The rise of laser technology in dentistry—particularly the Solea laser—has introduced exciting clinical advancements. But for dental billers, it has also raised an important question: “How do I properly code and bill Solea laser procedures?” If your practice has adopted this CO₂-based laser system, understanding how to navigate CDT codes and documentation requirements is essential […]

Assigning modifiers in dental billing—especially for procedures involving multiple quadrants—helps clarify treatment locations and ensures proper reimbursement. Here’s a breakdown of how to assign modifiers when necessary, especially for quadrant-specific treatments: 🔹 1. Understand What Modifiers Are Modifiers are two-character codes (letters or numbers) added to CDT (Current Dental Terminology) codes to indicate: A procedure […]

1. Collect Patient Information Start by gathering accurate details from the patient: Full name Date of birth Insurance provider Member/subscriber ID Group number (if applicable) Relationship to subscriber (self, spouse, child, etc.) Tip: Do this ahead of the appointment—ideally when scheduling. 2. Verify Insurance Information There are three main ways to verify insurance: a. Use […]

Dental Charting Overview Dental charting is the process of recording the condition of a patient’s teeth and oral structures. It is used for diagnosis, treatment planning, and legal documentation. 1. Types of Dental Charts a. Tooth Chart Shows each tooth (32 permanent or 20 primary) Records decay, missing teeth, restorations (fillings, crowns), and abnormalities b. […]

When you visit the dentist, you may overhear phrases like “tooth number 8” or “number 19,” and wonder if there’s a secret language only dentists understand. Well, you’re not entirely wrong—the tooth numbering system is a standardized method used by dental professionals to identify each tooth in your mouth with precision. Let’s dive into how […]