The American Dental Association sent a letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration Aug. 6 asking it to delay its prescriber registration fee schedule one year.
On July 24, the DEA announced it was increasing its three-year prescriber registration fee from $731 to $888, effective Oct.1.
The letter, signed by ADA President Chad Gehani, DDS, and ADA Executive Director Kathleen O'Loughlin, DMD, urged the DEA to reexamine the timing of the fee increase, as instating it so soon would adversely affect many dentists who have been financially devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"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 organization wrote. "We hope that you will consider the postponement of the DEA fee schedule increases until a time of greater economic stability."
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