On January 1, 2024, the American Dental Association (ADA) released a total of 16 CDT code changes comprising 14 additions, 2 revisions, and several policy revisions. One highlight of this year’s changes is the introduction of a new section for sleep apnea services. When it comes to dental codes, what you don’t know can hurt your bottom line. Outsourcing your dental billing needs can ensure that your services are documented correctly using the latest codes to support billing accuracy and maintenance of patient records.
2024 Code Updates for Dentistry
New CDT codes
Dental services provided starting January 1, 2024, must be reported using the appropriate code from the following list:
D0396 – 3D Printing of a 3D Surface Scan
D1301 – Immunization Counseling
D2976 – Band Stabilization – per tooth
D2989 – Excavation of a Tooth Resulting in the Determination of Non-Restorability
D2991 – Application of Hydroxyapatite Regeneration Medicament – per tooth
D6089 – Accessing and Retorquing Loose Implant Screw – per screw
D7284 – 3D Printing of a 3D Dental Surface Scan
D7939 – Indexing for Osteotomy Using Dynamic Robotic Assisted or Dynamic Navigation
D9938 – Fabrication of a Custom Removable Clear Plastic Temporary Aesthetic Appliance
D9939 – Placement of a Custom Removable Plastic Temporary Aesthetic Appliance
D9954 – Fabrication and Delivery of Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) Morning Repositioning Device
D9955 – Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) Titration Visit
D9956 – Administration of Home Sleep Apnea Test
D9957 – Screening for Sleep Related Breathing Disorders
Revised Codes
Two existing codes were revised:
D2335 Resin-based composite restoration — four or more surfaces (anterior). The revision deleted mention of the incisal angle, which is not a tooth surface and caused coding confusion as well as claim preparation delays when dentists or practice staff contacted the ADA for clarification.
D5876 Add metal substructure to acrylic, full denture (per arch). The revision added a descriptor stating that this procedure involves addition of a metal substructure to strengthen the prosthesis.
It’s important to note that the coverage and reimbursement for a specific code depend on the policies of a patient’s dental benefit plan.
Nomenclature revision
There are revisions to the nomenclature for two existing codes
D2335 Resin-based composite – four or more surfaces (anterior)
D5876 – Add metal substructure to acrylic full denture (per arch) –
Use of metal substructure in removable complete dentures without a framework
New ADA Dental Claim Form
The ADA has also refreshed the Dental Claim Form. Released January 1, 2024, this updated version has changes aimed at optimizing claim processing, including editorial changes, additional fields to accurately report locum tenens dentists, a dedicated section for documenting the last scaling and root planing (SRP) date, and a specific section for Payer ID.
The ADA updates CDT codes to reflect changes in technology, address the evolving needs of dental healthcare, and promote efficient patient record-keeping. Using outdated codes on claims will lead to denials, hurting your bottom line. Staying up-to-date with coding changes is easy with expert support – reach out to an experienced dental billing company to incorporate the latest CDT coding updates where appropriate, and improve billing efficiency and patient satisfaction.
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