Comparison

AAPD Reference Manual vs ADA CDT Coding

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

AAPD Reference Manual

This app provides the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's oral health policies, clinical guidelines, and other practice-related information. It is updated annually and covers positions on oral health for infants, children, and those with special needs.

Highlights
  • Oral health policies
  • Clinical practice guidelines
  • Information for pediatric dentists
  • Updated annually
  • Covers special healthcare needs
Features
Read full description

Updated annually, this publication contains the AAPD's oral health policies, clinical practice guidelines, and additional information pertinent to the practice of pediatric dentistry. The AAPD's clearly identified positions on oral health policies for infants, children and individuals with special health care needs are reviewed and revised on a regular basis. The complete Reference Manual is also available online at: http://www.aapd.org

About

ADA CDT Coding

Access the latest dental coding terminology with this official reference app. Quickly search for CDT and ICD-10-CM codes specific to dentistry to ensure accurate claims and timely reimbursements. An in-app purchase unlocks the complete code set for comprehensive use.

Highlights
  • Official CDT and ICD-10-CM codes for dentistry
  • Search by keyword, category, or code
  • Prevents reporting errors and maximizes reimbursement
  • Includes 2026 and 2025 code changes
  • HIPAA-recognized code set
  • Available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod
Features
Read full description

Developed by the ADA, the official source for CDT codes. Get the latest CDT codes in the convenience of a mobile app! The CDT App includes complete CDT Codes for 2026 and 2025 and ICD-10-CM codes specific to dentistry. You can use the app to quickly search by keyword, category or code. Dental practices rely on accurate claims for timely reimbursements. With the CDT App, you’ll have the correct information you need to prevent reporting errors and to maximize reimbursement. 2026 CDT Code changes include: • 31 new codes • 14 revisions • 6 deletions • 9 editorial changes 2025 CDT Code changes include: • 10 new codes • 8 revisions • 2 deletions • 4 editorial changes Install today to use as a reference guide and a training tool. To view complete code set, upgrade with a one-time, in-app purchase. Features: • Developed by the ADA, the official source for CDT codes • The only HIPAA-recognized code set for dentistry • Up-to-date and accurate CDT codes, plus complete descriptors • Includes ICD-10-CM codes applicable to dentistry In addition to the mobile app, you can use the web-based version of the app to look up a code descriptor or review a coding scenario right on your desktop, right when you need it. Don’t risk rejected claims or miss a billable service by using outdated codes. Please contact us if you have any questions, suggestions, or comments: support@hltcorp.com or 319-246-5271.

Screenshots

AAPD Reference Manual4 screens
ADA CDT Coding4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: AAPD Reference Manual at none against ADA CDT Coding's 4. AAPD Reference Manual also leads on iOS requirement (12.2 vs 15.0). ADA CDT Coding's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 16 months). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. ADA CDT Coding sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. AAPD Reference Manual asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.7 for AAPD Reference Manual against 3.8 for ADA CDT Coding. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 12 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AAPD Reference Manual ships an update every 16 months, ADA CDT Coding weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 16, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
AAPD Reference Manual versus ADA CDT Coding: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAAPD Reference ManualADA CDT Coding
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.7 (6 ratings)3.8 (12 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings612 — better
Update frequencyEvery 16 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.2 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size68 MB142 MB
Age rating12+17+
DeveloperThe American Academy of Pediatric DentistryAmerican Dental Association

Customer experience

AAPD Reference Manual

All ratings6 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%

ADA CDT Coding

All ratings12 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

In-app purchases

None

AAPD Reference Manual

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

ADA CDT Coding

One-time4
  • Premium$64.99
  • ADA CDT 2024$64.99
  • ADA CDT 2025$89.99
Show 1 more
  • ADA CDT 2026$94.99

Questions

Is AAPD Reference Manual free?
AAPD Reference Manual is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ADA CDT Coding free?
ADA CDT Coding is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, AAPD Reference Manual or ADA CDT Coding?
ADA CDT Coding is rated higher. AAPD Reference Manual averages 3.7 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while ADA CDT Coding averages 3.8 from 12 ratings.
Do AAPD Reference Manual or ADA CDT Coding have ads?
Neither AAPD Reference Manual nor ADA CDT Coding shows ads.
Which is updated more often, AAPD Reference Manual or ADA CDT Coding?
AAPD Reference Manual ships an update every 16 months, and ADA CDT Coding weekly. Most recently, AAPD Reference Manual was updated on September 16, 2026 and ADA CDT Coding on September 17, 2026.

Other comparisons