The Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature (Code) is a standardized coding system used to document and communicate accurate information about dental treatment procedures and services. The Code is used in dental offices and by the dental benefits industry for purposes of keeping patient records, reporting procedures on patients and processing and reporting of dental insurance claims, and in developing, marketing and administering dental benefit products.

Categories of Service

The Code is organized into twelve categories of service, each with its own series of five-digit alphanumeric codes, as follows:

Category of Service Code Series

• I. Diagnostic D0100 - D0999
• II. Preventive D1000 - D1999
• III. Restorative D2000 - D2999
• IV. Endodontics D3000 - D3999
• V. Periodontics D4000 - D4999
• VI. Prosthodontics, removable D5000 - D5899
• VII. Maxillofacial Prosthetics D5900 - D5999
• VIII. Implant Services D6000 - D6199
• IX. Prosthodontics, fixed D6200 - D6999
• X. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery D7000 - D7999
• XI. Orthodontics D8000 - D8999
• XII. Adjunctive General Services D9000 - D9999

A category of service may be divided into one or more subcategories of generally recognized related procedures. Subcategories may have their own descriptors that apply to all dental procedure codes within the subcategory.

Components of a Dental Procedure Code

An individual dental procedure code has at least the first two of the following three components.

1. Procedure Code - A five character alphanumeric code beginning with the letter "D" that identifies a specific dental procedure. Each Procedure Code is printed in boldface type. A Procedure Code cannot be changed or abbreviated by any licensee on any printed form or electronic transmission to a dentist, patient or other recipient.

2. Nomenclature - A written, literal definition of a Procedure Code. Each Procedure Code has Nomenclature that is printed in boldface type. Nomenclature may be abbreviated by a licensee only when printed on claim forms or other documents that are subject to space limitation. Any such abbreviation does not constitute a change to the Nomenclature.

3. Descriptor - A written narrative that provides further definition and the intended use of a Procedure Code. A Descriptor is not provided for every Procedure Code. Descriptors that apply to a series of Procedure Codes may precede that series of codes; otherwise, Descriptors will follow the applicable Procedure Code and its Nomenclature. When present, Descriptors are printed in regular typeface. Descriptors cannot be added, abbreviated or otherwise changed by a licensee.