What you need to know about dental code D0120

Dental Products Report and Sikka Software recently unveiled the 2014 dental fee survey. In this survey, we looked at the four years’ worth of data for 20 of the most-used codes and the fees that more than 12,000 dental practices around the country were charging for each procedure.

While that survey was being compiled, we asked various members of the Academy of Dental Management Consultants for their opinions on the individual codes, associated fees, and what dental practices needed to know about them to boost their bottom line. First, Rachel Wall provided an excellent look at D4341 and D4342. In this installment below, Lynne Leggett of Victory Dental Management explains what she is seeing with her clients and the use of dental code D0120.

The trend of a 2-3% financial increase annually in code D0120 is something that I see with my clients. Included in this fee is an evaluation for oral cancer. I know some practitioners have been doing an oral cancer screening without explaining the screening to their patients. The key point is the reason for why this exam is given. There is more occurring than just “looking at teeth.” Explaining to patients why you are doing an oral cancer screening is crucial for their understanding of their overall health. The simple act of a complete exam could save someone’s life. Patients will appreciate effective communication and understand the value that their dental professional can have on their overall health.