DENTIST FOR FULL TIME ASSOCIATE/CONTRACT POSITION IN HOMER, ALASKA Outstanding and caring staff. Homer’s longest established clinic. Outstanding patient base. No Medicaid. Advanced skills and quality are emphasized. Four days/week. Paid on collections. Homer is one of Alaska’s premier outdoor recreation communities, the gateway to Kachemak Bay and its state park Contact 907-235-8909 homerdentalclinic@alaska.net SEEKING FT DENTAL ASSOCIATE TO JOIN OUR DENTAL FAMILY Othello Dental Arts is a 50 year established privately owned family dental practice in Othello, Washington. Othello is a family friendly community with 300+ sunny days and lots of outdoor recreation and activities nearby. Must be familiar with all aspects of general dentistry. Bilingual Spanish is a plus. Employer pays for Medical/Dental/Vision, professional liability insurance, DEA and licensure renewals. Pay is a generous percentage of collections.

Email resume to genna.odac@outlook.com or call 509.488.5216.

ARE YOU A RECENT GRAD OR A DENTIST LOOKING TO FILL YOUR HOURS? Our private practice in Seattle, First Hill area is looking for dentist to see hygiene patients only. You can do Mondays only or Monday through Thursday. Some restorative but not guaranteed at this time. $70/hour.

Email resume to ssingh518@gmail.com SEEKING LOCUM TENENS OR LONG TERM PT/FT Finn Hill Dental is a 30+ year established dental office.

Well loved and respected in the Poulsbo, WA community.

Our office prides itself on an array of high-quality dental procedures. Compensation is a percentage of adjusted production.

Find us at finnhilldental.com. Inquire, send resume to info@ pnwdent.com VIEWPOINT DENTISTRY, A PRIVATELY OWNED DENTAL OFFICE IN THE TRI-CITIES IS LOOKING FOR AN ASSOCIATE DENTIST WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND A DESIRE TO LEARN/ PERFORM COMPREHENSIVE DENTISTRY IN OUR GROWING PRACTICE Located in beautiful Richland, Our office has 6 newly remodeled operatories, the latest technology including; Primescan and Cerec mill, Solea laser, CBCT, and 3D printer.

Our office encourages continuing education well beyond what is required. We’re looking for someone will be here for a long-term.

Send curriculum vitae to: admin@viewpointdentistry.com, or you may phone (509) 946-9313. We look forward to meeting you!

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WSDA Ne w s | Spring 2022 | www.wsda.org

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

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YAKIMA VALLEY FARM WORKERS CLINIC BELIEVES YOU ARE MORE THAN A DENTIST, AND WE ARE MORE THAN A JOB General & Pediatric Dentist opportunities in Eastern, WA. We are looking for experienced and new graduates who are ready to serve our communities. At Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, we believe you are more than a dentist, and we are more than a job. As an FQHC, we are a patient-centered medical home dedicated to serving our communities, regardless of their ability to pay or citizenship status. Yakima County is the fruit basket of Washington and offers livelihood to many families with the abundance of its harvest. The harvest includes the nation’s leading export in hops and exports in apples, grapes, cherries, and asparagus. The Yakima Valley is also home to many breweries, wineries, and cider houses. The abundance of agriculture contributes to the livelihood of our migrant farmworkers, warehouse workers, transportation industry, food industry, sustainability in farm-to-table programs, and more. Healthy communities are needed to produce these services. In addition, Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic is dedicated to ensuring we are available to keep our communities healthy, educated, and informed of our services. We are who we are because of our migrant farm workers. This short clip shares a glimpse of our dedication to our community, our health, our families: WE are Yakima - WE are Family Dentist Opportunities: Yakima Medical-Dental Clinic – Yakima, WA – experience required Grandview Medical-Dental Clinic- Grandview, WA (Part-time) Children’s Village – Yakima, WA Pediatric Dentistry Columbia Basin Pediatric Dentistry – Kennewick, WA kids ages 0-18 Dentistry for Kids - Kennewick, WA kids ages 0-18 Unify Community Health Center at Northeast Community Center – Spokane, WA Highlights: • Competitive salary • Hiring/Relocation Bonus of $10k • Malpractice insurance coverage (no tail coverage policy needed) • Generous benefits package including time off, CME allowance, retirement benefits, and profit-sharing plans • NHSC Student Loan Repayment Eligible • WSAC Student Loan Repayment Eligible • EMR system: EPIC Additional Resources: http://www.yvfwc.com/ YVFWC And then we grew If interested in learning more about this opportunity, please forward me your CV and the times that you are available to speak to ProviderJob@yvfwc.org.

Our mission celebrates diversity. We are committed to equal opportunity employment.

first patients. While maybe not the case for everyone, it certainly is for our group of “Right place, right time” doctors whose passion for our profession and patients runs deep.

That passion extends to the team members who support us each day and who deserve our best efforts to make the work of dentistry more human. If any of this resonates with you, we invite you to explore our newest opportunity along the Pacific coast of Western Washington. Our thriving practice is proud to offer care to a large community with tremendous need, and the passion driving our doctors is truly creating patients for life. Find unmatched clinical autonomy right alongside rich collaboration with peers. Gain valuable experience in an array of procedures with just the right amount of supportive guidance. Our compensation is top-tier and comes with benefits including malpractice, vision, and health insurance. In addition, we offer a matching 401k program along with numerous continuing education opportunities. We hope you’ll consider joining us -- or at least exploring the opportunity -- as we continue to strengthen the extraordinary culture that shines through our service to each and every patient.

Please email drwood@olympicfamilydental.com.

NOT YOUR ORDINARY DENTAL PRACTICE! LEWISTON, IDAHO We are offering an exceptional opportunity with a short path to fractional ownership. Our practice is a fee-forservice practice, unencumbered by preferred provider organization participation. Our current and former dentists have been or are: Idaho State Dental Association presidents, members of the Idaho State Board of Dentistry, American Dental Association delegate, graduate of Misch International Institute, graduate of the Dawson Academy curriculum, Seattle Study Club Restorative Dentistry advisors, etc., etc. Our entire staff/team are dedicated to providing our patients the very best that dentistry has to offer. If you are interested in joining this type of practice and have a passion for dentistry, a desire to never stop learning, exceptional people skills – (a bit of charisma!), we would be excited to meet you and, together, pursue this opportunity. Our practice is located in Lewiston Idaho, a city surrounded by the Snake and Clearwater rivers, where varied recreational opportunities abound. Lewiston has a brand-new high school, four colleges/universities either in town or within a 30-mile radius. Lewiston is a great and safe community to raise a family.

Contact: Dan Wilson, DDS | 208.743.5032 | Info@brydendentalcenter.com

FT ASSOCIATE DENTIST (REDMOND) Privately owned general dental office losing long term associate. This position will be a great fit for a new associate dentist who wishes to have full schedules when they work. You will be busy with general dentistry and Invisalign. Advanced dental skills would be a huge advantage to your daily production. If you love being a dentist, educating your patients, take pride in your dentistry and are looking for a long term working relationship with an awesome team and great patients then this may be your new dental home. Resumes are being reviewed now for this position to be filled by April 2022.

Forward your current resume with a cover letter about what you are looking for in a dental practice to: redmondofficeresumes@gmail.com Thank you!

SEEKING FULL OR PART TIME DENTAL ASSOCIATE – ABERDEEN, WA People who love their career often talk about a “Right place, right time” moment in their life. For many of us in dentistry, that might have been an important experience with our family dentist or maybe a key conversation with a friend or family member. For others that moment came later in dental school or even while serving one of our

SEEKING ASSOCIATE DENTIST (FULL-TIME) – PORT ANGELES, WA People who love their career often talk about a “Right place, right time” moment in their life. For many of us in dentistry, that might have been an important experience with our family dentist or maybe a key conversation with a friend or family member. For others that moment came later in dental school or even while serving one of our first patients.

While maybe not the case for everyone, it certainly is for our group of “Right place, right time” doctors whose passion for our profession and patients runs deep. That passion extends to the team members who support us each day and who deserve our best efforts to make the work of dentistry more human. If any of this resonates with you, we invite you to explore our newest opportunity along the Pacific coast of Western Washington. Our thriving practice is proud to offer care to a large community with tremendous need, and the passion driving our doctors is truly creating patients for life. Find unmatched clinical autonomy right alongside rich collaboration with peers. Gain valuable experience in an array of procedures with just the right amount of supportive guidance. Our compensation is top-tier and comes with benefits including malpractice, vision, and health insurance. In addition, we offer a matching 401k program along with numerous continuing education opportunities.

We hope you’ll consider joining us -- or at least exploring the opportunity -- as we continue to strengthen the extraordinary culture that shines through our service to each and every patient.

Please email adam@atlasdentistry.com.

TROY FAMILY DENTAL IN LONGVIEW, WA, IS LOOKING FOR AN ASSOCIATE DENTIST TO JOIN OUR EXPANDING PRACTICE A long-term relationship leading to partnership is highly desired with the right dentist. Should be comfortable with all phases of dentistry. New grads welcome. Competitive compensation. Four days/week, beginning as soon as possible.

Contact Dr. Troy at drtroy@troyfamilydental.net LONG ESTABLISHED POPULAR, PRIVATE PRACTICE IN SPOKANE VALLEY, WA IS LOOKING FOR A FULL TIME OR A PART TIME GENERAL DENTIST TO JOIN OUR FAMILY Pay will be negotiated based on experience, both fixed salary and percentage on collection.

Please email your resume to: info@dentalgrinsandgiggles.com

GENERAL DENTIST ASSOCIATE Bonney Lake and Puyallup practices seeking full or part-time general dentist associates to take over existing schedules. Both offices are well established fee for service practices offering all aspects of dentistry. Both practices are in fast growing and in a desirable marketplace. We are looking for Dentists who have great people skills and always put the needs and desires of the patient first. We provide an extremely high standard of care and offer a wide array of dental services including all aspects of Restorative, Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics, Oral Surgery, Endo, Ortho, Invisible Braces, Implants, Oral Conscious Sedation, Cosmetic and Sleep Dentistry. We also have a Periodontist and Orthodontist on staff. Our offices have the latest technology including all digital x-rays, intraoral cameras, patient monitors, Cone Beam CT and Laser. Our support team is dedicated to providing thoughtful care in a warm and friendly environment. This associate dentist position is perfect for someone seeking a solid long term position.

The salary is performance-based with an initial guaranteed base. A Signing Bonus is also offered!

Please e-mail resume and references to docvan99@aol. com JOIN A DOCTOR OWNED DENTAL GROUP THAT STARTED IN THE SOUTH PUGET SOUND IN 1971 AS A SOLO DENTAL PRACTICE Light Dental Studios maintains a reputation for high quality dental care and a positive work culture. It has been recognized as one of the top 100 places to work in Washington by Puget Sound Business Journal. We have 22 locations between Lynnwood and Olympia and nearly 50 dentists and specialists mentoring and collaborating together. Most of our doctors earn well above industry averages and many in highest tiers with a guaranteed base and incentive-based compensation. This is in addition to a benefits package including license, malpractice, life, vision, and medical insurance, 401k with guaranteed match, and plenty of CE opportunities including some of the top manufacturers in the industry.

For consideration email resume and references to adunndds@lightdentalstudios.com

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HELPING YOU IMPROVE THE FINANCIAL SUCCESS OF YOUR BUSINESS. SERVING OVER 150 DENTAL PRACTICES ACROSS WASHINGTON Visit our website for more information: dentalaccountingpros.com 50

WSDA Ne w s | Spring 2022 | www.wsda.org

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

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

LOOKING FOR A PARTNER OR ASSOCIATE GENERAL DENTIST Dr. C Dental Partners is opening a state-of-the-art, multi-specialty dental office opening April of 2022 in fast-growing township of Airway Heights, located 5 minutes from Spokane, WA. We are looking for a Partner or Associate General Dentist who believes in and shares our core values of Choose Happiness, Loyalty to Patients, Teamwork, Grit, and Personal Excellence and Consistency.

If this sounds like the team you want to be a part of, and you have the drive to really make a difference in the community you live in, reach out to Dr. Bryant Zollinger, at bzolli@gmail.com,or text, at (509) 808-8815.

PEDIATRIC DENTIST NEEDED IN SPOKANE, WA Benefits Include: Autonomy and Mentorship as desired $10,000 in CE (50% match) $3000 Dental Annually Medical 401K Matching Moving Expense Options Associate % plus earned equity or Partnership opportunity Full Day Minimum If interested and want more information please contact us at careers@gmail.com.

SPOKANE PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY IS AN ESTABLISHED PEDIATRIC DENTAL PRACTICE WITH A PRIMARY LOCATION IN SPOKANE, WA AND A GROWING CLINIC IN COLVILLE, WA Opened in 2013, we are an energetic, patient-driven practice, striving to provide the highest quality dental care.

Our clinics provide a comfortable, kid-friendly environment to serve our growing patient base. Our team performs comprehensive preventative and restorative dental treatments, sedations and in-office General Anesthesia.

We are currently seeking a full-time or part-time Associate to join our team. The position includes a competitive salary and complete benefit package including employer-paid professional liability insurance, C.E. reimbursement, health insurance and 401(K) plan with match.

Please send a letter of interest and C.V. to our Office Manager at om@spokanepediatricdentistry.com.

THE REPUBLIC DENTAL CLINIC TEAM IS LOOKING FOR A RDH, REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST This position starts at 1-2 days a week, with potential for expansion. Our ideal hygienist is someone who: holds a current hygienist license in WA, provides exceptional dental care, builds lasting patient relationships and has fun.

Compensation TBD. Please send your resume to: republicdental@rcabletv. com. If you have any questions about our clinic, please call (509)775-3169.

HOLISTIC DENTIST NEEDED IN HAYDEN, ID Northwest Natural Dentistry is a modern, state of the art Holistic practice in beautiful Hayden, ID. We are growing rapidly and are looking for a Partner or Associate Dentist who believes in and shares our same values in holistic, biological, and biomimetic dentistry. Whole health is a lifestyle that our patients are passionate about. We have a superior, professional dental team that is dedicated to serving this community and also supporting each other by following our 5 Core Values: Choose Happiness, Loyalty to Patients, Teamwork, Grit, and Personal Excellence and Consistency. If this sounds like the team you want to be a part of and you have the drive to really make a difference in the community you live in, this is the Practice for you.

Hayden, ID is located just minutes from the amazing views of Coeur d’Alene Lake. The busy little lake town has amazing shops, restaurants, and entertainment for all ages.

If you want to know more and/or think you are the right fit for this growing community and Practice email me, Bryant Zollinger, at bzolli@gmail.com or text me at (509) 808-8815.

If you have questions please reach out and I would be happy to give more insight on this great opportunity.

FULL TIME DENTIST POSITION AVAILABLE IN A PRIVATE OFFICE Mentor ship available! - Sign on bonus offered! - Great learning opportunity! - Cerec, Itero, 3-D printing, CT scan, Full mouth reconstruction.

