Understanding Dental Code D9935

When to Use D9935 dental code

The D9935 dental code is designated for the cleaning and inspection of a removable partial denture in the mandibular arch. This code should be used when a patient presents for maintenance of their lower partial denture, and the procedure involves both a thorough cleaning and a clinical evaluation of the prosthesis. It is not intended for adjustments, repairs, or relining—those procedures have their own specific CDT codes. Use D9935 when the service is preventive in nature, typically as part of a routine recall or hygiene appointment, to ensure the prosthesis remains in optimal condition and to identify any issues early.

Documentation and Clinical Scenarios

Accurate documentation is critical for successful billing and patient care. When using D9935, dental teams should clearly note the following in the clinical record:

 
• Date of service and arch involved (mandibular)
 
• Type of removable partial denture cleaned and inspected
 
• Details of the cleaning process (e.g., ultrasonic cleaning, polishing)
 
• Findings from the inspection (e.g., wear, cracks, fit issues, tissue health)
 
• Any recommendations or follow-up actions

Common clinical scenarios include patients on a 6-month recall schedule, those with a history of denture-related irritation, or patients who have difficulty maintaining their prosthesis at home. Proper documentation supports the necessity of the service and streamlines insurance processing.

Insurance Billing Tips

For efficient reimbursement, follow these best practices when billing D9935:

 
• Verify coverage: Not all dental plans cover partial denture maintenance. Check eligibility and frequency limitations before treatment.
 
• Use precise coding: Avoid bundling D9935 with unrelated procedures. If both maxillary and mandibular partials are cleaned, use the corresponding code for each arch.
 
• Submit supporting documentation: Attach clinical notes and, if possible, intraoral photos to substantiate the need for cleaning and inspection.
 
• Review EOBs carefully: If denied, check the explanation of benefits (EOB) for reasons and file a claim appeal with additional documentation if appropriate.
 
• Track AR: Monitor accounts receivable to ensure timely follow-up on unpaid claims.

Proactive communication with patients about their insurance benefits and out-of-pocket costs can also prevent confusion and improve satisfaction.

Example Case for D9935

Case Study: A 68-year-old patient returns for their routine hygiene appointment. The patient wears a mandibular removable partial denture. During the visit, the dental hygienist removes the prosthesis, performs an ultrasonic cleaning, inspects for cracks and wear, and assesses the fit against the soft tissue. The clinical notes detail the cleaning process and inspection findings, confirming no repairs are needed. The office bills D9935, attaches the clinical documentation, and verifies that the patient’s plan covers one partial denture cleaning per year. The claim is processed without delay, and the patient is scheduled for their next recall visit.

This example highlights the importance of thorough documentation, insurance verification, and clear communication with both the patient and the payer for successful billing of D9935.