4th Quarter - October 2020 | Contact Newsletter
Your Quarterly News & Updates
Greetings, Washington State Dental Laboratory members and friends! The 2020 4th Quarter Contact newsletter is filled with information about our upcoming 2020 Virtual Roundtable, Scholarship Opportunities, Industry News and much more. We can't wait to "see" everyone at the 2020 Virtual Roundtable!
President's Message - Megan Nakanishi
WSDLA is Flowing With the Changes

It’s hard to believe that fall is officially here! This year has been a rollercoaster to say the least… but the WSDLA is flowing with the changes and we’re optimistic about the future!

As you have heard, the WSDLA Board decided to cancel the in-person 2020 NW Lab Forum, with everyone’s safety in mind. If you’ve already registered, not to worry! Paid registrations are transferred to our 2021 NW Lab Forum currently scheduled for March 26-28, 2021.

To read the full President's Message, please click here.
Meetings
2020 Northwest Laboratory Forum *CANCELED*
Thank you so much for your support as WSDLA continues to navigate the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. The WSDLA board has monitored the changing situation closely and kept your health and safety in mind through each step of the way. After much consideration, the board has decided to cancel the in-person 2020 WSDLA Northwest Laboratory Forum scheduled for October 30, 2020 – November 1, 2020.

The Board is currently finalizing some exciting events so that you will still have the opportunity to earn some CE hours in 2020 and benefit from your prepaid Forum registration.
1.         Registrations for the 2020 NW Lab Forum will automatically transfer to the 2021 NW Lab Forum, scheduled for March 26-28, 2021. We are moving past this current crisis and planning for a great in-person event in March of next year.
2.        We are also finalizing plans for a Virtual Roundtable event during the same timeframe as the previously scheduled Forum. You can earn CE credits and continue your education from the safety & comfort of your home or office. This will be a value-added and FREE event for everyone that pre-registered (or transferred) for the 2021 WSDLA Northwest Laboratory Forum.

Thank you for being so supportive of this change! We're looking forward to seeing everyone virtually this October for the Roundtable Retreat and in-person for the 2021 NW Lab Forum next spring.
2020 WSDLA Virtual Roundtable Retreat - October 30, 2020
Join us online in Zoom for the WSDLA 2020 Roundtable on Friday October 30, 2020

Schedule of Events:
9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Welcome 

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. WA State Lab Owner Panel featuring panelists from Washington State Dental Laboratories, moderated by Megan Nakanishi
Discussion items include: How our labs have survived during the pandemic, Tips and tricks on how to improve services and employee relations during these trying times.
*1 hour professional development, approved by NBC.

10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. WA State Dental Laboratory Registration Update
Speakers: Matt Chapman, CDT and Megan Nakanishi
Discussion of the new law signed in April 2019 that created a dental laboratory registry within the Department of Health: Where we are, next steps, how to comply.
*1 hour regulatory standards, approved by NBC.

11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Questions from participants and Wrap Up

This event is free for all persons that registered for the 2020 NW Dental Lab Forum and has been transferred to the 2021 NW Dental Lab Forum and WSDLA current members.  
There is a minimal cost for all other registrants.

We have re-booked the same great lineup of speakers and hands-on demonstrations from the canceled 2020 NW Lab Forum for the upcoming 2021 NW Lab Forum!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR 2021!

2020 NW Laboratory Forum
March 26 - 28, 2021

Hotel Information:
Embassy Suites - Seattle/Bellevue
3225 158th Ave SE - Bellevue, WA 98008

Stay tuned for more information on our 2021 NW Laboratory Forum!
Member News
WSDLA - Welcome New Members!
WSDLA is delighted to welcome new members to our organization! The WSDLA Board approved the following new members:

High Desert Dental Studio, Kennewick - Britton Fort

Northwest Implant Specialist Laboratory LLC, Spokane - John Shanks CDT

Oral Prosthetics Dental Laboratory, Wenatchee - Darci McGuire

Spartan Dental Lab, Tacoma - Sean Parrish

United Laboratories Corporation, Edmonds - Gene Xiao
Classified Ads
NOW HIRING: Dental Lab Technicians!
Nakanishi Dental Laboratory in Bellevue needs experienced dental technicians! 
We are looking to hire in the following departments:
 
  • Ceramics
  • Model Room
  • Digital
 
Please send resume to team@nakanishidentallab.com. Salary will vary depending on experience. In addition, we offer great benefits: medical/dental insurance, paid-time-off (vacation, sick and holiday), retirement benefits, and flexible hours (lab is open 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday).
 
Nakanishi Dental Laboratory is a full-service, third-generation family owned and operated company in Bellevue, Washington. 
FOR SALE: Identica Hybrid Scanner
Item Description:
Identica Hybrid Scanner. All components in great working order.

Please Contact Scott Alvarez at:
Phone: (360) 695-7411

Price $1,500
Free Classified Ads! - WSDLA Member Benefit

Post your FREE classified ads for equipment, job openings, etc on the WSDLA website. As a member benefit, all WSDLA members receive free classified ad posting for up to 30 days. For more information and to send a request for a classified ad, please visit www.wsdla.com.
Industry News
Dental Laboratories Rules Hearing
The Department of Health has scheduled a Dental Laboratories Rules Hearing for October 28, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. PST. This virtual hearing is for the public to make final comments on the rules before review by the Secretary of Health. 
 
 
Members of the WSDLA Board and staff will attend the hearing and updated information will be shared during our 2020 WSDLA Virtual Roundtable event on October 30, 2020. 
You won't want to miss it!
Technical Article
2020 Grant and Scholarship Opportunities!
The Foundation has created the Workplace Safety Grant in an effort to ensure safety among all dental laboratory employees. As part of this grant, the Foundation has allocated funds for dental laboratories to call in OSHA for a voluntary on-site safety consultation, and will provide up to $500 per dental laboratory to assist with implementing corrective action as indicated by OSHA’s voluntary on-site safety consultation.

Application Deadline: First Come, First Serve


The PTC John Ness Memorial Education Grant will award two recipients a PTC Ness Academy Hands on Course at no charge. The charge for such a course would typically retail for $3,000; however, due to the generosity of PTC, the recipient of this grant will have their tuition fee waived. 

Application Deadline: October 15


Mark Jackson Memorial Education Grant

Awards up to $2,500 to supplement expenses related to an approved continuing education program the recipients wish to attend.

Application Deadline: November 15


The Seattle Study Club Education Grant will cover the tuition for two technicians to attend the Clinical Program at the 2021 Seattle Study Club Symposium. The cost to attend the symposium would typically be $3,975; however, due to the generosity of the Seattle Study Club, the recipients of this grant will have their tuition fee waived. 

Application Deadline: November 15