🦷 SDDS August Enews

Check out the new SDDS Website!

www.spokanedentalsociety.org

DYK SDDS has health plans?

Members and their employees are eligible for group coverage through our SDDS Association Health Plan.

With over 330 current participants currently enrolled, members are able to access more competitive rates through risk-sharing versus using small group insurance.

CLICK HERE for frequently asked questions about the SDDS AHP

CLICK HERE for current 2024 health plans offered

Dentists Can Now Submit Medicare Claims Electronically

Starting from July 1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are equipped to receive, handle, and settle dental claims electronically. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires the submission of health care claim billing information or encounter information through the electronic Health Care Claim: Dental (837D) standard. This process involves providers of health care services transmitting data to payers, whether directly or through intermediary billers and claims clearinghouses.

CLICK HERE to learn more

CLASSIFIEDS

Department of Corrections in Airway Heights is hiring a Dentist.

Dentists at the DOC are responsible for providing and ensuring the provision of dental services. This contributes to improvement in patient health, which contributes to a reduction in recidivism

CLICK HERE to apply

or contact Lindsey DeLong
425-760-4485
ldelong@doc1.wa.gov

For Lease

Beautiful 3500+ sq ft dental office space for lease in the Spokane Valley. Move in ready with 9 operatories and spacious sterilization area. Lab, multiple administrative work spaces, consult room, break room with refrigerator and microwave, in suite bathroom, 2 storage rooms. Plumbed for nitrous. Dental equipment is available and negotiable. Plenty of parking. Perfect for a specialist, general practice or dentist/dental lab combo looking to expand to the valley.

Lease is very reasonable/competitive.

Located close to I-90 for convenient access.

For more info email: keeponsmiling2407@gmail.com

SAVE THE DATE

INDC 2025: April 24-25

at the Davenport Grand Hotel

Delta Dental of WA Annual Reimbursement Announcement

DDWA Provider Compensation Committee approved additional reimbursement investments to Member Dentists effective January 1, 2025

To view the full 2024 PCC Announcement from Delta Dental CLICK HERE

For questions, contact

Julie Schwan, Reimbursement Specialist

jschwan@DeltaDentalWa.com

or, SDDS Member and local DDWA Advocate, Dr. Katie Hakes drkhakes@icloud.com or 509-999-8728.

TRIVIA ANSWERS:

1.) Snails with 25,00+

2.) $2.00

3.) The Electric Chair

Upcoming SDDS Events

August 22nd: Summer Social

SDDS has partnered with UW School of Dentistry to host a Summer Social for members, UW RIDE Alumni, and guests.

6:00 PM at Anthony's Restaurant

RSVP Required by 8/15. CLICK HERE to respond

September 10th: EC/Membership Meeting: "Navigating the Future: Technical Advances in Oral Surgery"

Presented by Dr. Nicholas Freuen DDS, MD

Guest: WSDA President-Elect, Dr. Chris Dorow

REGISTER HERE

October 11th: 2nd Annual Medical-Dental Practice Health & Wellness Business Symposium *Registration coming soon*

Need help training new Dental Assistants outside of office hours?

River City School of Dental Assisting in the Spokane Valley offers a Saturday only program from 8-5pm for 10 weeks. Students receive 80 hours of hands on learning including taking digital x-rays, impressions, instrument identification, teeth surfaces and numbers, coronal polishing, amalgam & composite fillings, custom temp crowns, sterilization, OSHA, perio charting more. Hands-on training is held in the Spokane Valley where all aspects of dentistry covered with state of the art equipment and use of the laboratory, sterilization and all treatment rooms.

The cost of the program is $3600 with 25% down and the next session starts September 14, 2024

Contact Debby Halstead at 509-768-8188.

or rcsdentalassisting@yahoo.com

Website: www.rcschoolofdental.com

2024 House of Delegates

The 2024 WSDA House of Delegates is coming up on September 12-14!

View the HOD Agenda HERE

and RSVP via this online form.

Also, don't miss the SDDS HOD reception at ZOLA, Wednesday 9/11 at 5:30 PM. Join SDDS members and guests, Washington State Delegates and WSDA Advocacy Staff for hosted food, drinks and a raffle. No RSVP required. See you there!

1. Which animal has the most teeth?

2.) What is the average amount of money left by the tooth fairy?

3.) A dentist named Dr. Albert Southwick invented this device in 1881

ADA to comment on model dental therapy bill at upcoming ALEC meeting

The American Dental Association addressed ALEC's proposed dental therapy model legislation in a letter. The ADA advocates for addressing workforce shortages instead of dental therapists. Currently, only a few states have implemented dental therapy programs. Advocates have been pushing for model legislation for years. The ADA emphasizes the need for thorough training and consideration of public health in any new dental team member additions.

For the full story CLICK HERE

5 Skills Necessary for Private Practice Ownership

Michael Kutsyk, D.D.S. on the ADA New Dentist Blog says: After completing dental school and gaining experience in clinical dentistry, you might be contemplating purchasing or launching a dental practice. For me, ownership was the ideal choice, and it continues to be a popular route for many. On average, private practice owners can earn an extra $50,000 to $200,000 annually. However, ownership demands a particular set of skills. Here are five essential skills for a prosperous practice ownership:

1.) Strong clinical skill set

2.) Patient communication

3.) Staff communication

4.) Financial education

5.) Bravery

Do you agree with Dr. Kutsyk?

View the full article HERE