The Practicon Viewpoint by Ann Page Griffin

WHERE DO CDT CODES COME FROM?

The Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature (CDT Code) was established by the U.S. government in 2000 and has become the standard terminology used on dental claim forms submitted to third-party payers. The American Dental Association was assigned the responsibility of maintaining and modifying the CDT when necessary, following federal guidelines and ADA policies.

The Code Maintenance Committee (CMC) was established by the ADA to address additions, deletions, and revisions to the Code. The CMC meets annually, usually in March, to vote on modifications to the CDT which become effective on January 1 of the following year. The CMC annual meeting is held at the ADA headquarters in Chicago as an open forum with all interested parties welcome to attend.

The CMC is composed of representatives from various dental community sectors, including dental specialties and third-party payers. By their individual votes, the CMC members approve or reject additions, deletions, or revisions. The ADA has five votes; the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Dental Education Association, and each specialty organization have one vote apiece; and each payer organization has one vote.

Suggestions for additions, deletions, or revisions of specific codes must be submitted by the fall, usually a date in November, for CMC evaluation at its annual meeting the following March. If approved, the new or modified code is included in the official CDT released and effective on January 1 of the following year. For example, November 1, 2018 is the deadline for submitting suggestions for the CDT 2020. Suggestions can be submitted through the ADA CDT website.

For questions or concerns about dental coding or dental benefits, email dentalbenefits@ada.org or call 1-800-621-8099.