Stay Informed

Welcome to the [SOCITEY NAME] publication page, your go-to source for the most up-to-date and relevant dental news stories. We are committed to keeping you informed about the latest advancements, research, and trends in oral health care.

By visiting our publication page regularly, you'll stay informed, inspired, and connected to the dynamic world of dentistry. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and resources you need to provide the highest quality of care to your patients.

Dental Benefits Reform Bill Passes Legislature

Apr 16, 2025
WSDA is thrilled to share that our dental benefits reform bill, SSB 5351, has now passed both chambers of the Legislature! Our bill now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature to finalize its passage in the 2025 Legislative Session.

WSDA is thrilled to share that our dental benefits reform bill, SSB 5351, has now passed both chambers of the Legislature! Our bill now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature to finalize its passage in the 2025 Legislative Session.

Earlier this year, WSDA launched the most comprehensive and aggressive dental benefits reform campaign in Association history in support of our bill, resulting in this win for dentists and patients. Though we faced aggressive lobbying by the dental benefits industry, following tireless work with stakeholders and legislators in Olympia, our bill was ultimately passed unanimously by the Senate and House with strong bipartisan support.

SSB 5351 makes meaningful progress on the following major dental benefits policy issues.

Same-Day Denials

WSDA’s bill prohibits same-day denials, the practice that some insurance companies have engaged in to deny claims for multiple procedures just because they were performed during a single appointment when they would otherwise be covered.

Virtual Credit Cards

WSDA’s bill restricts insurance companies from requiring dental offices to accept payment through virtual credit cards that carry processing fees.

Dental Loss Ratio & Non-Network Reimbursement Fairness

WSDA’s bill requires stakeholders to undergo a mediation process on the issues of establishing a minimum dental loss ratio and creating non-network reimbursement fairness, directed by the impartial William D. Ruckelshaus Center, a well-respected joint effort of the University of Washington and Washington State University. The process will be fact-based and data-driven, and the Ruckelshaus Center will report back to the Legislature with a recommendation based on its findings.

Our bill forces the dental benefits industry to the negotiation table on these issues and provides a path forward for their resolution. WSDA believes this process will ultimately present a compelling case to legislators for why these dental benefits reforms are necessary to better serve the patients of Washington state.

Thank You For Your Support!

Thank you for taking the time to advocate on behalf of both your patients and your profession. Your active engagement has been critical to ensuring SSB 5351 passes the Legislature.

While we know there is more work to be done, this bill is an important first step in achieving dental benefits reform in the state of Washington.

If you have any questions, please contact WSDA Advocacy Director Kevin Schilling at kevin@wsda.org or (206) 948-0381.

Interested in TVW footage of SSB 5351? Watch the passage of our bill through the legislative process: