Here’s a quick picture of new and updated dental codes to be implemented from January 2025. Most amendments in the latest dental coding update are beneficial and suggested by prominent practicing hygienists.
CDT 2025: Current Dental Terminology
Since 2020, we’ve seen more than 200 changes in the CDT codes. So, it is imperative for dental practitioners and other staff to stay updated with these changes. Staying familiar with yearly CDT code changes enables your in-house staff and medical billing company to document and report services rendered to patients correctly.
Codes from previous years, outdated or wrong codes can cost you time, effort, and money. Using the correct CDT 2025 codes maximize reimbursements, lower claim denials, and help in keeping accurate patient records.
CDT 2025 changes at a glance:
- 10 new codes
- 8 revisions
- 2 deleted codes
- 4 editorial changes
The latest update of CDT codes for 2025 by the American Dental Association (ADA) comprises procedural codes including but not limited to replacing implant screws, administering neuromodulators, and partial extractions. The 2025 CDT release also includes ICD-10-CM codes for dental procedures.
Influencing Dental Code Changes
The ADA Code Maintenance Committee (CMC) gathers in March at ADA headquarters in Chicago. This meeting is held to conduct detailed discussions on code action requests submitted by leading dental specialists and professionals.
To develop a consensus on each proposed change, a voting process is conducted, which includes CMS representatives. If majority votes go in favor of the change, it is included in the coding guide or manual for the next year.
The Role of Dental Codeology Consortium (DCC)
Also known as DCC, the Dental Codeology Consortium is a group of hygienists who are on a mission to create, define, and maintain dental diagnostic and procedural codes. The DCC has seven directors who meet every month to discuss, develop, and submit proposals to the American Dental Association’s (ADA) code maintenance committee.
DCC’s Facebook Page has a strong following of over 2600 dental hygienists from all over the country. They invite leading dentists, hygienists, and professionals and encourage new ideas, amendments, and updates to present to the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Code Maintenance Committee (CMC) every year.
These professionals can also inquire about coding questions and procedural terminologies and get reliable answers. Till now, the DCC has proposed and influenced multiple additions and significant changes to the CDT Manual procedure codes in this year’s meeting. These codes will be seen in the CDT Manual for 2025.
Implant Maintenance:
Includes amendment codes, D6080 and D6081, and one new code. At present, only two procedure codes are available for implant maintenance. Visit page 57 of CDT 2024 for more information on this.
D6080
These represent implant maintenance procedures for prosthesis removal and reinsertion, including prosthesis cleansing and abutments.
Descriptor
The process comprises of actively debriding the implant(s) and inspecting all components of the implant system(s), such as alignment or occlusion and stability of the superstructure.
The patient is advised to properly clean their dental implant(s) each day to maintain oral hygiene and prevent complications. This code is not specific to individual implants and applies to implant-supported fixed prostheses.
D6081
It involves scaling and debridement in cases of mucositis or inflammation. It comprises of cleaning implant surfaces without the need for flap entry and enclosure.
Descriptor
This dental procedure isn’t performed in conjunction with D1110, D4910, or D4346.
Shortcoming of D6080
The classification restricts this to prostheses that require removal and reinsertion. It is a time-intensive procedure. There is no procedure code available for prostheses that remain in place, which requires significantly less time.
The January 2025 Update Comes with Revised D6080 and A New Procedure Code
D6080 refers to the implant maintenance process, which includes the removal and reinsertion of full arch fixed hybrid prosthesis. The procedure includes prosthesis cleaning and abutments.
Descriptor
The treatment involves debriding of the implant(s) and analysis of all phases of the implant system. This comprises of occlusion and stability of the superstructure. Instructions to the patient include detailed cleaning of the implant(s).
DXXX (upcoming code assignments)
Refers to a procedure of implant maintenance that doesn’t require the removal of full arch hybrid prosthesis. The procedure includes prosthesis cleaning and abutments.
Descriptor
The treatment involves debriding of the implant(s) and prosthesis. The dental professional advises the patient to clean the implant(s) thoroughly.
Presently, only one procedure code is used for treating implant mucositis. Visit page 57 of CDT 2024 for more information on this.
D6081
It stands for scaling and debridement in cases of mucositis or inflammation of a single implant. It comprises of cleaning implant surfaces without the need for flap entry and enclosure.
Descriptor
This dental procedure isn’t performed in conjunction with D1110, D4910, or D4346.
Shortcoming of D6081
The classification requires further clarity. Moreover, the DCC thought treating any implant mucositis in a separate appointment, when a patient is already in the chair having D1110, D4910, or D4346, isn’t required. The justification behind calling the patient again for separate treatment isn’t strong enough and couldn’t be used in a court of law.
Releasing in January 2025: D6081 classification revised
D6081
It stands for scaling and debridement of a single implant in cases of mucositis, inflammation, bleeding upon probing, and enlarged pocket depth. It comprises of cleaning implant surfaces without the need for flap entry and enclosure.
Descriptor
This dental procedure isn’t performed together with D1110, D4910, or D4346.
Dermal Fillers and Neuromodulators (Two New Procedure Codes)
In the recent few years, we’ve seen more advancements in dental and medical technology as compared to the previous two decades. For instance, the use of dermal fillers and neuromodulators for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes.
Both states are different and come with distinct details with relation to uses, (cosmetic or therapeutic) required knowledge and who administers these processes. The American Dental Association provides CE courses for these two procedures.
The DCC requested for four codes to be updated in the January 2025 edition of Dental Billing and Coding. These code requests comprise of administering dermal fillers for cosmetic purposes. It also includes neuromodulators for cosmetic purposes like nasolabial lines, radial lip lines, high lip lines, lip deformities, smile lines, and volume enhancement in papilla.
Others include dermal filler administration for therapeutic purposes, neuromodulator administration for therapeutic purposes, including mandibular muscle spasm, gummy smile, pathologic clenching, TMJ disorders, masseter hypertrophy, and bruxism.
CDT 2025 and Coding Companion
When it comes to maximizing reimbursement, reducing denials, and improving coding knowledge, dentists, dental clinics, and their staff require a reliable resource. The CDT 2025 and Coding Companion is the best resource for them to stay updated with coding changes, updates, editions, and deletions to be implemented from January 2025.
It also helps to keep their billing regulatory compliant and error-free. Not to forget, it is a perfect tool for training their staff. Available at the American Dental Association’s official website, this coding tool kit lets dental billing teams incorporate the right codes so that they have more time to provide quality care to patients instead of rectifying coding issues.
The ADA CDT 2025 Coding Companion is an extremely handy guide that includes all dental procedure codes with complete descriptor information. It includes ten new codes, eight revisions, two deletions, and four editorial changes. In addition, it provides helpful information in the form of two hundred common dental coding scenarios and two seventy coding FAQs with answers.
All this stuff comes from the knowledge of ADA-vetted dental coding experts. Lastly, the guide also has CDT and CPT code description information, coding, and reimbursement tips. All-in-all, it’s a complete package to prepare for the coding updates to be implemented in January 2025.
