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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

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.