Starting on June 27, 2023, all Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) registered practitioners prescribing controlled substances (Schedules II, III, IV, and/or V) must complete an 8-hour training requirement. Dentists must check a box on their online DEA registration form to show completion of the training. The training must be completed before an initial registration or registration renewal on or after June 27, 2023. 

Dentists can fulfill the requirement if they graduated from dental school within 5 years of June 27, 2023, and successfully completed a curriculum that included at least 8 hours of training on:

• Treating and managing patients with opioid or other substance use disorders, including the appropriate clinical use of all drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of a substance use disorder; or 
• Safe pharmacological management of dental pain and screening, brief intervention, and referral for appropriate treatment of patients with or at risk of developing opioid and other substance use disorders.
  
  

Alternatively, dentists can fulfill the requirement by completing 8 hours of training on treating and managing patients with opioid or other substance use disorders or safe pharmacological management of dental pain. The training can be done in one 8-hour session or across multiple sessions, and in various formats including classroom settings, seminars, or virtually. Dentists must obtain and keep course completion certificate(s).  

Previous training taken from a DEA-recognized organization before December 29, 2022, and hours taken from a DEA-recognized organization to meet the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners’ controlled substances continuing education requirements count towards the DEA’s 8-hour training requirement. 

The DEA recognizes the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and ADA CERP-recognized providers for the dental training requirement, which includes any organization recognized by the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition, or (CCEPR). The Texas Dental Association is a recognized ADA CERP provider. 

For official information from the DEA, email your questions to the Diversion Control Division Policy Section at ODLP@dea.gov, or call 571-362-3260. The website is deadiversion.usdoj.gov. 

Upcoming Opportunities to Meet the DEA Training Requirement