Please email navi654@hotmail.com

YAKIMA NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH SERVICES (YNHS) IS A COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER IN CENTRAL WASHINGTON STATE Yakima is a metropolitan community, rich in culture and, for a health professional, rich in opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives. We are looking for a great dentist to work with a multi-disciplined health team to provide full-scope preventive and restorative care to all ages; serving primarily low income and underserved populations, including agricultural families and persons experiencing homelessness. We are looking for providers who are mission-oriented, and wanting to work with a multi-disciplined health team to get patients the care they need. In addition to strong dental teams, our service teams also include physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, behavioral health, public health nurses, nutritionists, housing specialists, case managers, patient navigators, and a cadre of support staff. Together, our goal is to create a quality comprehensive system of care that is simple for our patients to navigate. Our dental teams work four 10-hour days. Dentists receive competitive compensation package, includes paid planned, unplanned, continuing education, medical/dental/life/vision/retirement. YNHS is also an eligible site for state and federal loan repayment.

The Yakima Valley provides Great life and work balance in Central Washington State, with four distinct and beautiful seasons!

If you look at our website at www.ynhs.org you will see breadth in our services and diversity in our staff. We are committed to hiring individuals who share a sense of compassion for the underserved, and passion for quality.

There are about 240,000 people in Yakima County.

Nicknamed the “Palm Springs of Washington”, Yakima has four distinct seasons, easy access to mountains, rivers, lakes, and natural concert amphitheaters. You can learn more about Yakima at www.visityakima.com and at www. liveyakimavalley.com VANCOUVER, WA - EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE OVER ESTABLISHED PATIENT FOLLOWING Looking for an experienced DENTIST for full-time employment. Needs to be personable and have proven excellence in the field of dentistry. Endodontic, oral surgery, and/or implants skills highly desirable. Two SATURDAYS per month.

Please send C.V. to jennifers@wendeldental.com. No new graduates please.

APPLE VALLEY DENTAL & BRACES HAS AN ASSOCIATE DENTIST OPPORTUNITY IN A BEAUTIFUL MULTI-SPECIALTY PRIVATE PRACTICE Great compensation – Starting Salary at $180,000 Tiered Bonus System Mentorship Opportunities to learn new skills. (Dentists in network making $500,000) Great opportunity for new Grads to learn your craft side by side with generalists and specialists BBB “Best Benefits Bundle”– Medical, Vision, Aflac, In-house Dental, Oral Surgery and Orthodontic Benefits Signing Bonus - $30,000 Moving Allowance - up to $10,000 Paid Time Off License Reimbursement Continuing Education Stipend State of the art clinics and equipment Mix of children and adult dentistry Mix of State and private insurance Apple

CLASSIFIEDS OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE Valley Dental & Braces is located in beautiful Washington State, where there’s 300+ days of sunshine, beautiful scenery, tons of outdoor recreation, and family friendly communities, High Quality of life with low cost living! recruiting@applesmiles.com FT DENTAL ASSOCIATE (EASTSIDE) Are you passionate about dentistry? Do you have the ability to handle a FULL high producing schedule? This rare position will be available soon. Your schedule would be Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri 8-5pm + 1 Saturday 8-2pm per month.

Privately owned advanced general dental practice. Newly remolded, advanced dental equipment, very large patient base, 70-100+ new patients per month, 90% production acceptance with a team supporting this goal. Your schedule will be busy the day you start! This schedule easily allows for monthly production of $80-130K depending on skill level.

If you are looking for a long-term growth associate position in a private dental office setting vs. corporate, then forward your current resume to: 2021associate@gmail. com Resumes are currently being reviewed for interviews.

Thank you GENERAL DENTIST We are a well established, productive, fee-for-service, private practice in Yakima, WA seeking a full time general dentist associate. Our modern, 11 operatory office has over 6,000 square feet located on the banks of Myron Lake with amazing views from every operatory. The office is equipped with the latest technology: digital radiography, intraoral cameras and cad/cam Cerec technology. We are looking for someone with a gentle touch, who is compassionate, and has good communication skills. The ideal candidate must enjoy working as an integral part of our team to improve and maintain the dental health of our patients. We provide all aspects of general dentistry. We offer a healthy benefits package and the number of work days per week is negotiable. Enjoy living in beautiful Central Washington, tour the local wineries and craft breweries, and experience year round outdoor activities.

Please forward your CV to kailani@lakesidedentistryyakima.com.

RARE OPPORTUNITY! Fibonacci Smile is a cosmetic-restorative, relationship oriented, fee for service practice located in beautiful Wenatchee, Washington. We are seeking an excellence driven dentist as a resident dentist looking for a mentorship opportunity with the desire that they would develop into a partner of the business. Dentist should have a track record of exceptional people skills, passion for dentistry, and personal growth.

Please email your CV to JoyT@FibonacciSmile.com SKAGIT COUNTY. ESTABLISHED, FULLY DIGITAL GENERAL DENTAL PRIVATE PRACTICE. SEEKING ASSOCIATE FOR 2-3 DAYS A WEEK (NO WEEKENDS) Modern building with experienced staff who are a true team. Practice focuses on patient experience and quality, ethical dentistry. Molar endo and third molar extractions are NOT necessary. Dentrix and DEXIS digital software.

Benefits may be negotiable. Check out our website at www.rooseveltdentalcenter.com to see who we are and what we’re all about. Contact us to learn more about this opportunity. New grads welcome to apply. Come and find your long-term dental home among caring and compassionate co-workers and a beautiful office setting.

Please send us your resume @ jrarlr@yahoo.com

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Practice Sales Transitions Management Consulting

OVER 50 YEARS OF

EXPERTISE IN THE DENTAL INDUSTRY We would love to help.

LISTINGS* *visit knutzenmcvaygroup.com for most up to date WASHINGTON

Lynnwood | $1,395,000 | #W992 Newly remodeled, 5 ops with a 6th plumbed, CEREC Primescan, iTero Scanner, digital x-ray, diode laser, CBCT. Annual collections over $1.2M. Marysville | $1,020,000 | #W041 Long-standing, 4 ops. Hygiene and diagnostic 48% of gross production. Avg annual collections over $1.2M. iTero Element.

Seattle (Northgate) | $760,000 | #W552 4 op turnkey practice consistently collecting on average $850K annually. Digital x-rays, digital pano.

Hyg/Diag over 50% of production.

Wenatchee | $838,000 | #C811 Long standing general practice available. Fully digital, CBCT/Pano. Avg annual collections $1M, avg annual income $384K. CRE also available for purchase.

Yakima | $799,000 | #E031 5 ops, CEREC Omnicam, CEREC MCXL milling unit, Schick digital x-ray sensors. Collected over $1.1M in 2019. Condo also available for purchase.

North Spokane | $703,000 | #E621 Long standing 4 op general practice, all FFS. Opportunity for expansion within the space. Avg annual income $380K. Office only open 3 days/week.

Serving Washington, Idaho, Montana and Alaska

Bellingham | $568,000 | #W281 Well-established, 4 ops. Collections $732K in 2021.

Two Dexis digital xray sensors. Co-ownership of building available for future sale.

Kittitas County | $519,000 | #C760 3 ops plus 1 unequipped plumbed. Majority of specialized procedures referred out. Collected $542K in 2020. Digital x-ray - Schick sensors.

TODD MCVAY President

todd@tkmgllc.com

JULIE HAWKEN

MEAGAN TOMLINSON

julie@tkmgllc.com

meagan@tkmgllc.com

Broker

Broker

Friday Harbor | $550,000 | #W532 Established practice since 1981. 3 Adec ops, plumbed for 3 more. Digital, new CEREC. Beautiful up-to-date building also available.

Tri-Cities | $331,000 | #E272 4 ops, digital. CEREC milling unit, iTero 5D. Avg annual collections $384K. 100% FFS. Most specialty procedures referred out.

