CDT Dental Codes The CDT code set maintained by the American Dental Association consists of procedural codes for oral health and adjunctive services provided in dentistry. Each alphanumeric CDT code begins with the letter ‘D’ (the procedure code) and is followed by 4 numbers (the nomenclature). CDT codes are used by dentists to report dental procedures in claims to insurance companies. CDT codes also help dentists achieve uniformity, consistency and specificity in documenting dental treatment accurately in the electronic health record. CDT codes are updated and revised annually. The CDT Code set categorizes codes by type of service: diagnostic, preventive, restorative, endodontics, periodontics, removable prosthodontics, maxillofacial prosthetics, implant services, fixed prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, and adjunctive general services. However, nothing in the CDT supports or indicates limitation of use by dentists – general dentists or specialists – to any categorical section(s) of the CDT Code. CPT Codes The CPT code set is maintained by the American Medical Association and used to report medical procedures and to payers. CPT codes are often referred to as Level I codes. ICD-10 Codes ICD-10 codes are diagnostic codes used to group and identify diseases, disorders and symptoms. Each diagnosis code is a unique, alphanumeric string of characters representing a disorder or disease concept. Diagnostic coding involves transforming verbal descriptors of diseases, illnesses and injuries into standardized codes in claims for services.
