March 28 – 30, 2025
AC Hotel
Greenville, SC

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.

SCSOMS President Dr. Brian Cherry has written the DOH Commissioner to urge inclusion of OMSs in the first wave of healthcare providers to receive COVID-19 vaccines.
 
Below is the call to action from AAOMS.  We urge all members to assist in this effort by following the links below.

---

Action Alert: As vaccines near, officials need to prioritize OMSs 

As manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies work to finalize distribution conduits for approved SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, officials are working on prioritizing the list of providers to receive critical immunizations. 

While dentists – and thus OMSs – are included in the list of priority healthcare workers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, additional outreach to state officials could help ensure OMSs are recognized as critical first responders and included in the first wave of inoculations.
Members can easily communicate this message through the Association’s VoterVoice grassroots platform. Simply click the links below to participate in these email-writing campaigns.

There is no doubt that OMSs are first responders when it comes to treating dental emergencies and facial trauma. Reach out today. 

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.

---

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).

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
COVID 19 (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.

---