D0350 is the CDT code for a 2D oral or facial photographic image obtained intraorally or extraorally. It covers clinical photographs used for diagnostic documentation or treatment planning. This includes intraoral photographs of teeth, soft tissue, occlusion, or pathology, as well as extraoral facial photographs used in orthodontic, surgical, or cosmetic treatment planning.
Last updated June 2026 · Reviewed by the PracticeAlpha billing team
Get help with D0350 claims →Use D0350 when clinical photographs are taken specifically for diagnostic purposes, treatment planning, or to document a finding that affects patient care. The photograph must have a clinical purpose beyond routine patient intake photos. The image should be referenced in the clinical record as part of the diagnostic or treatment planning process.
Common clinical scenarios: Intraoral photos documenting a suspicious soft tissue lesion, ulceration, or oral pathology finding. Pre-treatment photos for smile design or cosmetic evaluation. Occlusal documentation for TMJ or bite assessment. Periodontal condition photos submitted with a claim for scaling and root planing or crown procedures. Extraoral facial photos as part of orthodontic or orthognathic surgical records.
Do NOT use D0350 for: Routine intake photos taken at every visit without a specific diagnostic purpose. Photos taken purely for marketing or before/after galleries without a clinical record link. 3D imaging or CBCT (use D0364 or D0380 series). Video imaging (separate codes apply in the D0360 range).
Many dental plans do not include a benefit for D0350 as a standalone covered service. Unlike radiographs, photographic imaging is frequently excluded or not listed as a covered benefit. Check the patient's plan before billing D0350 as a separate charge. If it is not covered, it may be a patient-pay service disclosed in advance.
Billing D0350 as a routine add-on to every exam without documentation of clinical purpose is an audit risk. Payers that do cover photographs expect to see that the images were taken for a specific clinical reason. The clinical note should describe what the photos show and how they informed the diagnosis or treatment plan.
Some payers consider photographs taken during a comprehensive evaluation or consultation to be part of the evaluation fee. They will deny D0350 when billed on the same date as D0150, D0180, or a consultation code, treating the photography as an included component. Check payer policy before billing both on the same date.
D0350 is specifically for 2D photographic images, not radiographic images. If the images taken are cone beam CT scans, cephalometric radiographs, or other radiographic studies, different codes apply. Using D0350 for a radiographic image will result in a code mismatch and potential denial or audit.
Document why the photographs were taken. A note that says "intraoral photos taken to document gingival recession in the upper left quadrant for periodontal treatment planning" supports the charge far better than a generic entry.
Photographs should be stored in the patient's chart with labels indicating the date, anatomical location, and clinical context. Organized photo records are essential if the claim is reviewed or if the images are submitted to support another claim.
Reference what the photographs show in the clinical note. If photos were taken of a lesion, describe the lesion. If photos were taken for pre-treatment records, note that they form part of the treatment planning documentation. This connects the images to patient care.
D0350 covers standard camera-based 2D photographs. If the imaging modality is a radiograph, CBCT, or any other radiographic technology, the appropriate radiographic code must be used instead. Confirm the image type before billing.
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Learn about our billing servicesD0350 is the CDT code for a 2D oral or facial photographic image obtained intraorally or extraorally. It covers clinical photographs used for diagnosis, treatment planning, or documentation. Both intraoral and extraoral camera photographs fall under this code.
Use D0350 when photographs are taken for a specific clinical purpose such as documenting pathology, supporting a treatment plan, or establishing pre-treatment records. The photographs must serve a diagnostic or treatment planning function and should be referenced in the clinical record.
Many plans do not cover photographic imaging as a standalone benefit. Other reasons include missing clinical justification, payers bundling photos into the evaluation fee, and incorrect use of D0350 for radiographic images rather than camera-based photographs.
The clinical note should state why the photos were taken, describe what they show, and connect them to the patient's diagnosis or treatment plan. Images should be stored in the patient's chart labeled with date, location, and clinical context.
Coverage varies widely. Many plans do not list D0350 as a covered benefit or treat it as a non-covered service. Some plans cover it when photos are submitted to support another covered procedure. Verify the patient's specific plan before billing it as a standalone charge.
D0350 covers standard 2D camera-based photographs. D0364 and D0380 are cone beam CT codes for 3D radiographic imaging. These are fundamentally different technologies and the codes are not interchangeable. D0350 is for photographs, not radiographs.
Search all 206 CDT codes in our dental coding guide.