Feb 21, 2024
Welcome to bfdentalsociety.org, the new website for the Benton-Franklin Counties Dental Society!
News
Latest News from Benton-Franklin Counties Dental Society
Latest News from WSDA
Delta Dental of Washington: PNDC 2023 Community Partner
Delta Dental of Washington is Community Partner of PNDC 2023. Visit them at Booth #619.
Covering over 4 million people across the state and nation, Delta Dental of Washington is proud to be the state’s leading—and only not-for-profit—dental benefits and oral health company. We’re on a mission to help all people enjoy a healthy smile and are committed to innovating solutions to support the dental profession and increase oral health education, access, and equity.
In response to the current dental workforce shortage impacting providers locally and nationally, we:
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Partnered with the WSDA in 2022 to introduce legislative proposals to fund a state oral health workforce data system and hygiene education taskforce
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Supported two bills that passed in April 2023:
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HB 1466, which simplifies licensure reciprocity for dental hygienists from other states
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HB 1576, which facilitates the interstate practice of dentistry and dental hygiene.
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Introduced 800+ youth from diverse backgrounds to their career opportunities in dentistry through our Dental Professional Pathway Program
Because all kids deserve access to great oral health education, we partner with schools and organizations across the state to share the Tooth Fairy Experience. Reaching more than 55,000+ kids to date, our program includes:
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In-person and virtual story times and presentations, delivered in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language by diverse Tooth Fairies
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Quarterly Grin & Grow newsletter
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The Amazingly Awesome Clean Teeth Coloring & Activity Book (available to dentists with young patients)
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Three children’s books to match each module – The Clean Teeth Club, The Search for the World’s Greatest Smile, and our newly released, Smile Scouts
Founded and funded by Delta Dental of Washington, our partners at Arcora Foundation continue to bend the arc of oral health toward equity and in 2022:
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Provided $1.4 million to fund localized oral health equity efforts
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Gave 48,000+ unique local dental care referrals through DentistLink, a public-private partnership with the Washington State Health Care Authority
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Saw 1,400+ patients in more than 35 statewide clinics on the SmileMobile
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Formed the Dental Access Improvement Team (DAIT), a peer-to-peer outreach group of Apple Health (Medicaid) providers committed to removing barriers to care
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Partnered with dental community leaders to offer continuing dental education courses, including our highly anticipated Culturally Appropriate Care courses offered at PNDC 2023
Visit us on Instagram and Facebook for current events and resources for a cavity-free Washington!
Delta Dental of Washington is Community Partner of PNDC 2023. Visit them at Booth #619.
