Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature (CDT)
Purpose
The purpose of the CDT Code is to achieve uniformity, consistency and specificity in accurately reporting dental treatment. One use of the CDT Code is to provide for the efficient processing of dental claims.
On August 17, 2000 the CDT Code was named as a HIPAA standard code set. Any claim submitted on a HIPAA standard electronic dental claim must use dental procedure codes from the version of the CDT Code in effect on the date of service. The CDT Code is also used on paper dental claims, and the ADA's paper claim form data content reflects the HIPAA electronic standard.
Annual Review and Revision
The Council on Dental Benefit Programs (CDBP) has ADA Bylaws responsibility for CDT Code maintenance. To fulfill this obligation CDBP established its Code Maintenance Committee (CMC), a body that includes representatives from various sectors of the dental community (e.g., ADA; dental specialty organizations; third-party payers). CMC members cast their votes to accept, amend, or decline CDT Code change requests.
Please see Code Maintenance Committee (CMC) page for information about the CMC and its meetings.
2013 CMC Action Report
The CMC met on February 28 - March 1, 2013 to act on CDT Code action requests received by the submission closing date, and the results are in the committee’s Action Report.
Accepted requests will be incorporated into the version of the CDT Code effective January 1, 2014.
Request a CDT Code Addition, Revision, Deletion
Change requests may be submitted at any time, and the date received determines the CDT Code version that may incorporate the requested action. The annual closing date for submissions is on the CDT Code maintenance timeline. Any requests received after the closing date will be addressed in the next annual maintenance cycle.
Telephone: ADA Members, please use the toll-free number on the back of your membership card; Direct dial, 312-440-2500
E-mail: dentalcode@ada.org
