D0602 Dental Code
D0602 Dental Code is the dental procedure for Caries Risk Assessment And Docuementation, With A Finding Of Moderate Risk – 1 Every 3 Years.
The D0602 Dental Code refers to the CDT (Current Dental Terminology) procedure code used to report Caries Risk Assessment and Documentation for patients determined to have a moderate risk of developing dental caries (tooth decay). This dental code is specifically applied when a licensed dental professional evaluates a patient’s clinical condition, habits, and oral health history, and determines that there is a moderate probability of future decay or disease. According to ADA guidelines, D0602 can typically be billed once every three years per patient unless otherwise justified by medical necessity.
Understanding and properly using D0602 is crucial for accurate dental billing and insurance reimbursement. It ensures both compliance and clarity when submitting dental claims related to risk-based preventative care. This code also helps establish patient-specific treatment plans and justifies preventive procedures tailored to caries management protocols.
If you’re preparing to bill using the D0602 CDT Code, it’s important to cross-reference other related CDT codes. This helps confirm that D0602 is the most appropriate choice based on your patient’s clinical findings. For example, if the patient falls under a different risk level (low or high), you may need to consider D0601 for low risk or D0603 for high risk, depending on the assessment outcome.
Before proceeding with your dental billing documentation, always ensure that the supporting risk assessment forms, clinical notes, and diagnostic evidence are properly recorded and stored, as they may be required for insurance audits or claim justification.
D0602 Dental Code Definition
What is D0602 Dental Code?
The D0602 Dental Code is an official CDT (Current Dental Terminology) procedure code used for documenting a Caries Risk Assessment and Documentation with a finding of moderate risk. This code is applied when a dental professional evaluates a patient’s oral health status and identifies a moderate likelihood of developing dental caries (tooth decay) in the future. The assessment includes a review of the patient’s clinical condition, oral hygiene habits, diet, fluoride exposure, and previous dental history to determine their caries risk level.
When using the D0602 code, the dental provider formally records the risk findings in the patient’s chart as part of a preventive care strategy. The findings support the development of a personalized dental treatment and maintenance plan based on the patient’s individual risk profile. The D0602 CDT Code is typically billed once every three years, in accordance with general reimbursement guidelines, unless clinical conditions indicate the need for more frequent evaluations.
Accurate use of the D0602 code helps ensure that dental practices follow proper documentation standards, meet insurance billing requirements, and provide proactive, preventive dental care. Proper documentation of the caries risk assessment is essential not only for compliance but also for long-term patient care planning and education.
If you are using the D0602 dental procedure code for billing or documentation, make sure that the risk assessment is thoroughly supported with clinical notes, findings, and justification in the patient record. This will help minimize claim rejections and ensure clarity for insurance carriers and auditing entities.
D0602 Dental Code & CDT Codes Explained
What are CDT Codes (Current Dental Terminology)?
The D0602 Dental Code is part of a standardized set of dental procedure codes known as CDT Codes, or Current Dental Terminology codes, developed and maintained by the American Dental Association (ADA). These codes are essential for accurately documenting dental services, submitting insurance claims, processing reimbursements, and maintaining consistent patient records across dental practices.
CDT Codes are a critical part of the dental billing system and are recognized nationwide by dental insurance carriers, Medicaid programs, and healthcare providers. Each CDT code represents a specific dental procedure or service, such as preventive care, diagnostic evaluations, restorative procedures, oral surgery, and risk assessments—including the D0602 code, which is used for Caries Risk Assessment and Documentation for patients determined to be at moderate risk.
Every year, the ADA releases updates to the CDT coding system to reflect changes in clinical best practices, advances in dental technology, and new treatment protocols. These revisions may include the addition of new procedure codes, modification of code descriptors, deletion of outdated codes, and clarification of existing definitions. Staying current with these annual updates is crucial for dental professionals, office administrators, and billing specialists to ensure accurate coding and reduce claim denials.
Understanding how to correctly apply CDT codes like D0602 not only ensures compliance with insurance billing requirements but also plays a key role in quality patient care. Proper documentation supports comprehensive treatment planning and reinforces preventive strategies that align with each patient’s oral health needs.
In addition to the ADA’s annual updates, many dental insurance carriers publish their own coding policies, known as carrier-specific edits, which outline how certain CDT codes should be billed and reimbursed under different coverage plans. This makes it even more important to verify that the CDT code used—such as D0602—is appropriate for both the clinical procedure and the payer’s requirements.
