Seattle Times Op-Ed Rebuts WHO Statement

Yesterday, the Seattle Times published an opinion-editorial titled “World Health Organization is wrong on dental care: Do not delay preventive exams” by Dr. Gary Chiodo, dean of the UW School of Dentistry. WSDA, Delta Dental of Washington and the UW School of Dentistry collaborated on this piece and we would especially like to thank Dean Chiodo for taking the lead in this effort.

If you are looking for articles to share with your patients about the safety of visiting the dentist during the pandemic, you may choose to share this piece. Additionally, several prominent organizations in Washington’s dental community have authored a customizable letter that you may also choose to share.

The ADA has also created a Patient Return Resource Center that contains member resources to support you and your dental team in communicating with your patients about how you are putting their health and safety first in a world full of “new normals.”

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License Expiration Extension Ending

The Department of Health (DOH) recently reminded all healthcare professionals who took advantage of the license expiration extension that the extension will expire on Sept. 30.

With providers focusing on patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic, the secretary of health extended expiration dates for licenses due for renewal between April 1 and Sept. 30, 2020. The extension included a waiver of late fees.

As the end of September rapidly approaches, the extension is about to expire. That means providers who took advantage of it must renew their licenses no later than Sept. 30 in order for their licenses to remain active and to keep from having to pay late fees.

Providers who delayed renewal, and whose normal expiration date has passed, may:

• Renew through the online licensing system, if their profession is able to (credit card, debit card or E-check accepted), or
• Return the renewal notice with payment by mail (check or money order accepted).

No late fees will be due, as long as we receive your payment online before 11:59 pm on Sept. 30; or if it’s postmarked no later than Sept. 30. We'll need three to five business days to update license status after we receive mailed-in payments.

Questions can be directed to DOH’s call center at 360-236-4700 or you can visit their License Expiration Extension Frequently Asked Questions page.

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Reminder: Apply by Sept. 30 to Offset Unemployment Benefit Charges

Taxable employers affected by COVID-19 may now submit an application to Washington state’s Employment Security Department (ESD) to offset some of their benefit charges instead of charging them to their experience rating. By applying to offset benefit charges from the first two quarters of 2020, employers might reduce their 2021 tax rate. Please note that the offset is not a refund or reimbursement.

The application deadline is Sept. 30.

Please make sure to review all of the information provided by ESD to learn more about how the offset program works, who is eligible, how to apply, and other important details to help ensure a successful application. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Dennis Bradshaw
WSDA President