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PCDS Members please contact Cindy@pcdentists.org for a link to the members only information until the updated page is available.

Welcome to Pierce County Dental Society!

Pierce County Dental Society is a component society for current members of the American Dental Association and Washington State Dental Association.


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October President's Message - Dr. J. Perry Ormiston



Dear Members,

Over twenty years ago, I purchased my orthodontic practice in Puyallup. While it was established long before my arrival, I hope it thrives long after I'm gone—provided I remain a diligent steward of the practice. I feel the same way about the positive aspects of our profession in dentistry.

Recently, I attended my third WSDA House of Delegates (HOD) meeting and was once again inspired by the dedication of volunteers working tirelessly on behalf of our profession. Delegates from the 17 WSDA component societies gathered in Spokane to thoughtfully address the myriad issues impacting dentistry. As many of you know, the HOD meeting is held annually, rotating through different locations across Washington. Next year, we’ll meet at the Tacoma Marriott Downtown from September 25 to 27, 2025. I encourage all WSDA members to attend at least once; you may be pleasantly surprised by the extensive work the association does behind the scenes. With the next meeting nearby, it’s a perfect opportunity for the Pierce County membership to see firsthand how decisions are made.

I’d like to share a few key takeaways from our recent meeting:

1. Legislative Advocacy:
Delegates had the chance to delve into the WSDA legislative agenda. Our leadership is committed to ensuring fair treatment for patients by advocating for legislation requiring dental insurance companies to allocate at least 85% of collected premiums toward reimbursements for patient care. Additionally, we are working to safeguard the doctor-patient relationship, particularly for patients using out-of-network providers, who currently face significantly lower reimbursements.

2. Supporting Accountability in Insurance:
The WSDA is backing Patty Kuderer, a pro-patient candidate for Washington State Insurance Commissioner. As a state senator, she has promised to hold insurance companies accountable and promote transparency. Having received the most votes in the primary, we hope to support her success in the upcoming election.

3. Membership Trends:
We discussed the concerning decline in WSDA and county dental society membership rates over the past few years. Out of 17 component societies, only Grant County saw an increase in membership. In Pierce County, we experienced a 5% decrease. Exit polls indicate that many members feel they aren’t receiving enough value for their dues, prompting a reevaluation of our membership structure.

4. Reimagining Membership:
To enhance member value and reduce reliance on dues, WSDA leadership has introduced the Reimagining Membership Model Pilot. This model allows for monthly fee collection (or yearly if preferred) and offers a tiered membership structure aimed at making it more affordable for younger members. Additionally, new services from the WSDA could further lower individual dues starting in 2025. The WSDA’s insurance agency, WDIA, has partnered with MedPro, providing broker fee revenue that will help reduce your membership costs.

5. New Compliance Program:
The WSDA is launching the Comply Better Program to assist practices in meeting WISHA and HIPAA training regulations. If successful, this initiative could serve as a model for other states and industries, providing a valuable source of non-dues revenue.

6. Formation of the Washington Consolidated Dental Society:
To address the diverse needs of our component societies, the House of Delegates voted to create the Washington Consolidated Dental Society. This will offer smaller societies an opportunity to streamline administrative responsibilities.
As your president, I want to remind you that we are navigating a battleship, not a cruise ship. Each of us has a role to play in preserving and enhancing our profession. Let’s continue to act as stewards of dentistry, ensuring it remains a respected and sought-after field.

All the best,

J. Perry Ormiston, DDS, MSD
President, PCDS






The next PCDS GMM will be on Tuesday,

October 15, 2024, at the Tacoma Country & Golf Club.

Dr. Guillermo Chacon presenting "Dynamic Implant Guidance to Improve Implant Success"

Sponsored by DDSMATCH, Nakanishi Dental Laboratory, South Sound Gamma Knife at St. Josephs

CE Credits: 2, AGD Approved #212501

5:30pm Social, 6:00pm Buffet Dinner, Business and Sponsors, 6:15pm to 8:15pm Presentation.
Cost is $49.00. Watch for registration in your email or contact cindy@pcdentists.org.

If you are not receiving the PCDS GMM registrations in your email, please update Cindy with your correct email.

All registrations and newsletter are virtual through your provided email address.

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We are dedicated to furthering education, mutual support and better communication with the general public for the purpose of their better dental health. The Society has a Central Office to provide information on current dental issues, act as a liaison to the outside community, and serve as a support to its member dentists. Our goal is to provide this website as a resource for dentists, patients, and the community. If there is information that you feel would be helpful to other patients or dentists, please email your suggestions to cindy@pcdentists.org.

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Patient Resources

We provide free referrals to our Pierce County dentists for those patients who are looking for a new dental home, and we also have a download-able list of multi-lingual dental offices located in Pierce County

The Society has a Central Office to provide information on current dental issues, act as a liaison to the outside community, and serve as a support to its member dentists. We have one full-time staff person. The Central Office provides no-cost referral and mediation services for the public. Mediation is done for member dentists only.

The Pierce County Dental Society is proud to honor the many dentists who have participated in volunteer activities over the years. Together dentists in Pierce County donated $1,000,000 in care to low-income individuals in dental need, and participated in several oral health educational activities throughout the County.

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Questions About Your Dental Health?

Visit MouthHealthy.org, the website created by the American Dental Association (ADA) for you and your family!

Check out Whats Coming
Explore our upcoming educational events and opportunities


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Please Donate!

100% Of the proceeds stay in Pierce County to help those in dental need.

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Support Pierce County Dental Foundation.
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Congratulations – The Pierce County Dental Foundation received over $45,000 in donations for the 2023 “A Day for Smiles” event.

All proceeds for the “A Day for Smiles” goes to the Pierce County Dental Foundation Endowment fund. The fund has a goal of $1,000,000. Once the fund reaches $500,000 it will start disbursing the proceeds for oral health care for those in need, oral health education, and to support education for dental professionals. Currently the fund has over $480,000 in donations.

The Foundation has supported several community events to promote improved oral health such as: Pierce County Dentists Care Program, Bates Free Senior Dental Day,
Tacoma Rescue Mission Free Dental Day, Pierce County Veteran’s Resource Fair, Pierce County Dental Society Children’s Dental Health Day, oral hygiene supplies for schools in Pierce County and
Scholarships for Bates Technical College Dental Assisting Program, Clover Park Technical College Dental Assisting Program, Pierce College Dental Hygiene Program.


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WEO Media is proud to support the Pierce County Dental Society!

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Pierce County Dental Society, 2302 South Union Avenue, Suite A-2, Tacoma, WA 98405, (253) 274-9722, pcdentists.org, 10/8/2024, Related Terms: Dental Society Pierce County Washington,