D1352 is the CDT code for a preventive resin restoration placed in a moderate to high caries risk patient on a permanent tooth. It is used when a pit or fissure has minimal carious involvement requiring removal of a small amount of enamel before the resin is placed. The primary intent is prevention, not restoration of a cavitated lesion.
Get help with D1352 claims →Last updated June 2026 · Reviewed by the PracticeAlpha billing team
D1352 is appropriate when the clinician detects early carious involvement limited to enamel within a pit or fissure of a permanent tooth. A small amount of decayed enamel is removed, and a resin material is placed to seal the area. The goal is to arrest progression and prevent the lesion from becoming a frank restoration case.
The patient must be classified as moderate to high caries risk for D1352 to apply. A low-risk patient with a minimal pit finding may be better served by a standard sealant (D1351). The caries risk classification should be established through a formal risk assessment and documented in the record before D1352 is billed.
D1352 applies only to permanent teeth. If a similar procedure is performed on a primary tooth, a different code applies. Confirm tooth type before billing and ensure the tooth number on the claim corresponds to a permanent tooth.
Some plans categorize D1352 under restorative benefits rather than preventive. This affects patient cost-sharing and may result in a lower payment or a higher patient portion. Review the plan's benefit structure to set accurate patient expectations before treatment.
The code definition requires a moderate to high caries risk patient. If the record does not contain a caries risk assessment supporting this classification, the payer can deny the claim as lacking medical necessity. Formal caries risk documentation is not optional for D1352.
D1352 is for permanent teeth only. Billing it for a primary tooth will result in a denial. Check tooth numbers carefully before submitting.
If the same tooth has a composite restoration billed on the same date, payers may deny D1352 as duplicative. Confirm that the clinical situation genuinely calls for a preventive resin approach rather than a full restorative procedure before billing D1352.
Confirm and record the specific permanent tooth number treated. D1352 does not apply to primary teeth.
Document the moderate or high caries risk assessment that qualifies the patient for D1352. Note the factors contributing to the risk level.
Describe the minimal carious involvement found: visual appearance, explorer or laser detection findings, and radiographic findings if applicable.
Note that enamel preparation was performed, decay was removed, and a resin material was placed. Confirm the preventive intent of the procedure.
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Learn about our billing servicesD1352 is the CDT code for a preventive resin restoration placed in a moderate to high caries risk patient on a permanent tooth. It is used when minimal carious enamel must be removed before a resin sealant material is placed.
D1351 is a sealant on a sound pit or fissure with no carious involvement. D1352 applies when there is minimal caries present that must be removed first. The distinction is clinical: is any decay being removed before sealing?
D1352 is limited to minimal enamel-only caries with a preventive intent. A composite restoration (D2391-D2394) is used when caries extends into dentin and a full restorative procedure is required. Misusing D1352 for dentin-level caries is a coding error.
Yes. D1352 is billed once per tooth. Each permanent tooth receiving a preventive resin restoration is billed separately, with the individual tooth number on each line of the claim.
Yes. The code definition specifies a moderate to high caries risk patient. Clinical notes must document the risk assessment that supports this classification, or the claim can be denied for insufficient medical necessity.
No. D1352 is for permanent teeth only. Billing it for a primary tooth will result in a denial. Verify the tooth number on the claim before submission.
Search all CDT codes in our dental coding guide.