RECENT TRANSITIONS Dr. John McInturff to Dr. Jonathan Fisher PULLMAN, WA

Dr. Jimin Park-Reeves to Dr. Justin Courtney KENT, WA

Dr. Robert Wiggins to Dr. Ronald Ko PUYALLUP, WA

CONTACT US TODAY! knutzenmcvaygroup.com or 425. 489. 0848 52

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McCleary | #W660 Patient merge opportunity.

ALASKA

Alaska | $583,000 | #AK361 Endo practice in a high-traffic area surrounded by general dental practices. 3 fully equipped ops with ability to add a 4th. Microscopes, digital x-rays, CBCT. PENDING

Kitsap County

N. Spokane

Lake Stevens

Mill Creek

Everett

Richland

Marysville

Renton

N. Seattle

Shoreline

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

CLASSIFIEDS

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

BUSY GENERAL DENTISTRY FAMILY PRACTICE IS LOOKING TO ADD ANOTHER AMAZING DENTIST TO OUR TEAM We currently have 3 doctors and continuous growth has us in need of a fourth. Working with 3 other doctors gives us the opportunity to offer a schedule with flexibility. We are looking for a dentist that is growth-minded and excited for new opportunities. We offer a base salary and a production based commission percentage, as well as continuing education support.

Please submit your resume and cover letter telling us about yourself to drleale@northviewsmiles.com

DO YOU POSSESS OUTSTANDING CLINICAL SKILLS AND THE DESIRE TO PROVIDE UNCOMPROMISING PATIENT CARE? Our highly successful General Family Dental practice in Arlington, Washington is expanding and seeking an associate Dentist. Applicants must have great people skills and always put the needs and desires of the patient first. We provide an extremely high standard of care and offer a wide array of dental services including: Routine Restorative, Periodontics, Endodontics, Implant Treatment, Oral Surgery, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentures, and Aligner Orthodontics. We utilize advanced technologies such as CBCT and intraoral scanners. Our support team is dedicated to providing thoughtful care in a warm and friendly environment. This associate position is perfect for someone seeking a solid long term position. Salary is driven by production/collections. Future partnership opportunities may exist for the right person.

Please E-mail a cover letter and CV for consideration to dickinsondds@gmail.com

and has good communication skills. The ideal candidate must enjoy working as an integral part of our team to improve and maintain the dental health of our patients. We provide all aspects of general dentistry. We offer a healthy benefits package and the number of work days per week is negotiable. Enjoy living in beautiful Central Washington, tour the local wineries and craft breweries, and experience year round outdoor activities.

Please forward your CV to denise@lakesidedentistryyakima.com.

GENERAL DENTIST - PRIVATE PRACTICE SPOKANE, WA Associate w/ earned equity, or Pre-Partner Pathway. We are looking for an awesome individual to join our family.

We have multiple locations and options!! We provide patient-centered, service-leadership care to our patients, from children to elderly. Our Values and Principles: Growth, Respect, Integrity, Tenacity, Transparency, WeB4Me, Loyalty to Patients, and to Choose Happiness Our Just Cause: Building Lifelong Smiles. We create Life-Changing IMPACT for our team, patients and community through the art of dentistry. We build up the right people to do extraordinary things, and measure success with how we touch the lives of our community. Two Compensation Options: 1. Associate with Earned Equity track 2. Pathway to Partnership Other Compensation Information: Daily Minimum, Moving Expenses Options, Student Loan Repayment Options, Medical, 401k, $5,000 CE match annually, $3,000 dental annually. We also offer: Expanded Function Dental Assistants, Restorative Hygienists that do Anesthetic, Autonomy and Mentorship Requirements: Requirements: Hungry - Humble - Smart, WA License, 1yrs+ Experience Text Bryant at 509-808-8815 for more information or visit www.drcfamilydentistry.com/doctorcareers GENERAL DENTIST OPPORTUNITY Seeking FT/PT General Dentist in Pierce County area. This family, cosmetic and implant practice is located in beautiful Puyallup. This can be a long term position where a dentist will prosper and practice high quality dentistry. Dentist should be skilled, personable and willing to be an integral part of the community.

Please email resume and inquiries to: docvan99@aol.com.

BELLEVUE PRACTICE SEEKING ENDODONTIST AND PART-TIME ASSOCIATE DENTIST Endodontic Suite available with Global Microscope installed, dedicated Carestream digital sensor and on site Carestream 8200 Cone Beam. We anticipate three days per month of endodontic work. Open to space rental and associate remuneration models. Associate Dentist will be working in a seasoned practice with exposure to Titanium and Ceramic implant surgery and restoration, IV sedation dentistry, blood product L-PRF grafting , full arch implant restoration, cosmetics and general dentistry with a restorative auxiliary model. Must be available to cover periodic Friday and Saturday appointments.

Send resumes to Brilliantsmilesbellevuewa@gmail.com P/T ASSOCIATE DENTIST Mill Creek/South Everett. Small, friendly family practice looking for long term associate 4-6 days per month. Days are flexible. Option to add more days in the future as practice grows. Patient care and comfort is our top priority.

Experience with extractions and RCTs preferred Send resume to: dentalresumeattached@gmail.com

GREAT OPPORTUNITY WITH LOTS OF BENEFITS, HIGH PRODUCTION, M/W/F IN SNOQUALMIE BODY Guaranteed daily salary, signing bonus, competitive percentage of production, 401(k), all digital offices, clinical autonomy, not corporate chain, locally owned. All business, marketing, etc taken care of for you to be stress fee.

Email resume to drc@pnwdentalmanagement.com RARE OPPORTUNITY FOR SKILLED INSTRUMENT TECHNICIAN SPOKANE BASED MEDICAL/DENTAL INSTRUMENT REPAIR BUSINESS Incorporated in 1995 has immediate position available.

Highly qualified candidates will have previous experience in commercial precision manufacture or repair service.

Candidates interested in ownership position can expect compensation starting in the $50,000 to $65,000 range, including benefits. Work includes managing work flow and scheduling, receive, repair and send out from your home.

Strong candidates interested in this very rare opportunity should send detailed resume to the email address posted, and should include level of interest in the ownership program.

Please send: Resume & Letter of Interest to: instrumenttechpro@gmail.com WOULD YOU LIKE TO REDUCE YOUR OVERHEAD AND WORK LESS? Established general practice in First Hill(Capitol Hill) Seattle is seeking for space sharing/merger & acquistion opportunities. The practice was moved to current location 5 years ago with high end build out.

Please call Lee at 425-615-1999 or email YSLDDS@gmail. com DENTAL ASSOCIATE NEEDED FOR WELLESTABLISHED 2 CHAIR SOLO PRIVATE PRACTICE no hmo or government plans. dentist is retiring but willing to have flexible terms and financing. Low overhead.

Contact 253-941-4499 GENERAL DENTIST We are a well established, productive, fee-for-service, private practice in Yakima, WA seeking a full time general dentist associate. Our modern, 11 operatory office has over 6,000 square feet located on the banks of Myron Lake with amazing views from every operatory. The office is equipped with the latest technology: digital radiography, intraoral cameras and cad/cam Cerec technology. We are looking for someone with a gentle touch, who is compassionate,

OFFICE FOR SALE OR LEASE CAPITOL HILL GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE WITH REAL ESTATE AVAILABLE Significant opportunity for growth. Grossing $1.2M on 4 days per week with many specialty procedures referred.

Office is 1800sf, has 4 ops with room to expand and secure covered parking. Very strong hygiene program with three long-term hygienists and other experienced staff in highly collaborative environment. Large longtime patient base plus 30-40 patients per month using Dentrix software.

