CDT codes are updated every year. Since CDT 2023 there are codes for 3D dental surface scans (D0801 for a direct intraoral scan, D0802 for an indirect scan of a model), which answers the common question of whether an iTero or other intraoral scan can be coded — reimbursement still depends on the payer.
AI scribes increasingly suggest CDT codes from the clinical conversation; the dentist remains responsible for the codes submitted.
How the code set works
Each code starts with D followed by four digits and belongs to a category such as diagnostic (D0100–D0999), preventive (D1000–D1999) or restorative (D2000–D2999). The American Dental Association publishes a new version every January with additions, revisions and deletions.
Using a deleted code leads to claim rejection, so practice management software must be updated before the new year.
Why it matters for software
Fee schedules, insurance estimates, claim forms and production reports are all built on CDT codes. The code set is licensed, which is one reason practice management software carries an annual update or support fee.
How the code ranges are organized
CDT codes are grouped by type of service. Knowing the range tells you what kind of procedure a code is before you look it up.
| Range | Category | Typical examples |
|---|---|---|
| D0100 to D0999 | Diagnostic | Exams, bitewings, panoramic image, CBCT, 3D surface scans |
| D1000 to D1999 | Preventive | Cleanings, fluoride, sealants, space maintainers |
| D2000 to D2999 | Restorative | Fillings, crowns, inlays and onlays |
| D3000 to D3999 | Endodontics | Root canal therapy, retreatment, apicoectomy |
| D4000 to D4999 | Periodontics | Scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, gum surgery |
| D5000 to D5899 | Removable prosthodontics | Complete and partial dentures, relines |
| D6000 to D6199 | Implant services | Implant placement, abutments, implant-supported crowns |
| D6200 to D6999 | Fixed prosthodontics | Bridges and pontics |
| D7000 to D7999 | Oral and maxillofacial surgery | Extractions, biopsies, soft-tissue procedures |
| D8000 to D8999 | Orthodontics | Braces, aligner treatment, retention |
| D9000 to D9999 | Adjunctive general services | Anesthesia, night guards, teledentistry, emergency care |
A few ranges are split further, for example D5900 to D5999 for maxillofacial prosthetics.
Codes practice teams use every day
A short list shows how the structure looks in practice. The plain-language labels below are ours; the official descriptors are in the ADA’s CDT manual.
| Code | In plain language |
|---|---|
| D0120 | Periodic exam for an established patient |
| D0150 | Comprehensive exam for a new patient or after a long gap |
| D0220 / D0230 | First / each additional periapical image |
| D0272 / D0274 | Two / four bitewing images |
| D0330 | Panoramic image |
| D0367 | CBCT of both jaws, capture and interpretation |
| D0801 / D0802 | 3D dental surface scan, direct from the mouth / indirect from a model |
| D1110 / D1120 | Adult / child cleaning |
| D2740 | Porcelain or ceramic crown |
| D3330 | Root canal on a molar |
| D4341 / D4342 | Scaling and root planing, four or more teeth / one to three teeth in a quadrant |
| D4910 | Periodontal maintenance |
| D7140 / D7210 | Simple extraction / surgical extraction |
Annual updates and what they break
The ADA publishes a new code set each year with an effective date of January 1. New codes appear, descriptors change and some codes are deleted. A claim that uses a deleted code is rejected, so practice management software has to load the new set before the first claim of the year and update fee schedules and insurance estimates with it.
Ask a vendor how and when CDT updates are delivered, whether they are included in the subscription and whether your custom procedure codes and fee schedules survive the update.
CDT, CPT and ICD-10: which one applies
CDT covers dental procedures. CPT codes, owned by the American Medical Association, describe medical procedures, and ICD-10 codes describe diagnoses. Dental claims use CDT, while medical claims for oral surgery, sleep apnea appliances or hospital procedures may need CPT and ICD-10. Some dental plans now ask for diagnosis codes on certain procedures.
This matters when a scribe or AI tool suggests codes. A tool built for physicians may return CPT and ICD-10 only, which a dental claim cannot use.
Coding rules of thumb
Code what was done, not what the insurer will pay. Document the diagnosis, the tooth, surfaces and findings in the clinical note so that the code can be defended. Never bill a code the dentist has not confirmed, even when software suggests it.
Payers set their own limits on frequency, bundling and downcoding. The code set says what a procedure is called; the contract says what is paid.
Go deeper
FAQ
What does CDT stand for?
Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature. It is the standard list of procedure codes used to document and bill dental work in the United States and is maintained by the American Dental Association.
How often are CDT codes updated?
Every year. The new set takes effect on January 1. Deleted codes are rejected on claims, so make sure your practice management system has installed the update before the new year.
Can an intraoral scan be billed?
Since CDT 2023 there are codes for 3D dental surface scans: D0801 for a direct intraoral scan and D0802 for an indirect scan of a model. Whether a payer reimburses them depends on the plan. See our scanner price guide for what practices report.
Where can I find the official list of CDT codes?
The ADA publishes the CDT manual and licenses the code set to software vendors. The descriptors are copyrighted, so a free complete list is not available. Your practice management system carries the current list.