D0470 is the CDT code for diagnostic casts, also known as study models. These three-dimensional reproductions of the dental arches are used to analyze occlusion, plan treatment, and document baseline arch morphology. The code covers both traditional stone casts and digital models obtained via intraoral scanning.
Get help with D0470 claims →Last updated June 2026 · Reviewed by the PracticeAlpha billing team
D0470 is commonly used before orthodontic treatment to document the pre-treatment arch form and occlusion. Study models give the clinician a three-dimensional reference that x-rays and photographs cannot fully capture. The same applies to full-mouth rehabilitation planning where arch relationships are critical.
When evaluating occlusal discrepancies or temporomandibular joint dysfunction, diagnostic casts allow the clinician to analyze tooth contacts and arch symmetry without the patient present. Mounted models on an articulator provide information that cannot be obtained from an in-mouth examination alone.
For patients requiring extensive restorative work or implant planning, study models establish a documented baseline. They support treatment planning discussions, communication with the laboratory, and patient consent conversations.
Many dental plans do not include D0470 as a covered benefit. Some plans only cover diagnostic casts when they are directly tied to a covered prosthetic or orthodontic treatment. Check the patient's plan before proceeding.
Some orthodontic and prosthodontic plans include study models in the overall treatment fee. Billing D0470 separately in these cases will trigger a bundling denial. Review the plan's fee schedule and benefit structure to determine whether separate billing is appropriate.
If the clinical note does not link the study models to a specific diagnostic purpose or treatment decision, the payer may classify the service as routine and deny it. The note should state why the models were needed and how they influenced the treatment plan.
Some older plan documents reference "plaster models" or similar language that predates digital scanning. If a payer denies a D0470 claim citing that only physical casts are covered, submit a narrative explaining that digital models are recognized under D0470 per current ADA CDT guidance.
State the treatment planning purpose: orthodontic records, occlusal analysis, pre-prosthetic planning, or TMD evaluation.
Note whether traditional impressions or intraoral digital scanning was used to obtain the models.
Confirm that the physical or digital models are retained in the patient record. Payers may request them during an audit.
Document how the models were used: arch measurement, mounting on articulator, treatment simulation, or laboratory communication.
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Learn about our billing servicesD0470 is the CDT code for diagnostic casts, also called study models. These are three-dimensional reproductions of the dental arches used for treatment planning, occlusal analysis, and documentation.
Yes. D0470 covers both traditional stone casts and digital models obtained via intraoral scanning, per current ADA CDT guidance. The diagnostic purpose is what defines the code, not the material.
Use D0470 when study models are fabricated for diagnostic purposes: orthodontic records, pre-prosthetic planning, occlusal evaluation, TMD assessment, or full-mouth rehabilitation planning.
Common reasons: the plan does not cover study models as a standalone benefit, the models are bundled into an orthodontic or prosthetic treatment fee, or the clinical note does not document the diagnostic purpose.
It depends on the patient's plan. Some orthodontic plans bundle records fees into the overall treatment. Others allow separate billing. Verify the plan before billing D0470 alongside other orthodontic records codes.
Document the clinical reason for obtaining the models, the method used (impressions or digital scanning), how the models were used in treatment planning, and confirm they are retained in the patient record.
Search all CDT codes in our dental coding guide.