Every year, the CDT 2026 code changes to reflect how dentistry is being delivered, documented, and billed.
These updates may look “routine” on the surface, but in billing and claims, small changes often create big problems if your office is not prepared.
CDT 2026 is now the current standard code set for services performed on or after January 01, 2026, and using outdated codes can quietly trigger claim rejections, processing delays, or avoidable follow-ups with payers.
This is exactly why keeping your coding reference updated is not optional. Under HIPAA requirements, CDT is the standard used for electronic dental transactions.
Once the ADA releases the new version, payers and carriers adopt the revised set. That means your billing software, claim templates, and internal code lists need to match the current year’s codes, especially if you want clean submissions and predictable reimbursements.
Plus clarifications in descriptors and processing guidance that can impact documentation and submission accuracy.
The most important point: a new or revised code does not automatically mean it will be reimbursed. Coverage still depends on the patient’s plan benefits and the payer’s policies. But even when a service is covered, claims can still be denied if the wrong code is used, if a deleted code remains in your system, or if the documentation does not support how the updated code is defined.
Most billing issues don’t happen because a team is careless. They happen because code changes are missed during software updates, staff continue using old cheat sheets, or the “new code language” isn’t understood clearly by the person posting charges.
Here’s what can go wrong when an office continues with outdated codes:
Most teams don’t have time to read long codebooks or search through multiple sources. The point of our CDT 2026 guide is to make updates easy to understand and faster to apply. We’ve organized the information clearly so your billing, front desk, and clinical team can stay aligned without overcomplicating the process.
Inside the PDF, you’ll get:
Our detailed CDT code guide about CDT 2026 updates presents a complete breakdown of new and revised codes and deleted codes together with essential policy changes. This complete guide provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the effects of these changes and directs your practice during this transition period.
The CDT 2026 updates are available for download by filling out the form.
