NEW Controlled Substance Education Requirement for DEA Registration

Apr 12, 2023
In December 2022, the U.S. Congress passed an omnibus spending bill that included the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act. This new law requires prescribers of controlled substances, including dentists, to complete eight hours of one-time training on safely prescribing controlled substances in order to receive or renew their registration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This new requirement goes into effect on June 27, 2023. --

To help dentists comply, the ADA has created a Frequently Asked Questions document addressing common questions we have heard from members. Here is what you need to know:
- The requirement applies to all DEA registration submissions (Schedules II, III, IV, and V)— regardless of whether it is an initial registration or a renewal registration—beginning on or after June 27, 2023.
- This is a one-time requirement; to complete 8 hours of qualified training.
- It is required to retain copies of all certificates of completion. Your ADA transcript will not be sufficient enough for registration or renewal.
- This requirement is separate from the NY State Requirement for Prescribing Opioid Drugs every 3 years.


The FAQ document also lists webinars hosted by the ADA which are FREE to ADA members. Here are links to some of the FREE webinars:
- The Special Considerations of Pain Management and Opioid Use in Older Adults
- Emergency Department Referral Model in Action: Addressing Dental Access Opioid Prevention and Pain Management
- Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Acute Dental Pain


The ADA is waiting for DEA to answer several questions about what training qualifies, and the ADA believes the webinars listed in the FAQ would satisfy the training requirement.

For ongoing updates Dentists and dental professionals are encouraged to reference the FAQ or email the Member Service Center at msc@ada.org, or call 312-440-2500. Staff are available 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Central Time.