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Seattle-King County Dental Society

The Seattle-King County Dental Society is a membership organization of over 1,700 dentists practicing in King County, Washington. We are a component society of the Washington State Dental Association and the American Dental Association.

Latest News

Response to Disturbing Mail Sent to Dental Professionals:

On March 11th, 2025, SKCDS was made aware of the recent reports involving disturbing correspondence that have been sent to dental professionals in our communities. These letters, which promote harmful actions, have understandably caused significant distress within our dental professional community as well as those who have received them. 

It is our sincere intention to stand with our dental professionals and express our unwavering support.  Our hope is that the individual(s) responsible are found and held accountable and that they receive the care and resources that appear to be (potentially) needed. 

To Our Dental Communities:

Please be cautious of any mail you receive where the sender or location being sent from is unfamiliar or unexpected.  Any threatening correspondence, or correspondence that promote self-harm, should be reported to local police immediately. It is further advised that any recipients should handle this mail minimally. 

We encourage all Dentists, Dental Professionals, and Dental Support Staff (clinical, administrative, etc.) to lean into your support networks and professional communities. It is crucial that we continue to foster support and connection during challenging times. Our relationships provide invaluable resources and a sense of belonging that can help navigate personal and professional obstacles, including disturbing and harmful words. 

This further reminds us to prioritize mental health as a component of our overall well-being. Please take time to evaluate proactive steps you can take to care for yourself.  Our mental health ensure we remain resilient and equipped for the various challenges life often throws our way.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out to the Suicide Crisis Hotline for immediate support. The contact below accepts both phone calls and text messages, additionally, you can reach out via the Regional Crisis Line.

Call or Text: 988 Regional Crisis Line: (206) 461-3222


For more resource: King County Crisis Services

Related Information from WSDA: WSDA Disturbing Mail Targeting Dentists in Washington

 

Your well-being is important, SKCDS strongly encourages all to lean into available resources for support. 

Changes to WA Hygiene Licensure Become Effective July 23

Jun 6, 2023
Effective July 23, hygienists seeking an initial limited license in Washington state will no longer be required to be currently engaged in active practice in order to apply. Additionally, the name of the initial and renewed limited license for hygienists is changed to an initial and renewed temporary license, and the expiration of the license is extended from 18 months to five years.

As a result of legislation (House Bill 1287 and House Bill 1466) that passed during the 2023 legislative session, effective July 23, hygienists seeking an initial limited license in Washington state will no longer be required to be currently engaged in active practice in order to apply. Active practice was defined as 560 hours of practice in the preceding 24 months.

Additionally, the name of the initial and renewed limited license for hygienists is changed to an initial and renewed temporary license, and the expiration of the license is extended from 18 months to five years. All hygienists with an existing active limited license will be issued an initial temporary license that will expire five years after the date the initial limited license was issued.

WSDA believes these changes are an important step towards addressing our state’s dental hygienist shortage and understands there is still much more work to be done.

For more information regarding WSDA’s workforce initiatives, check out WSDA News, Issue 2, 2023.

Membership Renewal

 

WSDA is excited to announce our participation in a three-year membership model pilot program with the ADA that will significantly decrease the cost of membership for most dentists.

Join us in taking the first step toward the future of Tripartite membership by renewing today for 2025!

Learn more and renew your membership today!

DOH Logo

February Credentialing Freeze: All licensing and credentialing systems for health professionals and facilities will be unavailable on Friday, February 14 from 5 p.m. until the morning of Wednesday, February 19, 2025, to complete system upgrades.

Please complete your applications and renewals now to avoid delays.

Additionally, The Department of Health (department) is implementing Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB)1503, which passed during the 2023 legislative session. ESHB 1503 requires the department to collect health care professionals' demographic information from all provider types at the time of license application and renewal. 

Learn more here!

Human Resource Questions?

HR QuestionsMr. Paul Schaber of The Management Trust can answer 20-30 minutes of Human Resource questions for SKCDS members. To access this benefit, log into SKCDS's Resources "Home Page" for contact information.