Billing and coding specialists are essential for dental operations, and positions are in high demand. If you possess excellent customer service skills, are detail oriented and have strong communication skills, a career in billing and coding may be the one for you.

Program outline

Each class should be registered for separately:

• MED-3235B3 Dental Terminology
• OSC-3030D3 Dental Billing and Coding

Contact hours: 240

Dental Terminology introduces terminology as it relates to procedures and services, techniques, materials and dental diagnoses. Students will gain an understanding of dental vocabulary, abbreviations, symbols, word building and pronunciation by defining, interpreting and listening to dental terms while reviewing the function, pathology, clinical procedures and pharmacology of the oral cavity.

Dental Billing and Coding introduces the dental revenue cycle, including dental insurance types, verification, breakdowns, estimates and how to avoid errors when filing dental claims. Once the student has a basic understanding of insurance and filing guidelines and requirements, the course will transition to dental coding and review the most current dental CDT codes and their descriptors and clinical documentation requirements. This will include case studies that review the appropriate use as well as clinical scenarios.

The program is online, and all hours will be completed via Moodle, where assignments and learning materials will be available for students to complete from their computer at their own pace. There are no scheduled meeting times for classes.

Dental Terminology must be passed prior to Dental Billing and Coding.

Upon completing these classes, students will be able to take the CDC – Certified Dental Coder and the CDBS – Certified Dental Billing Specialist exams.