In dentistry, documentation is an essential element of practice, not only for accurate treatment but also for risk management. In this case study, the lack of detail in a dentist’s chart entry denoting a patient’s treatment impacts the outcome of a malpractice case brought against her.

SB 5351, WSDA’s bill to reform the broken dental benefits system in Washington, was introduced on Thursday, January 16. This bill has strong bipartisan support from across the political spectrum, including sponsorship from the majority of members of the Senate Health Care Committee.

"In a nutshell, the ERISA preemption is applied too broadly by the carriers. In response, nearly two years ago the ADA House of Delegates formed a special committee on ERISA to look for innovative strategies to deal with the problem. We have identified a number of paths forward."

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 ADA has announced a new resource available for all ADA members and dental students: Talkspace Go, a self-guided therapy app to support mental well-being.

Dr. Robin Jones is making a difference for low-income, underserved patients in Tacoma. When asked about her practice model, Dr. Robin Jones replied that she is “a general dentist specializing in ‘community dentistry.’ It’s a specialty I created.”