Dentists should be aware of CDT code changes for the new year. Federal HIPAA law requires dental offices to use CDT codes in electronic health care transactions and carriers must also adopt the changes.

The American Dental Association’s 2023 CDT procedure codes and nomenclature, which are available here, list and aid dental offices with better record keeping, claim processing and timely reimbursements. The updated codes and descriptors, along with companion material that features a list of frequently asked coding questions and scenarios, are indispensable resources within dental offices.

In total, there are 29 new codes, 14 revisions and two omissions. The changes go into effect on Jan. 1, 2023.

This year’s code updates and revisions impact the following:

  • Procedure codes for intraoral full mouth series
  • Tissue regeneration and documenting delivery to natural tooth, implant or edentulous area
  • Removal of non-resorbable membrane
  • HPV vaccination reporting
  • Imaging codes for emerging practices
  • 3D dental and facial surface scanning procedures
  • Revisions to descriptions for periodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery, among others

Updates to the CDT Code were approved by the American Dental Association Code Maintenance Committee earlier in 2022. The committee worked diligently on updates that reflect the preferences of dental professionals and third-party payers.

Some of the codes, such as those designated for COVID-19 vaccination, already went into effect while the others kick in at the start of 2023. CDT coding and nomenclature are the copyright of the American Dental Association and a trademark of the association. The American Dental Association is the definitive authority for CDT, an indispensable 192-page guide for everyday dental business operations.

Adhering to CDT codes is paramount for dentists to provide the highest quality of care for their patients. CDT codes are widely recognized guidelines that allow dentists to accurately diagnose and treat dental conditions, ensuring that the treatments meet modern standards of care. The codes also provide a framework for staying up to date with the latest developments in both technology and treatment options, so that dentists can remain compliant with government regulations and ensure the safety of their patients. Following these protocols helps to protect both the dentist and the patient from potential liability in case of an adverse event or misdiagnosis. Ultimately, utilizing CDT codes provides an additional layer of safety that ensures dentists are offering the best possible care for their patients.

Adams Dental Consulting assists dental practices with customized and comprehensive strategies that help them reach their goals of operating and patient care excellence. With the upcoming changes to CDT, we are available to answer any questions about software updates and other necessary preparation that should be taken heading into the new year.

Whether it’s helping implement a new set of procedure codes or supporting the team with remote billing, our clients’ success is our passion. Adams Dental Consulting is here to empower dental offices to do what they do best – care for patients. We help optimize operations and set into motion dental practices’ vision for excellence in patient care and internal operations.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your practice in crafting a comprehensive plan. Together, we can ensure the entire team has the confidence to continually reach your dental practice’s mission of always providing the highest level of care.

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