FYI

As part of the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act passed by Congress on December 29, 2022, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is updating some of its requirements. Beginning this summer, dentists will have to complete additional training before renewing or receiving a DEA registration as a prescriber. Here’s what you need to know to get ready for this new requirement.
 

What are the new requirements from the MATE Act?

The new requirements to receive DEA prescription approval are eight hours of safe prescribing training.
 

Who has to comply with this requirement?

All dentists who are or are seeking to be DEA-registered prescribers for Schedule II, III, IV and/or V drugs must comply with the new requirement. However, dentists who are less than five years out of dental school are exempt from this requirement. After five years, the training will be required for renewals as normal.
 

When does the new requirement take effect?

All new applications and renewals must comply with the new requirement beginning on June 27, 2023 (except for dental school graduates within the past five years as previously stated.)
 

Where can I complete the required training?

At this time, training is only available through the organizations listed in the MATE Act. This includes dental organizations like:
 

• The American Dental Association (ADA)
• The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• ADA CERP-recognized providers, such as any organization recognized by the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition (CCEPR)

Training is also available through other health care organizations, such as:
 

• The American Society of Addiction Medicine
• The American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry
• The American Medical Association
• The American Osteopathic Association
• The American Psychiatric Association
• Any organization accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)
• Any organization accredited by a state medical society accreditor that is recognized by ACCME or CCEPR
• Any organization accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide continuing education
• Any organization approved by the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, ACCME or CCEPR

Additionally, some previous safe prescribing training by one of these organizations may satisfy the new requirement.

For more information, please visit the ADA’s FAQ about the MATE Act.