Contact Frank Sciabica, DDS at 425-985-8390 or frank@ omni-pg.com. (WAD399) PARKWAY DENTAL BUILDING, 3400 SQUALICUM PKWY We have a second floor suite for leasing. Full floor 1829 Sq Ft. Dental equipment already in place. Convenient Location.

Close to St. Joseph Hospital. On-site Management. Parking spaces available. Various dental specialist in building.

Terms/Rate negotiable to assist transitioning.

Please contact Dr. Chen at office35@hinet.org STAND-ALONE DENTAL OFFICE BUILDING FOR LEASE IN THE HEART OF LAKEWOOD Great street visibility. Main floor 1778 SQFT. Basement 1470 SQFT. 6 chairs open bay. A/C. Fully equipped. $5000/m.

Contact 206.779.3023 or mei@meiyangrealestate.com PRACTICE FOR SALE - WEST SEATTLE, WA This low overhead (62%) practice presents a huge opportunity for many different types of buyers. Small, highly efficient PPO practice collecting $1.1M with so much room for growth. $419,240 EBITDA in 2021 before removing doctor pay. We are only utilizing 2 operatories 4 days per week from 8-5. We refer out 100% of endo, most ortho, perio and pedo, and some OS. This is a bread-and-butter practice. Either maintain the many systems already in place, convert to a boutique FFS practice (which would be ideal for this neighborhood/clientele) or place an associate in the practice and take the cream off the top. 20-40 new patients each month with very little advertising. Excellent walk by/drive by traffic. I am looking to find an individual that will also cherish the practice and carry on our tradition of excellent care.

Please email WeSeaDentist@gmail.com for more information.

LARGE FAMILY PRACTICE WITH BEAUTIFUL PANORAMIC VIEWS - AVAILABLE NOW! Easy access to major arterials, I-90, and the airport, this elegantly appointed office boasts spacious ops, large reception area and staff lounge, complete with a fullsize kitchen. This is the ideal fit and location for any solo practitioner, yet flexible enough to accommodate multiple providers or specialists.

Email us: info@rptransitions.com

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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

LONG ESTABLISHED, STABLE, NICELY APPOINTED ISLAND GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE GROSSING 550K WITH HIGH NET Room for Growth. Great location in growing area.

Contact Frank Sciabica, DDS at frank@omni-pg.com, 425-985-8390 for more info. (WAD429)

POULSBO/BREMERTON AREA GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE Annual collections over $600,000. Four operatories, 2,100 sq. ft. with digital x-rays.

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

(WAD415)

NORTH SEATTLE GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE WITH ANNUAL COLLECTIONS OF $370,000 Three operatories with lots of parking. Convenient location to freeway and retail. Digital X-rays and fully staffed.

Contact Frank Sciabica, DDS at frank@omni-pg.com, 425-985-8390. (WAD443)

5 OP GENERAL PRACTICE GROSSING $1.1 MIL Real Estate Available. Great Visibility with lots of foot traffic! Won’t last long.

Contact Frank Sciabica, DDS at 425-985-8390 or frank@ omni-pg.com. (WAD414)

LONG-ESTABLISHED, REFERRAL-BASED, PROSTHODONTIC PRACTICE FOR SALE IN PIERCE COUNTY Annual collections $1.5 million. Full-service dentistry, latest in dental technology. Real estate also for sale. Owner willing to stay through transition.

Contact Frank Sciabica at 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg. com. (WAD411)

GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE IN EASTERN WASHINGTON Annual Collections of $900,000 with 20% growth per year over the past three years! Four equipped ops with one op plumbed. Digital x-rays, pano and other technology. Great location!

Contact Frank Sciabica, DDS at frank@omni-pg.com, 425-985-8390. (WAD439) NORTH SEATTLE GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE WITH ANNUAL COLLECTIONS OF APPROXIMATELY $450,000 Four equipped ops with a fifth op plumbed. Good location and nicely built out practice. Lots of room for growth.

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

(WAD434)

GENERAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: SOUTH PUGET SOUND Beautiful and Growing practice in South Puget Sound!

Collecting $880k. 4 fully-computerized operatories with TV’s in Ops. Digital Records. Digital radiography and CBCT/ Pano. CEREC/Mill. Implant Motor. Rotary Endo. Electric Handpieces. Nitrous. Intra-oral cameras. OpenDental.

Refers out: Some Endo, Some Implants, Ortho, Surgical Extractions, Perio Surgery. Real Estate Available to Purchase approx. 2081 sq/ft + 1416 unfinished basement.

For more information contact: Karrie or Sam at (425) 216-1612 or email transitions@cpa4dds.com GREAT BELLEVUE LOCATION DENTAL OFFICE FOR SALE 4 plumbed operatories, waiting area, reception, consultation, sterilization, laboratory, x-ray room. There are no patients included in this sale. Rent is $5,253 a month new 10 year lease.

Contact Steve at steve@omni-pg.com, 425-905-6920.

(WAR152)

Since 1968

We are pleased to announce...

Corey L. Plaster, D.D.S., Mark R. Bradle, D.M.D. & Bryson D. LeMone, D.D.S. have acquired the practice of

Steven G. Crump, D.D.S. Spokane, Washington Call today for a FREE MARKET VALUE ANALYSIS ($5,000 value)

We are pleased to have represented all parties 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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CLASSIFIEDS

WSDA Ne w s | Spring 2022 | www.wsda.org

NICELY BUILT-OUT 4 OP WEST SEATTLE PRACTICE WITH CBCT IN DESIRABLE NEIGHBORHOOD Plenty of parking! Collecting 1 Mil. Contact Frank Sciabica at frank@omni-pg.com, 425-9858390. (WAD410) 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@omni-pg.com; 206-979-2660. (WAD397) SE WASHINGTON PRACTICE FOR SALE 5 equipped operatories in 1,700 SF office. Room to grow!

Annual collections over $750,000. Digital x-rays. Real estate also for sale.

Frank - frank@omni-pg.com; 425-985-8390. (WAD382)

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

OFFICE FOR SALE OR LEASE SPANAWAY PRACTICE STARTED 2 YRS AGO Annual collections over $265,000 on 2.5 days /wk. 3 fully-equipped ops with 2 plumbed ops. Motivated Seller.

(WD309) Call Frank 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com SEATTLE STUNNING, UP-TO-DATE MODERN OFFICE 9 operatory plus consult room, 3500 sqft general dental office with in-house periodontist. Receiving 50-60 new patients/month.

Frank Sciabica: 425-985-8390; frank@omni-pg.com.

(WAD373) SOUTHERN ALASKA PEDIATRIC DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE New to the market is a thriving pediatric dental practice for sale. The current doctor has practiced in the community for over a decade and is interested in exploring all of their transition options. 5 total operatories. Collections of $1 million & EBITDA $200,000. Currently, the practice is only open 2 weeks/month. Even so there are over 1500 active patients! With very limited marketing, the practice sees 30 new patients/month. RE opportunity. As you can see, there is massive potential for growth for the right doctor to really stretch their legs in the practice!

To learn more contact Professional Transition Strategies: kaile@professionaltransition.com or call: 719.694.8320. https://professionaltransition.com/properties-list/ southern-alaska-pediatric-dental-practice-for-sale/ SUBURBAN PORTLAND, OR GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE If you are looking for a place to call home that offers easy access to the perks of both rural and big-city living, the Portland suburbs are ideal. New to the market is a thriving general dental practice seeking an ideal growth partner; a group or doctor partner to assist with the busy practice.

Currently equipped with six operatories, a seventh op is currently being built out. Collections of $2.527 million & EBITDA $965,000. 3000 active patients & 35 new patients/ month.

