What Are Dental ADA Codes?
Dental ADA Codes—also known as CDT (Current Dental Terminology) codes—are standardized procedure codes published by the American Dental Association (ADA). Dentists, clinics, and insurers use them for billing, insurance claims, and documentation.
2025 Update:
The ADA CDT code structure remains consistent in 2025. Fees are not set by ADA and vary by practice, location, and insurance contracts.
Dental ADA Codes – Examinations (2025)
| ADA Code | Description | Average Fee ($) |
|---|---|---|
| D0100 | Missed Appointment (without proper cancellation) | 45.00 |
| D0120 | Periodic Oral Evaluation (within 1 year) | 60.00 |
| D0140 | Limited Oral Evaluation – Problem Focused | 85.00 |
| D0150 | Comprehensive Oral Evaluation – New/Established Patient | 90.00 |
| D0160 | Detailed & Extensive Oral Evaluation (Emergency) | 150.00 |
| D0170 | Re-evaluation – Limited, Problem Focused | 85.00 |
| D0180 | Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation | 115.00 |
Dental ADA Codes – Radiography (X-Rays)
| ADA Code | Description | Average Fee ($) |
|---|---|---|
| D0210 | Intraoral Complete Series (including bitewings) | 120.00 |
| D0220 | Periapical – First Film | 35.00 |
| D0230 | Periapical – Each Additional Film | 20.00 |
| D0240 | Occlusal Film | 55.00 |
| D0270 | Bitewing – Single Film | 25.00 |
| D0272 | Bitewing – Two Films | 40.00 |
| D0274 | Bitewing – Four Films | 57.00 |
| D0277 | Vertical Bitewings (7–8 Films) | 90.00 |
| D0280 | Copy of X-Rays | 50.00 |
| D0330 | Panoramic X-Ray | 115.00 |
Dental ADA Codes – Preventive Care (Prophylaxis)
| ADA Code | Description | Average Fee ($) |
|---|---|---|
| D1110 | Prophylaxis – Adult Cleaning | 105.00 |
| D1330 | Oral Hygiene Instructions | 40.00 |
Dental ADA Codes – Restorations (Fillings)
| ADA Code | Description | Average Fee ($) |
|---|---|---|
| D2140 | Amalgam – One Surface | 130.00 |
| D2150 | Amalgam – Two Surfaces | 145.00 |
| D2160 | Amalgam – Three Surfaces | 160.00 |
| D2161 | Amalgam – Four or More Surfaces | 180.00 |
Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings
| ADA Code | Description | Average Fee ($) |
|---|---|---|
| D2330 | Composite – One Surface, Anterior | 170.00 |
| D2331 | Composite – Two Surfaces, Anterior | 235.00 |
| D2391 | Composite – One Surface, Posterior | 200.00 |
| D2394 | Composite – Four+ Surfaces, Posterior | 310.00 |
Dental ADA Codes – Crowns
| ADA Code | Description | Average Fee ($) |
|---|---|---|
| D2710 | Crown – Resin (Indirect) | 550.00 |
| D2740 | Crown – Porcelain/Ceramic | 1,250.00 |
| D2751 | Crown – Porcelain Fused to Base Metal | 900.00 |
| D2920 | Recement Crown | 95.00 |
| D2950 | Core Buildup (Including Pins) | 240.00 |
Dental ADA Codes – Extractions
| ADA Code | Description | Average Fee ($) |
|---|---|---|
| D7140 | Simple Extraction (Erupted Tooth) | 150.00 |
| D7210 | Surgical Extraction – Erupted Tooth | 450.00 |
| D7240 | Impacted Tooth – Completely Bony | 500.00 |
| D7250 | Removal of Residual Roots | 300.00 |
How Dental Insurance Uses ADA Codes
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ADA codes are required for submitting dental insurance claims
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Coverage depends on:
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Annual maximums
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Waiting periods
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Frequency limitations
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Medical necessity documentation
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Common Insurance Rules (2025)
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Exams (D0120, D0150): Often covered 1–2 times per year
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X-Rays (D0210, D0330): Covered every 24–60 months
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Cleanings (D1110): Usually twice per year
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Crowns (D2740): Often covered at 50% after deductible
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Root Canals: Covered by many PPO plans, subject to pre-authorization
Important Billing Tips for Dental Offices
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Always submit tooth number, surfaces, and narratives
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Emergency exams (D0160) may require clinical notes
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Retreatment codes (D3346–D3348) often need X-ray proof
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Fees listed are average self-pay estimates, not insurer guarantees
⚠️ Disclaimer:
ADA codes do not guarantee payment. Coverage varies by insurance provider and patient policy.
