Dear State OMS Society Executive Directors and Presidents:

Please find attached a letter from the chair of the AAOMS Committee on Healthcare Policy, Coding and Reimbursement. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions!

Thank you!

Sandy Guenther
Director, State Government Affairs

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
9700 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont, IL 60018
Office: 800-822-6637, ext. 4388 | Fax: 847-678-4619
sguenther@aaoms.org | AAOMS.org | MyOMS.org

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.

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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.