---
title: "What Is CDT dental code? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "A CDT code is a standard code from the ADA that names a dental procedure. Offices use it on claims and treatment plans."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cdt-dental-code
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/insurance-claim). 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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/treatment-plan) and your [EOB](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/explanation-of-benefits-eob). Ask the office if a code is unclear.

## Related terms

-   [Insurance claim](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/insurance-claim)
-   [Treatment plan](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/treatment-plan)
-   [Explanation of benefits (EOB)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/explanation-of-benefits-eob)
-   [Fee schedule](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/fee-schedule)

## Sources

1.  [ADA: The Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature (CDT Code)](https://www.ada.org/publications/cdt)
2.  [ADA: CDT (Current Dental Terminology)](https://www.ada.org/topic/cdt)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)