Dental Billing and Coding Course

Many dental practices are worried about dental codes and their ability to code various procedures accurately for insurance purposes. The critical part is using the correct dental procedure code. While medical coding relays on Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) where as dental billing codes are based on Current Dental Terminology (CDT). The American Dental Association (ADA) maintains the CDT, for all dental procedure to codes and submits to dental insurance plan.


Erendiz Academy and Dental Billing and Coding Course:


The Dental Billing and Coding Course teaches students how to code using CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II code sets, as well as CDT coding (or Current Dental Terminology). You’ll learn the standards of reporting and billing, as well as how to cross code dental services for medical insurance reimbursement. Advance your career as a dental coder by receiving training from Erendiz Academy.


Who Should Attend Dental Billing and Coding Training?


Dental coders and students pursuing a career in dental billing and coding require dependable coding abilities. Furthermore, dental coders must understand clinical documentation in order to correctly assign CDT, CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II codes to billable services performed in the dentist’s office. Dental billers who are in charge of precertification must be familiar with both coding and payer contracts. It is difficult to provide the correct codes when contacting the insurance company to contest a denial without a solid foundation in these areas. Medical coders who want to work in dentistry must first learn Current Dental Terminology (CDT) and how to cross code for dental and medical payers.


Dental hygienists and dental assistants who provide billable services such as prophylaxis, venipuncture, injections, X-rays, and lab services should attend this training to learn the most up-to-date documentation guidelines and keep their claims on track for full reimbursement.


Dentists are ultimately responsible for the documentation of dental and medical services, so they have the greatest influence on coding and billing as well as practice revenue. Dentists who understand the documentation and coding requirements can increase their profits.


What exactly are CDT codes?


CDT Codes are a collection of medical codes for dental procedures related to oral health and dentistry. Each procedural code is an alphanumeric code that begins with “D” letter which is the dental procedure code and ends with four numbers called as the nomenclature. Some of the procedural codes consists of written descriptions too. The CDT list makes it simple to look up dental procedure codes at any time.


The CDT Code set is divided into service types:


  • Diagnostic
  • Preventive
  • Restorative
  • Endodontic
  • Periodontics
  • Removable Prosthodontics
  • Maxillofacial Prosthetics
  • Implant Services
  • Fixed Prosthodontics
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Orthodontics
  • Adjunctive General Services.


Nothing in the CDT supports or indicates the limitation of use of codes assigned by dentists—general dentists, specialists, or hygienists—to any categorical section(s) of the CDT Code.


Do all dental practices need to use CDT Dental Codes?


Confusion often arises when it comes to determining when to assign CPT codes and when to assign CDT codes. This is typically determined by the type of insurance to which the claim will be billed.


Billing options for providers are divided into three categories:


  • Medical
  • Vision
  • Dental


You would use the CDT dental codes if you submitted dental benefit claims as an in-network or out-of-network provider, or if you engaged in HIPAA-compliant electronic communications or transactions. The CDT Code has been designated by the federal government of the United States as the national terminology and must be utilized when reporting claims to third-party payers..


How are CDT dental codes determined in dental practices?


The patient must have access to dental insurance in order for the CDT to assign dental insurance codes. If the patient does not have dental insurance, none of the procedures performed will be covered. It is critical to consider the type of coverage that patient has because most of the case patients believe that their medical insurance will cover dental procedures. Depending on the terms of the insurance policy, medical insurance may be billed when a patient receives dental care which is “related” to medical condition(s).


How do dental practices make use of CDT codes in their submissions?


While medical claims use their own claim form (CMS 1500), dental claims use the J400 form. This form is specifically intended to hold dental information. On dental claim forms, the following dental information must be included:


  • Area of oral cavity
  • Tooth system
  • Tooth number or letter
  • Tooth surface
  • Description of procedure
  • Missing teeth information


When the dentist performs the procedures, relevant information is included, and it is indicated on the dental claim.


Why is Correct Dental Coding Important?


Assignment of Dental code that is consistent, uniform and accurate helps to aids dental practices in proper record management and in submission of insurance claim. Appropriate reimbursement for dental services is directly related to accurate claim submission. A regular review of your coding can help to reduce the risk of fraud while also ensuring that dental claims are filed correctly. This is one step toward keeping your dental practice running smoothly.


AAPC’s Dental Billing and Coding Course New Exam Structure:


  • 35 multiple-choice questions (proctored)
  • Coding cases from real-world, redacted records
  • Must be completed within 75 minutes
  • 70% passing score required


Mode of Training


  • Online
  • Classroom