Find your dental code.
Search by CDT code or describe the procedure in plain English to find the right billing code.
Browse All CDT Codes
Explore the complete list of dental procedure codes organized by category
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A comprehensive overview of dental procedure codes for billing and documentation
What Are CDT Codes?
CDT (Current Dental Terminology) codes are the standardized dental procedure codes used throughout the United States. Maintained by the American Dental Association (ADA), these codes ensure consistent communication between dental practices, insurance companies, and other healthcare providers.
Each CDT code consists of the letter "D" followed by four digits. The first digit indicates the category of service, making it easy to identify the type of procedure at a glance.
CDT Code Categories
Diagnostic
Exams, X-rays, and diagnostic tests
Preventive
Cleanings, fluoride, and sealants
Restorative
Fillings, crowns, and onlays
Endodontics
Root canals and pulp therapy
Periodontics
Gum treatments and scaling
Prosthodontics (Removable)
Dentures and partials
Prosthodontics (Fixed) & Implants
Bridges and implants
Oral Surgery
Extractions and surgical procedures
Orthodontics
Braces and aligners
Adjunctive Services
Anesthesia, consultations, and misc.
CDT Coding Best Practices
Use the Most Specific Code
Always select the code that most accurately describes the procedure performed. Avoid using generic codes when a more specific option exists.
Stay Current with Updates
The ADA releases CDT updates annually. Review changes each January to ensure your practice uses current codes and avoids deleted ones.
Document Thoroughly
Proper clinical documentation supports the codes you submit. Ensure notes clearly describe the procedure performed and medical necessity.
Official CDT Code Resources
Authoritative sources for CDT codes, updates, and coding education
ADA CDT Code Book
The official CDT manual with complete code listings, descriptors, and clinical examples.
Visit ADA PublicationsADA Coding Education
Training resources, webinars, and certification programs for dental coding professionals.
Explore Education ResourcesCDT Code Updates
Annual updates, new codes, and changes to existing CDT codes from the ADA.
View Latest UpdatesCDT is a registered trademark of the American Dental Association. This tool is provided for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the ADA.
CDT Code Questions
CDT (Current Dental Terminology) codes are a standardized set of dental procedure codes maintained by the American Dental Association (ADA). They are used to document and report dental treatments for insurance claims, patient records, and billing purposes. Each code consists of a letter 'D' followed by four digits (e.g., D0120 for periodic oral evaluation).
The ADA updates CDT codes annually, with changes typically taking effect on January 1st of each year. Updates may include new codes for emerging procedures, revisions to existing code descriptions, and deletion of outdated codes. Dental practices should review the annual updates to ensure accurate billing and documentation.
CDT codes are specifically designed for dental procedures and are maintained by the American Dental Association. CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes are medical procedure codes maintained by the American Medical Association for non-dental healthcare services. While some oral surgery procedures may use CPT codes, most dental treatments use CDT codes for billing and documentation.
To find the correct CDT code, you can search by procedure name or code number using our lookup tool, browse by category (diagnostic, preventive, restorative, etc.), or describe the procedure to our AI assistant. Always verify the code matches the exact procedure performed and check the official ADA CDT code book for detailed descriptions and guidelines.
Yes, CDT codes are required for dental insurance claims in the United States. Insurance companies use these standardized codes to process claims, determine coverage, and calculate reimbursements. Accurate CDT coding is essential for timely claim approval and proper payment.
CDT codes are organized into 12 main categories: D0000-D0999 (Diagnostic), D1000-D1999 (Preventive), D2000-D2999 (Restorative), D3000-D3999 (Endodontics), D4000-D4999 (Periodontics), D5000-D5999 (Prosthodontics - Removable), D6000-D6999 (Prosthodontics - Fixed & Implants), D7000-D7999 (Oral Surgery), D8000-D8999 (Orthodontics), D9000-D9999 (Adjunctive General Services).
Yes, Operaitor's CDT code lookup tool is completely free. You can search for codes by number or procedure name, browse all codes by category, and ask our AI assistant questions about dental procedures and coding. The tool is designed to help dental professionals quickly find the information they need.