New DEA training requirements affecting oral and maxillofacial surgeons licensed to prescribe controlled substances take effect this summer. All DEA-registered practitioners must complete a one-time eight-hour training requirement of coursework addressing substance use disorders as part of the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act.
Practitioners who complete their next scheduled DEA renewal registration or an initial application on or after June 27 must check a box on their online DEA registration form affirming they have completed the training. The DEA clarifies that past training – including continuing education received through AAOMS or the ADA prior to Dec. 29, 2022 – counts toward meeting this requirement and that the eight hours does not need to be completed as a single session.
Training may be on the management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders and not necessarily the treatment of these patients. We believe AAOMS offers qualifying online CE courses to meet the requirement.
While AAOMS continues its communications with the DEA and SAMHSA, we also would strongly suggest contacting the DEA with questions regarding qualifying courses or other matters. Email questions to the Diversion Control Division Policy Section at odlp@dea.gov or call 571-362-3260.
Visit our website for key provisions, advocacy efforts and available educational resources to assist members in complying with the MATE Act. Questions? Email advocacy@aaoms.org.
News
COVID-19 Resources for OMS Practices
Please see summaries and links that have been recently added to the AAOMS COVID-19 Resources. See also links to the infections control webinar and Telehealth page.
Order Washable Medical Gowns
Pro Med Sales has secured a supply of washable medical gowns for our OMS members and are ready to take your orders.
Please call Pro Med Sales at 678-714-5341 or download and fill out the order form and return. For more information about the medical gowns, click here for a spec sheet.
Thank you to Pro Med Sales and ImageFirst for making this happen.
The Health Care Group – publisher of some AAOMS practice management publications – has teamed up with Health Care Law Associates to develop a summary of significant COVID-19 legal developments related to OMS practices. COVID-19 Resource for OMS Practice Owners, Associates and Managers (pdf) is being offered at no cost to AAOMS members. The guide covers mandated paid time off, paycheck protection program under the CARES Act, benefit plans relief and the CMS accelerated and advance payments program.
The SBA Webinars are now available:
Free webinar: Financial Steps to Take Now to Overcome a COVID-19 Business Downturn
Free webinar: What the CARES Act means to you
The Infection Control Webinar also remains active:
Coronavirus: What Dental Professionals Need to Know and Do
Updated Telehealth Resources At-a-Glance
With the COVID-19 outbreak, CMS and states are working to eliminate barriers to telehealth use – including telephone or “virtual” evaluations and/or treatment advice – to help patients access care remotely and reduce the strain on hospitals and clinics. AAOMS has assembled a new webpage – Telehealth Resources – with details and links that will be updated when new information becomes available. In addition, AAOMS published AAOMS White Paper: Telehealth and Remote Treatment in January (pdf).
Suppliers with Masks/PPE items
Please contact the following suppliers if you need N-95 masks and other PPE:
HampMed
Hamp Bailey
https://hampmed.com
404-254-0718
Pro Med Sales
Rod Uribe
https://www.omssupply.com
678-714-5341
Gem Supply (disinfectant and cleaning supplies)
https://gemsupply.net
This Florida-based company will drop ship supplies directly to your address.
Gown Laundry Service
Due to the shortage of gowns, ImageFirst has started servicing the dental profession and are offering 4 different options for your practice.
Dental Program Offerings (pdf)
Dental Anesthesiology Recognized As Dental Specialty
ADA has announced that dental anesthesiology has become “the 10th dental specialty recognized by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards.” On March 11, the National Commission “adopted a resolution based on an application from the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists to recognize dental anesthesiology as a dental specialty.”
Dr. James Tom, president of the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists, said, “This historic vote by the National Commission certainly reflects the ADA’s ongoing efforts towards improved patient care and safety in the areas of dental sedation, dental anesthesiology and access for those with special health care needs.”
In addition to dental anesthesiology, other recognized dental specialties include dental public health, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics.