What is the D0150 dental code?

It's a comprehensive oral evaluation — a thorough full-mouth exam used for new patients or established patients needing a complete re-assessment.

What's the difference between D0150 and D0120?

D0150 is the broad, detailed evaluation for new or returning patients. D0120 is the lighter routine recall exam for established patients.

How much does a D0150 exam cost?

Often around 50 to 150 USD depending on location and office, a little more than a routine check-up because it's more thorough.

How often does insurance cover D0150?

Usually on a limited basis — commonly once per provider or once within a set number of years. It's generally not payable at every visit.

Can I get a D0150 as an existing patient?

Yes, if you've been away from care for a long time or have a significant change in health that justifies a full re-evaluation.

Does D0150 include X-rays?

No. Radiographs are separate procedures with their own codes, even when taken at the same comprehensive-exam visit.

D0150 Dental Code: Comprehensive Oral Evaluation

Code Summary

D0150 is the CDT code for a comprehensive oral evaluation — the thorough, full-mouth exam typically done for a new patient or when an established patient returns after a long gap or a major health change. It's broader than a routine check-up.

What D0150 means

D0150 covers an in-depth evaluation that builds a complete picture of your oral health. "D" is the dental marker, "01" the diagnostic family, and "50" the comprehensive evaluation. It usually includes assessment of the teeth, gums, bite, jaw joints, and the soft tissues of the head and neck, along with noting risk factors.

It's most often the exam you get the first time you visit a practice, because there's no existing record to compare against. It's also appropriate when an established patient has been away from care for several years or has had a significant change in their health.

The key distinction is D0150 versus D0120. The comprehensive evaluation is broader and more detailed and is generally reported once when establishing care or re-establishing it; the periodic exam (D0120) is the lighter, recurring recall check-up. Most plans won't pay a D0150 at every visit.

When it's typically used

D0150 is reported for new patients, for established patients returning after a long absence (often three or more years), or when there's been a significant change in the patient's health that warrants a full re-evaluation.

How much does D0150 cost?

A comprehensive exam usually costs a bit more than a routine check-up, often roughly 50 to 150 USD depending on region and office, reflecting the broader scope. X-rays taken to support it are coded separately.

Is D0150 covered by insurance?

Many plans cover D0150 under preventive or diagnostic benefits but limit how often it can be reported — frequently once per provider, or once in a multi-year window. Billing it as a repeat recall exam instead of D0120 can lead to denials.

Frequently asked questions

What is the D0150 dental code?: It's a comprehensive oral evaluation — a thorough full-mouth exam used for new patients or established patients needing a complete re-assessment.
What's the difference between D0150 and D0120?: D0150 is the broad, detailed evaluation for new or returning patients. D0120 is the lighter routine recall exam for established patients.
How much does a D0150 exam cost?: Often around 50 to 150 USD depending on location and office, a little more than a routine check-up because it's more thorough.
How often does insurance cover D0150?: Usually on a limited basis — commonly once per provider or once within a set number of years. It's generally not payable at every visit.
Can I get a D0150 as an existing patient?: Yes, if you've been away from care for a long time or have a significant change in health that justifies a full re-evaluation.
Does D0150 include X-rays?: No. Radiographs are separate procedures with their own codes, even when taken at the same comprehensive-exam visit.

This page is an independent, plain-language explanation for general information only. It is not billing, coding, or clinical advice. For the official CDT descriptor and current-year wording, refer to the American Dental Association.