Navigating 2025 CDT Code Changes for AI-Powered Dental Imaging
Published by the American Dental Coders Association
Introduction
As artificial intelligence (AI) technology continues to revolutionize the dental field, new CDT codes in 2025 have been introduced to account for AI-assisted diagnostics—especially in radiographic imaging. For dental coders and billing specialists, understanding how to apply these codes properly is essential to ensure accurate reimbursement and compliance with payer guidelines.
1. What’s New in CDT 2025 for AI-Driven Diagnostics?
- D0701 – AI evaluation of diagnostic imaging, including caries detection
- D0702 – AI evaluation of diagnostic imaging, including bone loss
- D0703 – AI evaluation of diagnostic imaging, comprehensive analysis
2. When and How to Use These Codes
- D0210 – Full-mouth radiographs
- D0701 – AI analysis for caries detection
3. Documentation Tips
- Retain AI-generated reports in the patient’s record
- Document the purpose of the AI use (e.g., suspected decay, bone loss)
- Note the dentist’s review and correlation with AI findings
4. Insurance and Reimbursement Considerations
- Some commercial payers have started recognizing D0701–D0703 for evaluation-only visits.
- Medicaid and Medicare generally do not reimburse these yet but may in the future.
- Pre-authorization may be required depending on the plan.
5. Best Practices for Dental Coders
- Stay Current: Join continuing education classes through the American Dental Coders Association.
- Educate the Team: Ensure the front desk and clinical team understand the role and documentation of AI.
- Audit Internal Claims: Periodically review claims using AI codes to avoid denials and ensure compliance.
6. Get More Training with Our Online Classes
If you’re new to dental billing and coding or want to sharpen your skills, the American Dental Coders Association offers comprehensive online classes that cover everything from foundational principles to advanced procedures.
- Certified Dental Billing Specialist (CDBS) – Learn to manage insurance claims, collections, and dental reimbursement with confidence.
- Certified Dental Coder (CDC) – Master CDT coding and gain the skills needed to code dental procedures accurately.
Each class is 100% online, self-paced, and designed to help you build a solid, job-ready foundation in the dental industry.
7. Options for Experienced Dental Coders and Billers
If you’re an experienced dental biller or coder, you may take the certification exam without completing the course. The American Dental Coders Association recognizes prior experience and offers an exam-only pathway.
8. Conclusion
The integration of AI in dentistry is no longer on the horizon—it’s here. Embrace these changes by documenting thoroughly, staying informed, and validating your skills with training or certification from the American Dental Coders Association.
