---
title: "What Is CDT code? Dental Practice Glossary | Copeland Consulting Services"
description: "A CDT code is a code in the Current Dental Terminology set that names a specific dental procedure so it can be recorded and billed."
url: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/cdt-code
publisher: Copeland Consulting Services
email: drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com
contact: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact
---

Insurance and network

# CDT code

A CDT code is a code in the Current Dental Terminology set that names a specific dental procedure so it can be recorded and billed.

CDT codes are the procedure codes used in dental records and claims. The American Dental Association says the Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature (the CDT Code) assures consistency in documenting dental treatment.

Each code has a short name and a description. A claim lists the code for each service. Plans use the code to decide coverage and payment.

The ADA owns and updates the set. See [Current Dental Terminology](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/current-dental-terminology). Codes are updated, so use the current edition. A correct code does not guarantee payment. See [dental claim](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-claim).

[Next stepPractice consulting with Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact?topic=consulting)

## Related terms

-   [Current Dental Terminology](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/current-dental-terminology)
-   [Dental claim](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-claim)
-   [Dental billing](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-billing)
-   [Insurance verification](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/insurance-verification)

## Sources

1.  [American Dental Association: The Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature (CDT Code)](https://www.ada.org/publications/cdt)

## Talk with Dr. Copeland

[Contact Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact)[Email](mailto:drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com)