A-Z Topics

Code on Dental Procedures and nomenclature

Requesting a Change to The code

Instructions

• Instructions
• Components of A Dental Procedure Code
• Transmitting Your Code Change Request

Instructions

Thank you for your interest in submitting a change request. In order for your request to be considered, it is necessary to complete the appropriate Code Change Request Form (Addition / Revision / Deletion) by using a printed form that can be returned by email, or by "fax" or mail.

Please consider the following as you complete either version of the request.

• A separate request is required for each desired action on the Code.
  
  
• Provide substantive justification for proposing the request. Please avoid reasons such as "no code currently available."
  
  
• Include vignettes, if helpful. A vignette must include the following information:
  • Description of the typical patient for whom the procedure is used
• Description of the clinical procedure itself
• An indication whether it is appropriate to report the procedure with any others
• For a stand-alone procedure a note on other procedures that must be reported
  at the same time, and those which must not.
  
  
• When requesting a new procedure code that represents new technology, attach available supporting peer-reviewed literature.
  
  
• Attach literature, when available, indicating widespread usage and acceptance of the procedure.
  
  
• When requesting a deletion, provide an alternate code that is not an unspecified code for reporting the procedure. If there is no alternative or the procedure is believed to be obsolete, express this in writing.

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Components of A Dental Procedure Code

The following information is provided to assist completion of your Code change request.

An individual dental procedure code as currently defined has at least the first two of the following three components. References to typeface pertain to the Code as printed in the "CDT" manual.

1. Dental Procedure Code (Code)–A five character alphanumeric code that begins with the letter “D” and is followed by four numerals. Each code identifies a specific dental procedure, and is printed in boldface type.
   
   
2. Nomenclature–A brief written definition of a Dental Procedure Code. Each code must have Nomenclature that is printed in boldface type.
   
   
3. Descriptor–A written narrative that provides further definition and the intended use of a Dental Procedure Code. A Descriptor is optional and is printed in regular type.

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Transmitting Your Code Change Request

Via the Internet: The Code Change Request is a Microsoft Word file© Document that may be downloaded and completed at your convenience. We encourage the return of the completed form as an attachment to dentalcode@ada.org. Supporting information in electronic form may also be sent as email attachments to the same address.

FAX: The Code Change Request as well as any supporting information can be sent via “fax” to the ADA Council on Dental Benefit Programs, Attn: Code Change Requests at 312-440-2520.

Regular Mail: Should the US Postal service or premium overnight mail service be preferred, documents should be sent to the following address:

American Dental Association
Council on Dental Benefit Programs
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Attn: Code Change Requests

Questions: Please direct your questions concerning code change request submission to Council staff via telephone 312-440-2753, fax 312-440-2520 or e-mail dentalcode@ada.org.

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