The Dental Hygiene Coding Coach

08/27/2026

Sometimes the difference between accurate and inaccurate coding comes down to a detail that's easy to overlook: **time.**

When a CDT procedure code includes a specific time component in its nomenclature or descriptor, that isn't just a suggestion. Your clinical documentation needs to support it.

Before selecting a time-related code, make sure the record clearly reflects what occurred during the appointment and any requirements associated with that code.

And remember—don't let the appointment schedule determine the code. A 60-minute appointment doesn't automatically mean 60 minutes of a particular procedure were provided.

Document what actually happened. Then select the code that accurately describes it.

It's another example of why reading the **entire CDT descriptor** matters.

08/24/2026

One of the reasons I still love teaching after all these years is because our profession never stands still.

New CDT procedure codes.
New preventive products.
New documentation requirements.
New research.

Every year gives us another opportunity to grow.

Continuing education isn't just about earning CE credits.

It's about giving ourselves the confidence to provide the very best care for every patient who sits in our chair.

That's something worth investing in!

08/20/2026

One of my favorite parts of speaking is connecting with passionate dental professionals who are committed to lifelong learning.

This October, I'll be speaking at the Missouri Dental Hygienists' Summit in Columbia, and I couldn't be more excited to be part of this year's program.

We'll be discussing the topics that matter most to today's hygienists—from patient trust and advocacy to protecting our profession and improving patient care.

Thank you to Sunstar GUM for supporting continuing education and helping make this event possible.

If you're planning your fall CE schedule, I'd love to see you there!

08/19/2026

When we think about documentation, it's easy to focus on getting the claim submitted.

But your clinical notes serve a much bigger purpose.

They communicate with other providers.

They support continuity of care.

They document your professional judgment.

They protect both the patient and the practice.

Insurance claims may come and go, but the patient's record remains part of their healthcare story.

That's why every note matters.

08/11/2026

With so many preventive products available today, one question comes up again and again:

"Which CDT procedure code goes with which product?"

That's exactly what I cover in my free on-demand CE course with VOCO America.

We'll discuss:
• Caries risk assessment codes
• Caries management products
• The newest CDT procedure code updates
• ICD-10 diagnostic codes that support medical necessity

Understanding the "why behind the what" helps you make more confident clinical decisions—and supports accurate documentation.

I hope you'll check it out!

Learn more: https://www.vocolearning.com/member/classroom.asp?x_classID=4963

08/06/2026

One habit can make a remarkable difference in the quality of your documentation:

Write your clinical notes while the details are still fresh.

Waiting until the end of a busy day increases the chance that important findings, patient conversations, or clinical observations will be forgotten.

The best documentation doesn't rely on memory.

It captures the patient's condition, your clinical reasoning, and the care that was provided while everything is still clear.

Your future self—and your patients—will thank you.

08/04/2026

Concerned about our profession and the future of dentistry? Understanding the legal and ethical concerns related to the creation of OPAs is imperative for dental hygienists and dentists. All dental professionals need to listen to this 1-hour podcast!

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph®, I sit down with Dr. Der...

08/04/2026

Registration is open, and I'm looking forward to joining an incredible lineup of speakers at the 2026 Missouri Dental Hygienists' Summit!

A special thank you to Sunstar GUM for sponsoring my presentation and for supporting continuing education for Missouri dental hygienists. Partnerships like these help make high-quality education accessible to our profession.

This year's summit will cover a wide range of important topics, including:
• Oral health in Missouri
• Building patient trust
• Managing anxiety in the dental setting
• Mental health
• Advocacy
• Protecting our profession

If you've been thinking about attending, now is the perfect time to register.

I hope to see you October 23–24 in Columbia!

07/29/2026

No two patients are exactly alike—so why would every treatment plan be?

While CDT procedure codes provide consistency in reporting, the care we provide should always be individualized.

Every patient brings a different combination of:
• Medical history
• Oral health status
• Risk factors
• Goals and concerns

That's why treatment planning should never follow a "one-size-fits-all" approach.

When we take the time to evaluate the whole patient, document our clinical findings, and select the procedure code that accurately reflects the care delivered, we're doing more than submitting a claim.

We're creating a record that supports quality care, continuity of treatment, and better outcomes.

The code is important—but the patient always comes first.

07/27/2026

In dental coding, it's often the smallest details that make the biggest difference.

A missing clinical finding.
An incomplete note.
A diagnosis that isn't clearly documented.

On their own, these may seem minor. But together, they can create confusion for the next provider, lead to claim delays, or make it difficult to support the treatment that was provided.

One of the best habits you can build is taking an extra minute before closing a patient's chart to ask yourself:

✔️ Does my documentation support today's treatment?
✔️ Would another provider understand this patient's condition?
✔️ Have I clearly explained the "why" behind my clinical decisions?

Those extra 60 seconds can save hours of follow-up later.

Good documentation isn't about writing more—it's about documenting with purpose.