Washington Dental Service May Experience Significant Loss of Participating Dentists

Update for our readers:

I just spoke with Steve Hardymon of the Washington State Dental Association (WSDA). He gave me a sense of the impending crisis in the Washington Dental Service (WDS) insurance conflict. As you know, WDS has decided to abruptly reduce dental reimbursements significantly as of June 1, 2011. This action will potentially limit the access to care for thousands of patients in this difficult situation. It will also threaten the livelihood of dentists, dentistry-related employees, and businesses.

With a tone of tension, Hardymon spoke about the unprecedented activity dentists are engaging in their efforts to contend with WDS. Dentists have begun to cancel their contracts with WDS. "About 150 dentists have already decided to drop," said Hardymon, "and there are about 2000 that are absolutely considering their drop." Hardymon, along with the rest of the WSDA team have been in constant contact with dentists and have been working feverishly to come up with strategies to help dentists make informed decisions to continue serving WDS patients.

Hardymon and his team issued a press release recently in hopes of informing the public about the magnitude of WDS coverage restrictions.

It is estimated that about 4000 dentists are actively doing business with WDS. If the purported number of contracted dentists drop their relationship with WDS, it may mean real trouble for the success of the insurance company. WDS will likely have to restructure the limitations they put on their dental plans for patients.

As patients, I want to encourage you to talk with your employers and HR representatives about more effective options for dental insurance benefits. There are other companies in the marketplace that offer reimbursements to dental providers that will allow you to receive excellent care and maintain a relationship with a dentist you trust. Ask how your out-of pocket expenses may change if you switch policies. And of course, talk to us here at Cascadia Dentistry about how your WDS plan is going to change, and what differences you will expect. Ultimately, the dentistry you have done is up to you. What WDS has chosen to do is reduce their spending on dental plans for patients, and it will likely result in you spending more for care if yo have their plan. So let us help you maximize your WDS insurance benefits, and minimize your out-of-pocket spending by choosing a dental plan that fits for you.

Stay tuned.