Dental ADA Codes (2025) – PDF
Download the complete Dental ADA Codes (2025 PDF)
Localized Fees & Insurance Notes
United States (2025)
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Preventive: 80–100% coverage
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Basic services: 70–80%
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Major services: ~50%
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Annual maximums: $1,000–$2,000
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Pre-authorization notes included
Canada (2025)
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Province-based fee guide explanation
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Balance billing clarification
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Coverage ranges by service type
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Pre-authorization guidance
Compliance & Trust
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Clear insurance disclaimer
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CDT® / ADA attribution
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Patient-safe language (great for E-E-A-T)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dental ADA Codes (2025)
What are dental ADA codes?
Dental ADA codes are standardized procedure codes used by dentists to describe dental treatments and services. They are officially published as part of the Current Dental Terminology (CDT®) system by the American Dental Association (ADA).
Dentists use ADA codes to:
- Document patient treatment
- Submit insurance claims
- Communicate procedures clearly with dental insurers
- Ensure consistent billing and reimbursement
Each ADA code corresponds to a specific dental procedure, such as cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions, or root canals.
Are ADA codes the same as CDT codes?
Yes. ADA codes and CDT codes refer to the same thing.
- CDT® (Current Dental Terminology) is the official name of the code set.
- ADA codes is the commonly used term because the codes are created and maintained by the American Dental Association.
In practice, dentists, insurance companies, and patients often use both terms interchangeably.
Do dental insurance plans use ADA codes?
Yes. All major dental insurance plans use ADA (CDT) codes to process claims.
Dental insurers rely on ADA codes to:
- Determine if a procedure is covered
- Apply deductibles and co-insurance
- Enforce frequency limits (e.g., cleanings twice per year)
- Decide reimbursement amounts
Without the correct ADA code, a dental insurance claim may be delayed, reduced, or denied.
How often are ADA dental codes updated?
ADA dental codes are updated annually, usually taking effect on January 1st of each year.
Each yearly update may include:
- New procedure codes
- Revised descriptions
- Retired or deleted codes
- Clarifications for insurance billing
Dental offices and billing staff must stay current with the latest CDT updates to avoid claim rejections and compliance issues.
What is ADA code D2740?
ADA code D2740 refers to a crown – porcelain/ceramic.
- It is used when a dentist places a full-coverage porcelain or ceramic crown on a tooth.
- This type of crown is commonly chosen for its natural appearance and durability.
- Dental insurance plans typically classify D2740 as a major service, often covering 40–60% after deductibles and waiting periods.
Because crowns are high-cost procedures, insurance companies often require pre-authorization before treatment.
Pro Tip for SEO & Insurance Accuracy
For best results:
- Always confirm the exact ADA code before treatment
- Request an insurance pre-determination for crowns, root canals, or surgery
- Understand that coverage percentages vary by plan, not by ADA code alone
What is ADA code D1110?
ADA code D1110 refers to Prophylaxis – Adult, commonly known as a routine dental cleaning for patients with generally healthy gums.
- It includes removal of plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth
- It is intended for patients without active periodontal disease
- Most dental insurance plans cover D1110 twice per year (every 6 months)
Insurance tip:
If gum disease is present, insurance may deny D1110 and instead cover periodontal procedures such as scaling and root planing (D4341).
What is ADA code D0140?
ADA code D0140 is a Limited Oral Evaluation – Problem Focused.
This code is used when a patient:
- Presents with a specific dental problem (toothache, swelling, broken tooth)
- Requires an exam limited to the area of concern
- Is often seen during urgent or emergency visits
D0140 does not include a full comprehensive exam or routine cleaning.
Insurance tip:
Many insurance plans cover D0140 only once per visit and may require supporting documentation such as X-rays.
What is ADA code D4341?
ADA code D4341 refers to Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) – Per Quadrant.
- It is a deep cleaning procedure used to treat gum disease (periodontitis)
- Removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line
- Typically performed over multiple visits, one quadrant at a time
Insurance coverage notes:
- Usually covered at 50–80% depending on the plan
- Often limited to once every 1–2 years per quadrant
- Requires documentation of periodontal disease, including probing depths and X-rays
D4341 is not the same as a regular dental cleaning (D1110).
Why would insurance deny D1110 but approve D4341?
Insurance may deny D1110 (routine cleaning) if periodontal disease is diagnosed. In such cases, insurers require treatment under D4341 (scaling and root planing) instead, as it is considered medically necessary periodontal therapy.
Can D0140 be billed on the same day as D1110 or D4341?
Sometimes, yes — but it depends on the insurance plan.
- Some insurers allow D0140 + D1110 if clearly justified
- Many plans do not allow D0140 on the same date as D4341
- Proper clinical notes and X-rays are often required to avoid denials
How do I know which ADA code applies to my visit?
The correct ADA code depends on:
- Your oral health condition
- The type of exam or treatment performed
- Clinical findings such as gum health, pain, or infection
Always ask your dental office for:
- The ADA code(s) used
- A pre-treatment estimate from your insurance provider