How to Read a Dental Bill: CDT Codes and Charges Explained
Learn how to read your dental bill, understand CDT procedure codes, and spot overcharges. Our guide breaks down every line item so you know exactly what you're paying for.
Understanding Your Dental Bill
Dental bills can be confusing with their procedure codes, multiple fee columns, and insurance adjustments. But understanding your bill is essential—studies show dental billing errors are common, and overpaying by even small amounts on routine visits adds up over time. This guide breaks down every component so you can verify charges and catch mistakes.
What Are CDT Codes?
CDT (Current Dental Terminology) codes are standardized five-character codes that identify every dental procedure. They're maintained by the American Dental Association (ADA) and required for insurance claims. The first character indicates the category, and the following four digits specify the exact procedure. Understanding the categories helps you verify that codes match the treatment you received.
- D0xxx: Diagnostic (exams, X-rays, evaluations)
- D1xxx: Preventive (cleanings, fluoride, sealants)
- D2xxx: Restorative (fillings, crowns, onlays)
- D3xxx: Endodontics (root canals)
- D4xxx: Periodontics (gum treatments, deep cleanings)
- D5xxx: Prosthodontics (dentures, partials)
- D6xxx: Implants (implant placement, abutments, crowns)
- D7xxx: Oral surgery (extractions, biopsies)
- D8xxx: Orthodontics (braces, aligners, retainers)
- D9xxx: Adjunctive services (anesthesia, emergencies)
Common Dental Codes and What They Mean
Knowing the most frequently billed codes helps you verify your bill against the treatment you received. These are the codes you'll see most often on routine and restorative visits.
- D0120: Periodic oral evaluation (routine checkup, existing patient)
- D0150: Comprehensive oral evaluation (new patient or complex exam)
- D0210: Full mouth X-rays (typically every 3-5 years)
- D0274: Bitewing X-rays, four films (cavity detection)
- D1110: Adult prophylaxis (standard cleaning for healthy gums)
- D4341: Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning, per quadrant)
- D2391: Posterior composite filling, one surface
- D2750: Crown, porcelain fused to metal
- D2740: Crown, all-ceramic/porcelain
- D7140: Extraction, erupted tooth (simple extraction)
Fee Columns on Your Dental Bill
Your dental bill typically shows multiple fee columns that can be confusing. Understanding each column helps you verify you're only paying what you actually owe.
- Submitted/Billed Fee: What your dentist charges (their "retail" price)
- UCR/Allowed Amount: The "usual, customary, and reasonable" rate insurance recognizes
- Insurance Payment: What your insurance actually paid to the provider
- Write-off/Adjustment: The discount from being in-network (you don't pay this)
- Patient Responsibility: Your copay, coinsurance, or deductible portion
- Account Balance: What you owe the dental office
Red Flags: Common Dental Billing Errors
Dental billing errors are more common than you might think. Watch for these warning signs that could indicate mistakes or improper billing practices:
- Unbundling: Charging separately for procedures that should be billed together
- Upcoding: Using a code for a more expensive procedure than performed
- Duplicate charges: Being billed twice for the same service
- Phantom services: Charges for procedures you didn't receive
- Wrong tooth number: Procedure billed on a different tooth than treated
- Frequency errors: X-rays or cleanings billed more often than insurance allows
- Pre-existing condition charges: Charging for conditions present before treatment
How to Dispute Dental Bill Errors
If you spot an error on your dental bill, address it promptly. Start by requesting an itemized bill if you don't have one. Compare it to your treatment plan and what was actually done during your visit. Contact the dental office billing department first—many errors are simple mistakes that can be corrected quickly. If unresolved, contact your insurance company and file a complaint with your state dental board if necessary.
How to Verify Your Dental Bill
Request an itemized statement
Ask your dental office for a detailed bill showing CDT codes, tooth numbers, and fee breakdowns for each procedure. Don't accept a simple balance due statement.
Match codes to treatment received
Look up each CDT code to verify it matches the procedure you received. Pay special attention to surface counts on fillings and quadrant codes on deep cleanings.
Compare to your EOB
Match the bill against your insurance Explanation of Benefits. The patient responsibility on your EOB should match what the dental office is billing you.
Check for duplicate or phantom charges
Look for the same code billed multiple times or charges for services you don't recall receiving. Compare against your appointment notes.
Question discrepancies in writing
If you find errors, document them in writing to the dental office. Keep copies of all correspondence and don't pay disputed amounts until resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are CDT codes on a dental bill?
CDT (Current Dental Terminology) codes are standardized five-character codes that identify dental procedures. They're used for insurance billing and help ensure consistent pricing and treatment classification across all dental practices.
How do I know if my dental bill is correct?
Request an itemized statement with CDT codes and tooth numbers. Match each code to the treatment you received, compare amounts to your insurance EOB, and verify you're not being charged for the write-off amount your insurance negotiated.
What is the difference between D1110 and D4341?
D1110 is a standard prophylaxis (cleaning) for patients with healthy gums. D4341 is scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) for patients with gum disease. Deep cleanings cost significantly more and are billed per quadrant.
Why does my dental bill show different amounts?
Dental bills show multiple amounts: the dentist's charged fee, the insurance allowed amount, what insurance paid, the write-off amount, and your patient responsibility. You only pay the patient responsibility amount.
Can I look up CDT codes myself?
Yes. The ADA publishes CDT codes, and many free resources online list common dental codes with descriptions. Your dental office should explain any code on your bill if you ask.
What should I do if I find an error on my dental bill?
Contact the dental office billing department in writing with specific details about the error. Keep copies of all correspondence. If they don't resolve it, contact your insurance company and consider filing a complaint with your state dental board.
Need Help Understanding Your Dental Bill?
Upload your dental bill and EOB, and our AI will analyze the charges, verify CDT codes, and identify any potential errors or overcharges.
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