What’s New and How It Affects Your Practice

Starting January 1, 2025, the latest updates to the Current Dental Terminology (CDT) codes will take effect, bringing 10 new codes, 8 revisions, 2 deletions, and 4 editorial changes. These updates are a result of the ADA Code Maintenance Committee’s (CMC) annual review process and input from professionals like the Dental Codeology Consortium (DCC). The goal is to improve clarity, streamline procedures, and adapt to advancements in dental care.

Here’s a comprehensive look at the key updates and their implications for dental practices.

Implant Maintenance: Expanded and Improved Coding

For practices providing implant care, the 2025 CDT update brings clarity and new coding options to better document maintenance procedures:

• D6080 (Revised): This updated code now applies specifically to full-arch fixed hybrid prostheses that are removed and reinserted. The procedure includes cleaning the prostheses and abutments, debriding implants, and examining the system’s stability and occlusion.

• New Code for Non-Removable Prostheses: A forthcoming code will address implant maintenance for prostheses that remain in place during cleaning and debridement. This addition bridges a significant gap, allowing for simpler documentation of less time-intensive procedures.

• D6081 (Revised): This revision clarifies its use for scaling and debridement of single implants affected by mucositis. It now specifies criteria such as inflammation, bleeding upon probing, and increased pocket depths, ensuring proper application of the code.

These updates reflect a growing need for precision in implant care documentation and streamline coding for diverse maintenance scenarios.

Dermal Fillers and Neuromodulators: Expanding the Scope of Dental Practice

As the use of dermal fillers and neuromodulators becomes more prevalent in dental care for both cosmetic and therapeutic purposes, the CDT 2025 introduces two new codes:

• Administration of Dermal Fillers: This code supports procedures like enhancing smile aesthetics, correcting nasolabial folds, and increasing papilla volume.

• Administration of Neuromodulators: Applicable to treatments addressing TMJ disorders, masseter hypertrophy, bruxism, and gummy smiles, among others.

While these codes do not yet include detailed descriptors, they lay the groundwork for dental professionals offering these advanced services. Providers should consult state regulations regarding who can administer these treatments and pursue relevant CE courses to ensure compliance.

Revised Codes for Restorative Procedures

The CDT 2025 updates also include changes aimed at simplifying documentation and improving accuracy for restorative treatments:

• D2940 (Revised): This revision consolidates interim direct restorations under a single code, reducing administrative complexity and streamlining billing processes.

Other updates include new codes for the placement of interim implant abutments and procedures such as replacing implant screws and partial extractions for immediate implant placement.

Advocacy and Influence from the Dental Codeology Consortium (DCC)

The DCC continues to play a pivotal role in driving CDT updates, ensuring they address real-world clinical needs. In 2025, the DCC successfully influenced changes related to implant maintenance and mucositis treatment. Additionally, the group is exploring future proposals, including:

• Codes for noninvasive chemical debridement.

• Updates to scaling and root planing (SRP) descriptors.

• New codes for caries detection tests and medicament application.

By staying engaged with the DCC and its initiatives, dental professionals can contribute to shaping future CDT updates.

How to Prepare for CDT 2025

1. Train Your Team: Ensure all staff members are familiar with the updated codes and their correct application.

2. Update Practice Management Software: Verify that your system is updated to include the new and revised codes for seamless billing.

3. Invest in Resources: The ADA’s CDT 2025 Coding Companion provides detailed descriptors, FAQs, and coding scenarios to help your team stay compliant and efficient.

4. Review State Regulations: For practices offering dermal fillers and neuromodulators, confirm that you meet state-specific requirements for administering these procedures.

The Bottom Line

The CDT 2025 updates reflect the dental industry’s evolving needs, offering clearer guidance for implant care, expanding cosmetic and therapeutic options, and streamlining restorative coding. By adopting these changes, practices can improve accuracy, reduce claim denials, and maximize reimbursements.

Stay ahead of the curve by reviewing the full CDT 2025 guide, training your team, and leveraging these updates to deliver better patient care and maintain a competitive edge.

For more insights into implementing CDT 2025 or improving your coding processes, feel free to reach out to our team—we’re here to help your practice thrive!