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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. Tina Olsson

Dear Members,

The first meeting of the year took place on a gorgeous, sunny late-summer evening, and the turnout was a success. Thank you for spending a few of those warm hours indoors with your colleagues.

Our next meeting will be held on October 21st. We welcome our own Dr. Thomas Gessel, who will deliver a presentation that has earned high praise in other venues: “Myofunctional Therapy & Orthodontic Force Systems for the Growing Patient.” Hopefully, the setting sun will not keep him from seeing all of your friendly faces.

The WSDA House of Delegates met on September 26th and 27th. The purpose of the HOD is to discuss and reach consensus on topics critical to the practice of dentistry in Washington. This process strengthens our ability to advocate for both our profession and our patients as a unified voice. Some of the main issues addressed this year included:

• Membership retention and growth. Considerations included membership costs and benefits.

• Delta Dental’s out-of-network policy. Currently, Delta Dental reimburses patients at a different rate for out-of-network providers than for in-network ones—an approach not practiced in other states. WSDA is advocating for equal patient reimbursement regardless of provider choice and has asked dentists not to attend the DDWA annual member meeting until this anticompetitive policy is addressed.

• Expanding dental assistant duties. Specifically, the possibility of allowing dental assistants to perform supragingival prophylaxis. Considerations include shortages of dental hygiene providers and balancing the need to maintain a high standard of care. Expansion of these duties is currently favored.

Refinement of these recommendations will continue, with expected presentation to state representatives throughout the year, especially on Dental Action Day in February, when dentists gather at the state capital to meet face-to-face with legislators. It is surprising how little many of them understand about the practice of dentistry in our state. Your participation makes a difference.

A highlight of the HOD was the recognition of our friend, Dr. Kim Nordberg, who was honored as Citizen of the Year. His children graciously accepted the award on his behalf. Dr. Nordberg’s contributions to dentistry were remarkable, but his impact reached far beyond. His legacy is evident in his large and loving family, his church community, the infrastructure of his city, the state capitol, in teaching institutions, in the homes and businesses of his friends, and even in Guatemala. It is entirely possible that future Citizens of the Year will be among those he inspired. His ripple effects are profound.

Enjoy the back-to-school season and the return of football. I look forward to seeing you in October.

Tina Olsson, DMD, MSD
President, Pierce County Dental Society

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