To learn more contact Professional Transition Strategies: sam@professionaltransition.com or call: 719.694.8320. https://professionaltransition.com/properties-list/ suburban-portland-or-general-dental-practice-for-sale/ PROSTHODONTIC | IMPLANT PRACTICE FOR SALE: SOUTH PUGET SOUND Great location - Premier Dental Implant / Prosthodontic Specialist Collecting $1.9m+ with In-House Lab. Three Ops - (3) Fully equipped computerized and chartless, digital radiography, Digital Pano and I-CAT CT, nitrous. Consult Rm, Doctor’s Office, Conference room. Approx. 2200 sq/ ft. + with potential option to purchase Real Estate through partnership.

For more information contact: Karrie or Sam at (425) 216-1612 or email transitions@cpa4dds.com GENERAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: BELLINGHAM AREA Busy general family dentistry practice collecting $964k working 4 days/week. Excellent Cash Flow. Recently remodeled and expanded to 6 Ops. Fully computerized, chartless, digital radiography, Digital Pano, Dentrix Software, Refer Out: Molar Endo, Ortho, 3rd Molar Ext., Perio Surgery and Implant Placement. Approx. 2862 sq/ft. + (300 sq/ft basement) with option to own building.

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

OFFICE FOR SALE OR LEASE ENDODONTIC PRACTICE FOR SALE: BELLEVUE/SEATTLE State of the art, fantastic beautiful boutique urban endodontic practice, 2021 Collections $590K+ with great growth potential. 3 fully-equipped computerized operatories. Private office, Sterilization room, Chartless, Digital radiography & pano, Rotary Endo, Nitrous, 946 sq/ft Approx. Seller Available for Transition.

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

WOODINVILLE GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE LOCATED IN THE HEART OF WOODINVILLE Annual collections approximately $650,000. Four operatories.

Contact Rod Johnston at rod@omni-pg.com, 206-9792660. (WAD390) 4 OP PRACTICE IN LYNNWOOD Good location! Annual collections 300K. Annual take-home 200K! For more information, contact Rod Johnston; rod@ omni-pg.com, 206-979-2660. (WAD427) VERY NICE DENTAL OFFICE FOR SALE NORTH OF DOWNTOWN SEATTLE 8 plumbed operatories, waiting area, reception, consultation, sterilization room, laboratory room, x-ray room, and staff lounge. There are no patients with this office.

Contact Steve at 425-905-6920 or steve@omni-pg.com.

(WAR150) DENTAL OFFICE FOR LEASE - SEATTLE/ NORTHGATE Excellent condition, featured 4 operatories with plumbing, electrical, cabinets, waiting room, reception/management, doctor office/consultation, pano room, sterilization/lab at about 1370 sf, expandable to 1750 sf. Nice and clean, windows overlooking greenbelt and Northgate Mall with convenient parking for patients. Prime location, near Northgate Mall & Northgate Light Rail Station, easy access to I-5. We are offering excellent rent rate and move-in incentive.

Please call (206) 660-4965 or email: northgatepcsue70@ gmail.com PRIME LOCATION 1 BLOCK FROM THE U-VILLAGE! Busy intersection with excellent visibility! Newly remodeled building, ample parking. 4-fully equipped operatories. Over 1,000 active patients.

Contact Jen at jen@omni-pg.com; 206-683-8966.

(WAD412) HIGHLY PROFITABLE GENERAL PRACTICE AND REAL ESTATE IN OLYMPIA! 6-fully equipped ops. Collecting over $1.1 Million, working 3.5 days/week! Practice -$926,000; Real Estate at $1,151,000.

Contact Jen at jen@omni-pg.com; 206-683-8966.

(WAD409) FANTASTIC PRACTICE LOCATED IN BEAUTIFUL GREATER SKAGIT COUNTY Annual collections approx. $1 million. Awesome location on busy street. Flourishing community. Room for growth.

Contact Frank@omni-pg.com or call 425.985.8390.

(WD300)

CLASSIFIEDS OFFICE FOR SALE OR LEASE NEWLY BUILT PRACTICE LOCATED IN BEAUTIFUL SOUTH SOUND CITY 5 fully equipped operatories with 3 more plumbed. Annual collections over $700,000. Poised for growth.

Contact Frank at 425-985-8390; frank@omni-pg.com (WAD353) SEATTLE, WA GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE General dental practice on the market is less than twenty minutes from downtown Seattle! The practice is located in a large office building and features four fully equipped operatories with a fifth op plumbed and ready for expansion. CURRENTLY, ONLY OPEN THREE DAYS PER WEEK, THERE IS GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH. Collections of $1 million & SDE of $285,000. The current doctor is open to staying on for a smooth transition.

To learn more contact Professional Transition Strategies: sam@professionaltransition.com or call: 719.694.8320. https://professionaltransition.com/properties-list/seattlewa-general-dental-practice-for-sale/ GREATER SEATTLE, WA PEDIATRIC PRACTICE FOR SALE Thriving pediatric dental practice in the Greater Seattle, WA area! The practice was recently remodeled and features twelve total operatories; both private and open.

Additionally, a portion of the real estate is available for purchase. Collections of $1.54 million & SDE of 485,000.

The current doctor has practiced in the community for decades and is therefore interested in transitioning. They are considering a straight buy-out or affiliation and would stay on for a short period of time if desired.

To learn more contact Professional Transition Strategies: sam@professionaltransition.com or call: 719.694.8320. https://professionaltransition.com/properties-list/greaterseattle-wa-pediatric-practice-for-sale/ MODERN DOWNTOWN SEATTLE GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE Stunning nine op 3500sqft practice with in-house Periodontist. 50+ new patients/ month. (WAD373) Contact Frank Sciabica, Broker with OMNI Practice Group 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com A MUST-SEE WENATCHEE, WA ORAL SURGERY PRACTICE!!

Stunning, highly-profitable, state-of-the-art practice.

Currently operates as a satellite practice, open 2 days/ wk, collecting $780K. (WAD384) Contact Cindy Pauley, DDS, Broker with OMNI Practice Group 425-260-4321 or cindy@omni-pg.com *PRICE REDUCED!!* RARE FEE-FOR-SERVICE PRACTICE AVAILABLE, SEATTLE, WA Beautifully designed First Hill Cosmetic and General Dental Practice. 100% cash payments. No PPO’s! Collections $1.4M+ three wks/month. Opportunity for growth. Seller, motivated. (WD191) Contact Rod Johnston, Broker with OMNI Practice Group 206-979-2660 or rod@omni-pg.com AMAZING MUKILTEO PRACTICE FOR SALE!!

Amazing practice!! Beautiful views, highly-visible, fullyloaded, turn-key office, three ops (plumbed for four). 100% financing potential. Motivated seller. (WD201) Contact Rod Johnston, Broker with OMNI Practice Group 206-979-2660 or rod@omni-pg.com

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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

STUNNING GENERAL DENTISTRY PRACTICE IN SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON Collections for 2021 over 770K, up from over 160K last year.

PRIME LOCATION! Adjacent to a Costco attracting many future patients.

Contact Buck Reasor, DMD: 503-765-6140, buck@omni-pg. com. (WAD342)

GENERAL/COSMETIC DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: EASTSIDE Busy general practice in beautiful setting collecting $2.2M+ working 4 days/week. Excellent Cash Flow. 6 Ops fully computerized w/possible for 8 Ops, chartless, digital radiography, CBCT scanner, New Sirona Primescan CEREC, (1) Prime Milling Units and (1) MCXL, Rotary Endo Wave One System, New Sirona Cavitrons, Multiple Canon and Nikon Cameras and N2O. For more information contact: Karrie or Sam at (425) 216-1612 or email transitions @cpa4dds.com

$750+/yr. SJ Island is a veritable PARADISE. Friday Harbor is a remarkable community. My lifestyle is amazing. I would strongly encourage a dentist seeking a genuine goldmine opportunity on multiple levels to inquire. Asking $550k obo Owner will partially carry.

