DEA Registration
A Pennsylvania dental license allows providers to write prescriptions for antibiotics and other noncontrolled substances. To prescribe, dispense or administer a controlled substance, dentists are required to obtain a registration with the Drug Enforcement Agency( DEA).
Practitioners must obtain a separate registration for each place of professional practice where controlled substances are manufactured, distributed or dispensed. Also, dentists who practice in multiple states will need a separate registration for each state. Some states require a separate state-issued controlled substance number in addition to a license to practice; Pennsylvania does not have this requirement.
A new DEA registration could take four to six weeks to process. A DEA registration is valid for three years. DEA registrations can be completed on their website: deadiversion. usdoj. gov / drugreg / registration. html.
More information regarding DEA registrations can be found in PDA’ s Quick Tips for the Dental Office document: padental. org / membership / regulatory-and-compliance /.
NPI Number
All providers need a National Provider Identifier( NPI) number. This number uniquely identifies providers in transactions such as billing claims and prescriptions. New providers can register for a NPI number here: nppes. cms. hhs. gov /. You must first create an account before registering.
More information about NPI numbers can be found on the National Plan and Provider Enumerations System’ s( NPPES) website FAQ help page: nppes. cms. hhs. gov / help / faqs-help-page.
Credentialing
Not specific to recent graduates, but any new dentist in the practice will need to be credentialed with the various insurance companies your office participates with before they can provide care. Getting a new dentist credentialed with insurance companies can be a lengthy process, so it is important to get started as soon as possible.
Before beginning the process, gather all necessary documentation such as a state dental license, NPI numbers, DEA registration, malpractice insurance and CVs. This will be helpful in streamlining the process.
Each individual insurance company will have their own forms and method of submission, so contact each insurance company to make sure you are familiar with their process. Keep a file for each company and follow up regularly as to the status of the application.
In addition, an important part of onboarding will include training and orientation for the new dentist including, but not limited to:
• Clinical protocols or standard operating procedures for the office
• Infection control practices used in the practice
• Training on any software the office may use such as electronic health records
• An overview of general safety concerns and how emergencies are handled in the office
Additional information about onboarding a new employee can be found on ADA’ s website at: ada. org / resources / practice / practice-management / 15 _ onboarding _ new _ employees
2025