04 November 2022

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New CPT code allows clinicians to apply silver diamine fluoride to treat cavities

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Last month, the American Medical Association approved a new category III CPT code for the application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) by medical teams to arrest dental decay without a dental filling. The addition of this code is a milestone in improving access to dental care and, ultimately, helping more people achieve better oral health.

Previously only dental care providers could apply SDF, but now primary care team members will be able to apply SDF to treat cavities and be reimbursed for it. The CPT code approval for SDF will benefit patients by providing many new points of access for treating tooth decay, according to a news release from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health.

“To achieve oral health equity, we need the participation of the entire health system,” said Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, president and CEO of CareQuest. “The inclusion of a new CPT code for medical professionals to offer critical non-invasive therapeutic oral health care to their patients is a key step toward a more accessible, equitable, and integrated health system that meets the needs of everyone.”

SDF is a brush-on liquid that stops cavities by strengthening affected tooth structures and keeping bacteria from growing on them. It prevents dental decay from progressing and spreading to other teeth. Unlike traditional treatments such as drilling and filling a cavity, SDF is quick, painless, and does not require local anesthesia or sedation.

Dr. Peter Milgrom, a dentist and member of Advantage Silver Dental Arrest, LLC advocated for the approval of the SDF code. 

“Physicians and other qualified health professionals can finally help tame the scourge of tooth decay using a simple, inexpensive clinical strategy,” he said in the news release. “This change should also serve as a guidepost along the road to the long sought and badly needed Medicare dental benefit that could help countless more millions of people in the U.S.”

Tooth decay is the most common noncommunicable disease worldwide and can lead to serious health problems, including brain or heart infections, if left untreated. 

The code proposal was supported by a diverse group of dental and medical care professionals and advocates including The American Dental Association, American Dental Hygienists Association, National Dental Association, Society of American Indian Dentists, Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin, National Coalition of Dentists for Health Equity, NorthWest Health Law Advocates, Community Catalyst and the Center for Medicare Advocacy.

The newly approved CPT code is expected to be available through Electronic Health Records vendors in July 2023. CareQuest Institute will partner with Smiles for Life Oral Health to develop training and educational materials on dental cavities identification and SDF application for medical professionals.