What is the designation number given to a specific dental procedure as listed in the ADA's Code of Dental Procedures and Nomenclature?

• A. Procedure number
• B. Encounter
• C. Co-payment
• D. Explanation of benefits

Answer: (A)

In this system, each dental procedure is given its own unique numeric code. That code is the designation used to identify the specific service—often called the procedure number (also known as the CDA/CDT code). This standard code is used in patient records, billing, and communications with insurers to ensure everyone is talking about the same procedure.

The other terms refer to different things: an encounter is the actual patient visit, a co-payment is the patient’s share of the fee, and an explanation of benefits is the insurer’s statement about coverage. None of those designate a specific dental procedure; the one that does is the procedure number.