CDT Code Set
American Dental Association (ADA) developed and maintains two Code Sets as a standardized language to help dentists and other members of the healthcare industry communicate effectively. They are the Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature (CDT Code) and the Systematized Nomenclature of Dentistry (SNODENT). These ADA Code Sets are revised and updated every year. Using these Code Sets, the ADA has developed three dental terminology licenses that serve as tools to aid in utilization, simplification, and transparency for documenting and reporting dental codes.
The ADA is the exclusive copyright owner of CDT, the Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature (CDT Code), and the ADA Dental Claim Form. Except as permitted by law, all use, copying or distribution of CDT, or any portion thereof (including the Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature) in any product or services (including works prepared for clients by consultants and other professionals), whether in printed, electronic or other format, requires a valid commercial user license from the ADA. ADA owns all right, title and interest in and to the SNODENT code set including, but not limited to, the entire exclusive copyright and all other intellectual property rights, and except as otherwise provided by law, all rights of commercialization, rental or sales of the SNODENT code set or any part thereof, all rights to make derivative works of the SNODENT code set, and all rights to distribute the SNODENT code set and copies thereof.
Consumer-Friendly CDT Dental Terminology License
Consumer-Friendly CDT uses simple sentences and straightforward language to convey information, helping promote understanding and price transparency so that patients are more comfortable reading their description of services.
File available to licensees annually in June.
3-way Map: SNODENT→ICD-10-CM →CDT 2025 Dental Terminology License
Connects the SNODENT and ICD-10-CM pairs to relevant CDT procedure codes offering a comprehensive, accurate resource for clinical documentation and diagnosis reporting.
File available annually in October. Licensees must have all 3 licenses: SNODENT, CDT, and 3-way Map.
2-way Map: SNODENT→ICD-10-CM Dental Terminology License
Connects SNODENT concepts for dental-related disorders and findings to ICD-10-CM disease classification codes offering a comprehensive, accurate resource for clinical documentation and diagnosis reporting.
File available annually in October. Licensees must have 2 licenses: SNODENT, and 2-way Map.