Insurance and Billing
CDT dental code
A CDT code is a standard code from the ADA that names a dental procedure. Offices use it on claims and treatment plans.
CDT stands for Current Dental Terminology. The Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature is published by the American Dental Association. It assures consistency in documenting dental treatment. Each procedure has its own code.
The purpose of the code, the ADA says, is uniformity, consistency and specificity in reporting treatment. One use is the efficient processing of dental claims. The code on a claim is how the plan knows which service you received, and it can affect what the plan pays.
A CDT code is not a fee and does not mean a service is covered. You may see codes on your treatment plan and your EOB. Ask the office if a code is unclear.