Over the past several days, leadership of Delta Dental of Washington (DDWA) and Washington State Dental Association (WSDA) have been discussing the significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on dentistry in Washington. Both organizations are deeply concerned about the health and welfare of dentists, dental team members, and patients. After robust discussion, WSDA and DDWA leadership have determined a joint effort will achieve better outcomes for everyone.

Today, we are announcing that WSDA and DDWA have formed a COVID-19 collaboration to address several immediate and medium-term issues related to fully reactivating the dental care delivery system in our state. This ongoing work includes the following topics:

• Supporting dental team members across the state in acquiring critically needed PPE
• Advocating for full reopening of dental offices across Washington
• Communicating with patients and the public about the significance of resuming routine dental care and its importance to overall health
• Evaluating the longer term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as dental offices resume full operations including increased PPE costs, ensuring dental offices can provide COVID-19 tests once testing is available, adjustments or exceptions to dental benefit plan policies related to COVID-19, and other topics

Though our respective organizations do not see eye to eye on some issues, DDWA and WSDA will work together on COVID-19 related issues for the betterment of dentists and their patients. With regards to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the strengths and resources available to both organizations are very complementary.

Routine dialogue between DDWA and WSDA leadership on COVID-19 matters will continue and we will share more information about the outcomes of this collaboration very soon.



Dr. Dennis Bradshaw
President
Washington State Dental Association



Mark Mitchke
President and CEO
Washington Dental Service & Delta Dental of Washington

---

HCA Webinar: Medicaid Billing During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Wednesday, May 13 at 10:00 AM PT | Register  

This webinar is for Apple Health (Medicaid) dental providers, and will cover billing and policy specific to the COVID-19 pandemic and a Q&A session to address your concerns.