Contact Bo Turnage 360-317-6896 drboapple@icloud.com

THRIVING POULSBO GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE POISED FOR GROWTH Four fully-equipped ops, shared-space, four-additional plumbed ops available. Avg. 35 new patients/ month.

Annual collections $850,000+. (WAD378) Contact Frank Sciabica, Broker with OMNI Practice Group 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com NEW, GROWING, 3-CHAIR DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE IN HISTORIC ELLENSBURG, WA Practice was started in 2016 and has grown to more than 1,500 active patients during that time. Practice appraised at $571,000 as of January 1, 2021. Only staffed 3 days per week. I can send a copy of the practice valuation to those seriously considering making an offer.

Please contact me (509-607-1872) if you are interested. I’d be happy to answer all of your questions about the practice and the community or email me at brenden.j.davis@gmail. com.

GREAT OPPORTUNITY IN BURIEN! Long-term neighborhood practice presenting an air of charm and warmth from the first moment you enter. 4 ops and annual collections of $537k without doing any endo, oral surgery or ortho. (WAD367) Contact Cindy Pauley, Broker with OMNI Practice Group 425-260-4321 or cindy@omni-pg.com WELL-ESTABLISHED DENTAL PRACTICE IN BREMERTON Great street visibility off heavily traveled street. Over 1,600 active patients! Well-maintained stand-alone building with plenty of parking.

Contact Jen Bennett - 206-683-8966, jen@omni-pg.com.

(WAD403) GENERAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: ARLINGTON AREA OF SNOHOMISH COUNTY Outstanding family practice with great cashflow. Enjoy the outdoors, low cost of living, traffic-free commute in rural setting with reverse commute near a popular suburban and growing area, and 3-day workweek. Collecting $687K+ annually, performing routine dentistry. Low overhead and close knit team 4 fully-equipped operatories w/ 5th possible. Approx 1,450 sq/ft with option to own building.

Maintain with great income, or add extra hours/ days and grow!

For more details contact: Karrie or Sam at (425) 216-1612 or email transitions @cpa4 dds.com GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: SOUTH OF SEATTLE Excellent opportunity poised for growth! Collecting $554K on just 3 days/week! 3 fully-equipped operatories with 4th plumbed and potential for 5th. Computerized Operatories and Digital radiography. Pano. Private office. Lab. 1,464 sq/ ft. approx. with option to own building. Currently referring out: Endo, Ortho, Implants Placement, Most Oral Surgery and Perio.

For more information please contact: Karrie or Sam at (425) 216-1612 or Transitions @cpa4 dds.com.

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CLASSIFIEDS

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GENERAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: SOUTH OF SEATTLE Busy general family dentistry practice collecting $1.06M working 4 days/week. Excellent Cash Flow. 5 Ops fully computerize, chartless, digital radiography, Digital Pano, Dentrix Software, Refer Out Endo: Ortho, 3rd Molar Ext., Perio & Surgery and Implant Placement.

For more information contact: Karrie or Sam at (425) 216-1612 or email transitions @cpa4dds.com WASHINGTON STATE ORAL SURGERY PRACTICE FOR SALE Washington state boasts a high quality of life without the Seattle price tag – new to the market is a large oral surgery practice for sale in Eastern Washington! With multiple owner-doctors on board, the practice is thriving and averages 52 exams per month. Collections of $2.6 million & EBITDA $255,000. The current doctors are interested in exploring transitions options, with varying timelines of transition. The practice is a staple in the community, having seen patients for nearly 20 years. Currently equipped with six operatories and three post op rooms, there is an additional expansion opportunity via a build out of the practice.

To learn more contact Professional Transition Strategies: sam@professionaltransition.com or call: 719.694.8320. https://professionaltransition.com/properties-list/ washington-state-oral-surgery-practice-for-sale/ GREATER SEATTLE, WA ORAL MEDICINE PRACTICE FOR SALE Long standing oral medicine dental practice in the greater Seattle, WA area. The current doctor is interested in transitioning to retirement and is open to staying on for a year to allow for a smooth transition. The practice itself is located in a medical office center with four total operatories; three plumbed and equipped and the fourth equipped. THE PRACTICE SUPPORTS ONE OWNERDOCTOR AND MULTIPLE ASSOCIATES AS WELL. Collections of $870,000 & SDE $330,000. With an average of 95 patients per month, you’re sure to be busy from day one!

To learn more contact Professional Transition Strategies: sam@professionaltransition.com or call: 719.694.8320. https://professionaltransition.com/properties-list/greaterseattle-wa-oral-medicine-practice-for-sale/ THIS IS A MUST SEE!!!

Stellar, established, consistently growing, highly respected 3 op GP practice on San Juan Island overlooking beautiful Friday Harbor. Esthetically truly outstanding office with a staff that is beyond superb. I started this practice 15 years ago from scratch and it has grown to be one of the two highest grossing practices on the island. I’m in my 40th year as a GP and ready to move to Italy tomorrow.

I’m motivated to sell and will make any transition option attractive. Technically, all the best digital equipment is here.

I electively only work 15 days a month, but could easily fill a full month. Double hygiene is booked solid for 6+ months each. I electively refer out most endo, perio, pedo, and OS, but enjoy heavy prosth (C&B and Implant). Ortho specialist occupies 2days /mo. Even with those luxuries, I’m grossing

BELLINGHAM DENTAL CONDO Access right off I-5. Great visibility. 6 operatories. Approx.

1,743 SF. Ample parking. Great opportunity for start-up, relocation, satellite or additional office. $700,000.

Contact: Steve@omni-pg.com | 425-905-6920 (WR135) SPOKANE HIGH-TECH, STATE-OF-THE-ART DENTAL PRACTICE 8 operatories. Well-established. Over 1 mil in collections. Full Cerec in-house system and cone beam. High traffic area.

Contact Cindy Pauley, DDS: cindy@omni-pg.com; 425-2604321. (WAD370) NORTH SEATTLE THRIVING, EFFICIENT 4 OPERATORY PRACTICE Condo Office also for sale. Annual collections over $1,000,000. Great staff in place. Newly remodled. Will consider Associate-to-own.

More info: Frank Sciabica www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad354 POULSBO PERIODONTIC/GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE Currently operating as a Perio practice, but can quickly be converted. 3 equipped ops, room for 4th. Implants and other procedures.

More info: www.omni-pg.com/listing/wad338 GENERAL/COSMETIC PRACTICE FOR SALE: SOUTH PUGET SOUND Beautiful, state-of-the-art practice conveniently located to several communities. Collecting $2.3M. 6 operatories w/Adec & Royal chairs, computer and TV every op. Stelte cabinets.

Digital radiography & Pano. Nomad. Primescan CEREC AC. MCXL Milling Unit. Ivoclar Programat Oven. Drufomat Scan Pressure Machine. 3D Printer. Laser. STA Wand Anesthetic Units. Dexis CariVu. IO cameras. Dentsply Cavitrons. Air filtration units every room. 3,486 sq/ft apx. with option to expand.

For more information contact: Karrie or Sam at (425) 216-1612 or email transitions@cpa4dds.com GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: SOUTH-CENTRAL KING COUNTY Busy general practice in beautiful setting collecting $2.6M+.

7 Ops fully computerized, chartless, digital radiography, Pano and scanner, I/O cameras (7), laser, diagnodent and nitrous carts.

For more information contact: Karrie or Sam at (425) 216-1612 or email transitions@cpa4dds.com CURRENT LISTINGS For the most current information and to see all available practices for sale in Washington, please visit our website at www.omni-pg.com.

