CDC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CDC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What are the consequences of non-compliance with dental coding regulations? → Non-compliance can lead to fines, penalties, and legal consequences
2. Which CDT code is used for cone beam CT of one jaw? → D0364
3. What should a CDC professional do upon discovering a colleague's unethical conduct? → Report through appropriate channels with proper documentation
4. Which CDT code added in recent CDT editions describes scaling in the presence of generalized moderate or severe gingival inflammation — full mouth? → D4346
5. What is a records management audit in CDC? → Reviewing practices to ensure compliance with policies
6. What is the key clinical distinction between CDT codes D4341 and D4342? → D4341 covers four or more teeth per quadrant; D4342 covers one to three teeth per quadrant
7. What is a needs assessment in CDC Patient Assessment & Evaluation practice? → Identifying gaps between current conditions and desired outcomes
8. What CDT code covers the surgical removal of an erupted tooth requiring elevation of a mucoperiosteal flap? → D7210
9. What does CDT code D0330 represent in dental radiographic coding? → Panoramic radiographic image
10. What is peer review in CDC Patient Assessment & Evaluation? → Quality evaluation by qualified colleagues for improvement
11. What are record retention policies in CDC practice? → Rules defining how long records must be kept and when destroyed
12. What is the relationship between ICD-10 codes and CDT codes in dental billing? → ICD-10 codes are used for diagnosis, and CDT codes are used for procedures
13. Vestibuloplasty — ridge extension, secondary epithelialization — is reported with which CDT code? → D7350
14. What is the function of saliva in oral health? → To help in digestion and protect the teeth from acids
15. What is the triple constraint in CDC project management? → The interdependent relationship between scope, time, and cost
16. Which CDT code describes a dental caries susceptibility test performed in the office? → D0425
17. Which CDT code is used to report a free soft tissue graft procedure for the first tooth or edentulous area? → D4271
18. What is the role of the CDT coding system in dentistry? → To report dental procedures for insurance and billing
19. Which CDT code describes guided tissue regeneration using a resorbable barrier membrane? → D4266
20. What is the purpose of the HIPAA regulation in dental coding? → To protect patient privacy and confidentiality
21. The removal of a soft tissue-impacted tooth is reported with which CDT code? → D7220
22. What is the significance of using accurate CDT codes in billing? → It ensures proper reimbursement for dental services
23. What CDT code describes the localized delivery of antimicrobial agents into periodontal pockets as an adjunct to scaling and root planing? → D4381
24. What are the five process groups in CDC project management? → Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, Closing
25. What is the hierarchy of controls in CDC risk management? → Elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, then PPE
26. What is the primary purpose of a code of ethics in CDC practice? → To establish professional conduct standards and guide ethical decision-making
27. What does the term 'co-payment' mean in dental insurance? → The amount the patient must pay for each service
28. Which CDT code represents four bitewing radiographic images? → D0274
29. What CDT code is reported for osseous surgery involving four or more teeth per quadrant? → D4260
30. Which of the following is true about ICD-10 codes in dental practices? → They are used to report diagnoses and diseases