Whether you’re a dental practitioner, office manager, or billing coordinator, having a strong understanding of CDT Codes and how to properly apply them—especially procedure-specific codes like D0602—can significantly improve workflow efficiency, patient communication, and overall practice profitability.
To learn more about CDT coding, ADA guidelines, annual revisions, and how to use codes like D0602 correctly in your practice, be sure to explore our comprehensive dental coding resources or reach out to our expert team for personalized guidance.
What professionals use D0602 Dental Code and Other CDT Codes?
The D0602 Dental Code, along with all other CDT Codes (Current Dental Terminology), is widely used by a broad range of dental professionals and organizations involved in the diagnosis, treatment, documentation, and billing of dental services. These standardized procedure codes are published and updated annually by the American Dental Association (ADA) and are recognized as the official coding system for dental procedures in the United States.
Dental professionals who frequently use the D0602 CDT Code include general dentists, pediatric dentists, periodontists, and other specialists who provide preventive dental care. The D0602 Dental Code is specifically used when performing a caries risk assessment and documentation for patients with a moderate risk of tooth decay. This code is an essential tool in preventive dentistry and helps guide personalized treatment planning based on each patient’s risk level.
In addition to clinical providers, dental office managers, billing coordinators, and administrative staff regularly rely on CDT codes to ensure accurate documentation of procedures and to streamline the process of submitting claims to dental insurance companies. Insurance carriers also use these codes to process claims, determine coverage, and evaluate medical necessity based on standardized coding protocols.
Furthermore, dental hygienists and dental assistants may also reference D0602 and related CDT codes when supporting clinical services, updating patient records, or preparing documentation required for claim submissions and audits.
CDT Codes, including D0602, are accepted by nearly all dental practices, clinics, dental schools, group practices, public health institutions, and third-party payers, including both private dental insurance companies and public programs such as Medicaid. These codes form the foundation of dental service classification in both private and public healthcare systems.
The Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature (CDT Code Set) is designed to create a universal language for dental professionals and insurers, ensuring consistency in how dental procedures are described and billed nationwide. Accurate use of codes like D0602 supports transparency in care, helps reduce billing errors, and improves overall communication between providers and payers.
Whether you are a solo practitioner, part of a group dental practice, or working in a large healthcare network, understanding who uses D0602 and how it fits into the broader CDT system is vital for compliance, efficient operations, and high-quality patient care.
For in-depth guidance on using D0602 Dental Code or any other CDT code correctly in your practice, be sure to consult the official ADA coding manuals or contact our team of dental coding experts for professional support.
Do you need expert assistance with the D0602 Dental Code or any other CDT Codes (Current Dental Terminology)? You’ve come to the right place. Our knowledgeable and dedicated team is here to help you navigate any aspect of dental procedure codes, especially when it comes to using, understanding, or billing the D0602 CDT Code. Whether you are a dental professional, office manager, or billing specialist, we are ready to support you with accurate and up-to-date information.
At CDT-Codes.com, we take pride in being a trusted online resource for comprehensive, reliable, and current information on the D0602 Dental Code as well as the entire set of CDT dental procedure codes. Our platform is designed to serve dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, office staff, and even patients who are seeking to understand the proper use of CDT codes in dental treatment planning and billing. We regularly update our website to reflect the latest revisions from the American Dental Association (ADA) and changes in insurance requirements.
If you have questions about how to correctly use D0602, how often it can be billed, what documentation is required, or if you’re unsure whether D0602 is the appropriate code for your patient’s risk assessment, don’t hesitate to contact us. Please use our official contact us form or leave a message in the comments section below, and our team will respond promptly. We’re here to ensure you have access to the accurate guidance you need to improve compliance, reduce billing errors, and enhance the quality of patient care.
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Please note that CDT-Codes.com is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with any government agency, federal or state department, medical organization, dental association, or licensing board. Our goal is to provide a high-quality, user-friendly resource for dental professionals and administrative personnel who rely on accurate CDT coding for successful practice operations.
If you’re looking for trusted support, detailed explanations, and ongoing updates on the D0602 Dental Code, CDT coding guidelines, and dental billing practices, CDT-Codes.com is your go-to hub for reliable, accessible information. Let us help you stay informed and confident in your dental coding needs.
Additional CDT Codes (Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature)
D0603 Dental Code
D0701 Dental Code
D0704 Dental Code
D0999 Dental Code
D100E Dental Code
D1110 Dental Code
D1120 Dental Code
D1206 Dental Code
D1208 Dental Code
D1310 Dental Code