CDT Manual FAQs and Errata
Each edition of the CDT manual incorporates changes to the Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature (Code) and reference information (e.g., Questions & Answers) available at the time. However, questions and comments on procedure codes, claim submission and CDT manual content continue to arrive at the ADA. This web page is an interim compilation of additional information that the Council on Dental Benefit Programs (CDBP) believes will be helpful to dentists and practice staff now - without waiting for the next CDT manual to be published.
Information is added from time to time. Please bookmark this page for ready reference.
CDT Manual FAQs
These Q&A add to those that are in the current CDT manual, and are here to assist dentist's and practice staff determine the most appropriate procedure code to document the service provided, as well as better understand the claim form completion and adjudication processes.
Please note that; 1) this information is not part of the Code and 2) dental benefit plan coverage limitations and exclusions, and applicable provisions of a participating provider agreement, affect third-party payer claim adjudication.
Procedure Codes
There are no new FAQs. Please refer to CDT 2011-2012 (Section 5 pp 141-185) for the current procedure code Q&As.
Claim Submission and Adjudication
There are no new FAQs. Claim for completion instructions are in Section 4 (pp 119-138) of CDT 2011-2012. Q&As on this topic are in Section 5 (pp 187-192).
CDT Manual Errata
The following information corrects errors that occurred during the printing process. These errors will be corrected in the next edition
| Page # | Description of the Error | Corrected Text | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 |
"laboratory…" missing from nomenclature "Analysis…" should be the first word of the descriptor |
D0486 laboratory accession of transepithelial cytologic sample, microscopic examination, preparation and transmission of written report Analysis, and written report of findings, of cytologic sample of disaggregated transepithelial cells. |
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| 83 |
"laboratory…" incorrectly shown as deleted from nomenclature "Pathological…" incorrectly shown as the first word of the descriptor |
D0486 laboratory accession of Analysis, and written report of findings, of cytologic sample of disaggregated transepithelial cells. |
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| 153 | The published answer to Restorative question #17 is incorrect | I placed a temporary restoration to protect my patient’s tooth structure and surrounding tissues. Would “D2940 sedative filling” be appropriate for reporting this procedure?
As of January 1, 2011 the D2940 nomenclature was changed to “protective restoration” and its descriptor revised to indicate this procedure is the placement of ”… temporary restorative material to protect tooth and/or tissue form.” This procedure code as revised is applicable to the service provided to your patient. |
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| 159 | The published answer to Periodontics question #9 is incorrect | If we remove an existing implant and place bone replacement graft in the site, can we still use the D7953 code?
Yes. As of January 1, 2011 the descriptor for D7953 states that the graft “…is placed in an extraction or implant removal site at the time of extraction or removal…. |
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| 177 | Misspelled word in OMS question # 19
"…filling…" should be “…fitting…” |
Prior to the replacement of an ill fitting maxillary complete denture, it was necessary to surgically remove an excess formation of palatal tissue. How would this procedure be documented?
Available procedure code: D7970 excision of hyperplastic tissue – per arch |
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| The term “fissurotomy” is missing from the alpha index |
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| 185 |
The published answer to Adjunctive question #17 dental procedure code listed as D9910 is incorrect |
What is a dry socket and how would treatment be coded? A dry socket is localized inflammation of the tooth socket following extraction due to loss of the blood clot with resultant osteitis. Available procedure codes are:
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Contact Information
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
