ADA asks DEA to delay new fee schedule

Washington — The ADA is asking the Drug Enforcement Agency to consider delaying its new fee schedule in order to assist dental practices impacted financially by COVID-19.

The agency’s new fee schedule for registration and re-registration for DEA certification is slated to go into effect Oct. 1 with the fee for dentists increasing from $731 to $888 for three years.

The ADA believes a one-year delay “will provide temporary fiscal relief for dentists until stabilization of the current crisis,” ADA President Chad P. Gehani and Executive Director Kathleen T. O’Loughlin said in an Aug. 6 letter to Timothy J. Shea, DEA acting administrator, explaining how dentists closed completely or limited their practices to emergencies only at the onset of the pandemic.

“Even as dental offices have reopened, they have had to implement new infection control procedures and are utilizing enhanced personal protective equipment,” Drs. Gehani and O’Loughlin wrote. “As you may not be aware, the cost of these health and safety efforts have been financially devastating to dentists and their small businesses. During this worrisome period, all additional fees, costs and charges are not inconsequential as dental practices attempt to stay open, retain their employees and provide their patients with care.”

“The ADA thanks you for your leadership and supports the Drug Enforcement Agency in its mission to enforce the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States,” the letter concluded.

For more information about the ADA’s advocacy efforts during COVID-19, visit ADA.org/COVID19Advocacy.