CDC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CDC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which element is MOST critical to include in a dental practice's patient-facing marketing materials under FTC guidelines? → Before-and-after photos with patient consent
2. What does 'coordination of benefits' (COB) require a dental consultant to evaluate? → How benefits are applied when a patient is covered by more than one dental plan
3. What is the triple constraint in CDC project management? → The interdependent relationship between scope, time, and cost
4. The National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) recognizes which standard as the benchmark for dental claim transaction data exchange? → HIPAA ASC X12 837D transaction set
5. Which billing practice occurs when a dental office bills separately for procedures that should be submitted under a single inclusive code? → Unbundling
6. A dental practice receives a lower-than-expected reimbursement from an insurer. The most appropriate first step is to: → Request a detailed explanation of benefits and compare it to the submitted claim
7. To maximize the impact of a dental practice's referral program, a consultant should recommend rewarding: → Patients after the referred friend completes their first appointment
8. What does professional competency require of a CDC practitioner? → Maintaining current knowledge through continuing education
9. Which document governs the terms under which a dental practice participates in an insurance network? → Provider participation agreement
10. A patient presents with uncontrolled hypertension (BP 180/110 mmHg) for a routine extraction. What is the most appropriate course of action? → Refer the patient to their physician and postpone elective treatment
11. Under HIPAA's Minimum Necessary Standard, a dental consultant reviewing a claim should request: → Only the information reasonably necessary to accomplish the review purpose
12. Which approach BEST demonstrates thought leadership for a dental consultant advising a practice on content marketing? → Creating educational video content addressing common patient fears and FAQs
13. Why is regular review important in CDC risk management? → Conditions change and new risks emerge requiring updates
14. What does 'concurrent review' involve in dental utilization management? → Evaluating the appropriateness of ongoing treatment during its course
15. What role do standard operating procedures play in CDC Patient Assessment & Evaluation? → Ensuring consistency and quality through documented instructions
16. Which marketing approach is BEST suited to promote an emergency dental service to prospective patients who are actively searching for immediate care? → Pay-per-click search advertising
17. When a dental plan receives a subpoena for a member's claim records during litigation, the plan's FIRST step should be: → Notify the member and consult legal counsel before releasing PHI
18. Under the ADA's Code of Professional Conduct, a dentist who refers patients primarily to specialists in whom they have a financial interest must: → Disclose the financial relationship to the patient
19. A dental practice's hygiene department contributes approximately what percentage of total practice production in a well-managed general practice? → 25-35%
20. When calculating a dental practice's break-even point, which variable is most critical? → Total fixed monthly overhead costs
21. Which element of informed consent is most frequently found deficient in dental malpractice cases reviewed by consultants? → Documentation of disclosed treatment alternatives and their risks
22. In dental practice management, what does the term 'case acceptance rate' measure? → The percentage of treatment plans patients agree to proceed with
23. The ADA's CDT code set is updated annually. From a regulatory compliance standpoint, dental plans must: → Implement updated CDT codes by January 1 of the effective year to remain compliant
24. Under HIPAA, a dental practice's Notice of Privacy Practices must be provided to patients: → At the time of first service delivery or upon request
25. Why is regular review important in CDC risk management? → Conditions change and new risks emerge requiring updates
26. What CDT code is used for a complete series (full mouth) of radiographic images? → D0210
27. Why is accurate documentation important in CDC? → It supports decision-making, compliance, and legal defensibility
28. Under most state prompt payment regulations, within how many days must an insurer pay a clean dental claim? → 30 calendar days
29. Which type of dental review program analyzes provider billing patterns to identify potential overutilization? → Retrospective data and practice pattern analysis
30. Which component of composite resin restorations most significantly determines their mechanical strength and wear resistance? → The inorganic filler particles