2026 CDT Code Changes: What Dental Practices Need to Know

2026 CDT Code Changes: What Dental Practices Need to Know

As we enter 2026, significant changes to the Current Dental Terminology (CDT) codes are set to take effect. Starting January 1, 2026, the ADA has introduced 31 new codes, 14 revisions, nine editorial changes, and six deletions. Understanding these changes is essential for dentists, office managers, and billing teams.

The CDT codes play a critical role for dental professionals as they offer a standardized system for describing treatments, procedures, and diagnoses. In this comprehensive guide, we will examine the key changes in the CDT codes and their potential impact on your practice.

Key New CDT Codes Added in 2026

1. Point-of-Care Saliva Testing: Allows documentation of saliva testing performed in the dental office or other care settings without sending specimens to an external lab.
2. Cracked Tooth Testing: Crucial when documenting comprehensive assessments when patients present with pain on biting or sensitivity.
3. Duplicate Denture Fabrication: Used when a patient requests the fabrication of a backup denture.
4. Cleaning and Inspection of Occlusal Guard: This new code allows a clearer distinction of this service, separate from adjustments.
5. Peri-Implants and Implant Maintenance: Used when an implant with peri-implantitis is treated without surgical flap entry and closure.

Important Code Revisions

Several existing procedures received updated descriptors or clarified language:

• D2391: One Surface Resin-Based Composite (Posterior)
  
  • What's changed? The descriptor limiting this code to restorations penetrating dentin was deleted.
    
  • Why it matters for billing: Removing this restriction aligns it with other posterior restorative codes, allowing its use regardless of lesion depth or diagnoses.

• D9230: Administration of Nitrous Oxide
  
  • What's changed? This anesthetic code’s language was revised to remove outdated language and improve clarity and accuracy.
  • Why it matters for billing: The updated language specifies that this is used to document when nitrous oxide is delivered as a single agent.
• D5876: Metal Substructure to Acrylic Complete Denture
  
  • What's changed? This code was revised to define more clearly the nature and scope of the procedure in both fabrication and repair contexts.
  • Why it matters for billing: It is used to document and report the addition of a metal substructure in a removable complete denture for reinforcement during fabrication or repair.

These revisions help eliminate ambiguity and ensure that coding reflects current clinical practice and terminology.

Deleted Codes to Note

Six codes will be removed from the CDT manual for 2026, including:

• D1352: Preventive resin restoration in moderate to high caries risk patients
• D9248: Non-intravenous conscious sedation
• Four COVID-19 vaccine administration codes

The deletion of D1352 complements the changes to D2391 and removes redundancy. The COVID-19 vaccine codes have been retired due to obsolescence, and the sedation code is replaced by more accurate procedure-specific codes within the updated suite.

Preparing Your Practice for 2026

To implement the CDT 2026 changes smoothly:

• Update practice management software: Ensure your system reflects all new and revised codes.
• Review payer policies: Confirm with major dental plans how they will handle new and revised codes.
• Utilize ADA resources: The ADA offers the CDT 2026 and Coding Companion Kit to help dental teams understand and apply these updates correctly.

Staying current with CDT updates ensures your practice reflects modern standards and improves the efficiency of both clinical and administrative workflows.

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