For the most current information and to see all available practices for sale in Washington, please visit our website at www.omni-pg.com.

GENERAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: PUYALLUP Outstanding practice open 3 1/2 days located in Puyallup near South Hill Mall! Collecting $1.2 Million. 5 fully-equipped Computerized operatories. Digital X-rays. iTero Element, Nitrous, Implant motor, PracticeWorks Software. 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

LAUGHING GAS

BELLEVUE, WA - THIS TURN-KEY, START-UP OPPORTUNITY IS A SPACIOUS, NICELY DECORATED 1,501 SQ. FT. SPACE It has 4 ops with 3 currently equipped. The 4th is built out with plumbing and cabinetry, just add the chair. The practice space already has state-of-the-art equipment with advanced technology. The doctor will consider all offers! www.practicemanagementassociates.org 206-209-1990. info@pmaadvisors.org 2 GENERAL PRACTICES FOR SALE: OKANOGAN COUNTY Two General practices available together in rural Okanogan County along the beautiful Okanogan River. Collecting $664,000. 5 and 3 fully equipped operatories respectively in each practice. Computerized ops w/ digital x-rays.

Potential growth as endo, perio surgery, Ortho, Implant and some oral surgery are referred out.

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

GENERAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: BELLEVUE Fantastic General Practice in Bellevue close to Microsoft Campus. Collecting $741k. 4 fully-equipped computerized ops with 5th plumbed. Eaglesoft software. Digital X-Rays.

N2O, Intra Oral Camera, Refers out: Endo, 3rd molar ext, Ortho, Implant Surgery. Approximately 2190sq/ft. Private Dr Rm, Staff Break Rm and Lab. For more details please contact: Karrie or Sam at (425) 216-1612 or email transitions@cpa4dds.com MOTIVATED SELLER! Well-established general practice. Outstanding location, great visibility. Annual collections average $867K. Three fully equipped operatories with attached atriums.

Buck Reasor, DMD at 503-680-4366, buck@omni-pg.com.

(WD321)

WOULD YOU LIKE TO REDUCE YOUR OVERHEAD AND WORK LESS? Established general practice in First Hill(Capitol Hill) Seattle is seeking for space sharing/merger & acquistion opportunities. The practice was moved to current location 5 years ago with high end build out.

Please call Lee at 425-615-1999 or email YSLDDS@gmail. com SPECIALIST OFFICE SPACE Periodontist. 2,000-4,000 SF Prestigious Creekside Village the newest building in the heart of Mill Creek’s Town Center.

Over 50 stores, shops and family services within a two-mile radius with many general dentists from which to draw.

Visible from the Bothell/ Everett Highway, seven minutes from 1-405 and 1-5. Three minutes walking distance from the University Bookstore, Central Market and hundreds of condos, apartments and homes. There are over 55 general dentists within a 10-mile radius. Design your space.

Generous terms with significant free rent.

Contact Dr. Michael LaMarche (206) 383-6938

OPPORTUNITIES WANTED OPPORTUNITY WANTED: WESTERN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES 2022 GRADUATE SEEKING EMPLOYMENT Looking to practice general dentistry in Olympia and the surrounding area. See my CV. https://smilesforyoo.com/about-michael-yoo/

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE NOT SURE WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR USED DENTAL EQUIPMENT? Turn it into cash! We purchase pre-owned dental equipment and supplies onsite in the WA area. From nonfunctioning handpieces, down to cavitrons, we purchase large or small lots of dental equipment and supplies: Lasers Xray sensors Articulators Cavitrons Handpieces Ultrasound units Intraoral cameras Milling units Endo supplies Implant units, and much more.

For all inquiries or general questions call us at: 253.248.3974 NEW TOM VG CONE BEAM CT MEDIUM FOV It has a rebuilt sensor. $12,500 4 Belmont Dental chairs (2 with light and delivery unit, doctor chair and assistant chair) $3500 Contact Jason Pehling 206-498-2425 BRAND NEW PRIMESCAN Bought December 28th, 2019 so it’s less than 6 months old, used on about 10 cases. 100% problem free. Selling 15% off.

Please email wsdaclassfieds@calderwood.org

OFFICE CONSTRUCTION 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!

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THE LAST WORD

Raising Our Bar

T Dr. Stephen Lee

WSDA News Editorial Advisory Board

“I suggest we hold ourselves to the same high standard as medical doctors and increase our required hours of continuing education to equal theirs.”

he upcoming addition of mandatory health equity training to our continuing education requirements has stirred up some passionate opinions. Many dentists think they don’t need health equity training, while others are frustrated that they are being told what they have to learn. Some are skeptical of the value of what will be taught but are willing to listen. Still others support the law as a way to open our eyes to disparities in health care among various communities.

Mandatory health equity training follows in the footsteps of other new mandatory classes like opioid training, suicide awareness, and jurisprudence. The increased specificity of our dental continuing education requirements over the past few years has caused me to reflect on how many hours we truly need and how specific they should be. Some have complained that the hand of the regulators is getting too heavy, and that we’re being asked to take on more than we need.

I wholeheartedly disagree.

Medical doctors in Washington are required to earn 200 hours of continuing education credits every four years, compared to 63 hours every three years for dentists; they’re expected to more than double our hours. I suggest we hold ourselves to the same high standard as medical doctors and increase our required hours of continuing education to equal theirs.

Twelve dental specialties are recognized in the United States. Dentists may choose to limit their scope of practice, but all licensed dentists have the responsibility to maintain a basic and up-to-date knowledge of all the disciplines of dentistry. At a rate of 50 hours of CE per year, this works out to just two hours per year for each specialty, plus 26 hours per year for anything else one chooses.

Our breadth of knowledge shouldn’t be cast aside the day we walk out the doors of the dental school. Considering the average dental career spans 40 years, requiring a wide range of continuing education will prevent blind spots that creep up over the decades.

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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While some who would oppose this idea may do so on the grounds that the time and

monetary investment is too great, I would argue that with an increase in one’s learning, efficiency and outcomes should improve, which will more than make up for the lost time and expense.

Fortunately, the lost time and extra expense of CE is decreasing. Many of us recall those occasions that we spent as much time in traffic going to and from the venue as we did in the class. The COVID shutdown has demonstrated that commuting is no longer a requirement for getting good CE. The explosion of online content allows us to be highly selective of what programs to take and find reputable sources to get it from, frequently at no or low cost. Now that Washington state recognizes recorded videos as full CE hours, the opportunities are even easier.

Although many dentists will insist that they don’t need the requirement for increased hours, remember that the duty of the Dental Quality Assurance Commission and lawmakers is to protect the public, and a requirement like this would really be helpful to the providers — and their patients — who need it most. Consider the worst 10 percent of dentists.1 Increasing the hours of required learning would decrease the odds of bad outcomes, protect the public, and in doing so, improve the reputation of dentistry.

Increasing required continuing education hours for dentists could also have a positive effect on our profession’s legislative efforts.

Ever since the midlevel provider debates began, we’ve repeatedly explained to the legislature that dentists can provide superior care and a high margin of safety based on our past education, but our argument will become even stronger if we can also demonstrate that our present and future education is on par with that of medical doctors.

Let’s raise the bar for ourselves and show the world that we have earned and continue to earn our title. n W 1 There’s also a subset of that group who can’t

be helped; that’s a discussion for another day.

The Obvious Choice for Washington Dentists

YOUR WDIA TEAM: Matt French · Kerri Seims 206.441.6824 · 800.282.9342 www.wdiains.com A WSDA Company WSDA Ne w s | Spring 2022 | www.wsda.org

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