The CDT coding manual is updated yearly to reflect innovations in dental technology and treatment modalities. The 2026 ADA CDT update has a total of 60 changes which includes 31 new codes, 14 revisions, 6 deletions, and 9 editorial clarifications. These updates cover new procedures related to saliva testing, implant maintenance, anesthesia administration, and more. Accurate documentation of patient records using the correct codes to support the dental treatment provided is critical for compliant insurance billing and effective dental revenue cycle management.
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This post provides an overview of the most important CDT dental coding updates for 2026.
New CDT Dental Codes in 2026
The new codes for 2026 reflect advancements in dental care and technology. Key additions include:
- D0426 Collection, preparation, and analysis of saliva sample – point-of-care
- D0461 Cracked tooth testing
- D5877/D5878 Duplicate dentures
- D1720 Influenza vaccine administration
- D5909/D5930 Maxillary guidance prostheses
- D5938-D5941 – Resection prosthesis (mandibular and maxillary/complete & partial removable)
- D5942-5949 – Resection prosthesis, implant/abutment supported removable for partial or full edentulous arch (maxillary & mandibular/complete & partial)
- D6049 Scaling and debridement of implant
- D6280 Implant maintenance procedure (full arch, removable denture)
- D6196 Removal of indirect implant restorations
- D9128/D9129 Photobiomodulation therapy
- D9244-D9247 In-office minimal and moderate sedation
- D9224/D9225 Administration of general anesthesia with advanced airway, first 15-minute increment (and each subsequent 15-minute increment), or portion thereof. Nitrous oxide may be used
- D9936 Cleaning and inspection of occlusal guard – per appliance (General Services)
Specifically intended to reflect rapid, on-site saliva diagnostic testing in-office or at the chairside or in-office setting, rather than relying only on traditional lab-based saliva diagnostics.
Allows for clear documentation and reporting to communicate comprehensive testing to multiple teeth focused on locating a crack and eliminating other disorders that mimic the symptoms of a cracked tooth. The ADA highlights that this type of testing is typically done when a patient informs the dentist that there is an issue.
D5877 Duplication of complete denture – Maxillary
D5878 Duplication of complete denture – Mandibular
Used when a duplicate denture is fabricated from existing molds or casts, by scanning and 3D-printing the existing denture, or through a combination of these methods—without repeating the original fabrication step.
Allows dentists to bill for providing flu shots, reflecting dentistry’s expanding role in patient health beyond traditional oral care.
D5909 – Maxillary guidance prosthesis with guide flange
A guidance prosthesis (also called a guidance device or appliance) that helps direct the remaining portion of the mandible after partial resection into a more normal position against the maxilla. The guide flange assists closure, improves tooth contact, and may replace missing teeth to enhance chewing efficiency.
D5930 Maxillary guidance prosthesis without guide flange
A guidance prosthesis that helps align a partially resected mandible with the maxilla to improve tooth contact and directional closure. Unlike D5909, it does not include a flange or ramp, but it may still replace missing teeth and improve chewing efficiency.
For reporting procedures related to resection prostheses used to restore portions of the maxilla (upper jaw) or mandible (lower jaw) following surgical resection due to trauma, disease (like cancer), or congenital defects; specifically describe prostheses where hard or soft tissue has been used for reconstruction and, for mandibular cases, where the jawbone’s continuity is maintained or restored.
Used to report procedures for a specific type of prosthesis for patients who have had a portion of their maxilla (upper jaw) or mandible (lower jaw) resected (surgically removed). Cover a range of implant/abutment supported resection prostheses for both edentulous (without teeth) and partially edentulous arches in the maxilla and mandible.
Describes scaling and debridement of a single implant in the presence of peri-implantitis inflammation, bleeding upon probing and increased pocket depths, including cleaning of the implant surfaces, without flap entry and closure.
Specifically for removing and reinserting a full arch implant/abutment-supported denture for cleaning the prosthesis and abutments, typically billed per arch.
Specific dental code for removal of an indirect restoration (like a crown, bridge, or other fixed prosthetic) on an implant retained abutment. Specifically excludes temporary, provisional, or screw-retained restorations.
PBM therapy is a non-thermal, non-surgical light treatment that can be used as an adjunctive therapy for various dental conditions, with potential benefits for pain reduction in temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
D9128 Photobiomodulation therapy – first 15-minute increment, or any portion thereof; used to report the initial segment of a PBM treatment session.
D9129 Photobiomodulation therapy – each subsequent 15-minute increment, or any portion thereof; used for each additional 15-minute interval during the same session.
New codes that relate to the in-office administration of various types of sedation.
Used for complex dental procedures requiring deep sedation with specialized airway management, often for pediatric or special needs patients
2026 CDT Code Revisions
The CDT dental coding updates 2026 include changes to code descriptors. Code verbiage is often updated to reflect advances in dental technology, clarify clinical intent, improve coding accuracy, and align documentation with current standards of care. The descriptor verbiage of the following CDT codes have been changed in 2026:
- D0180 Comprehensive periodontal evaluation – new or established patient
- D2391 Resin-based composite – one surface, posterior
- D5863-D5867 Overdenture (complete/partial & mandibular/maxillary) including replacements
- D7285/D7286 Incisional biopsy of oral tissue (hard & soft)
- D9222/D9223 Administration of deep sedation/general anesthesia – First 15-minute increment, or any portion thereof (+ each subsequent 15 minutes)
- D9230 Administration of nitrous oxide
- D9243 Administration of moderate sedation – Intravenous – Each subsequent 15 minutes or any portion thereof
CDT Codes Deleted for 2026
The CDT codes that are no longer valid in 2026 are:
- D1352 Preventive resin restoration in a moderate to high caries risk patient – permanent tooth
- D1705/D1706 AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine administration – first & second doses
- D1707/D1712 Janssen COVID-19 vaccine administration – first & booster doses
- D9248 Non-intravenous conscious sedation
Navigating CDT Dental Coding Updates 2026 with Confidence
With these CDT code updates set to take effect on January 1, 2026, ensuring billing and coding compliance requires dental practices to have clear understanding of these changes for accurate documentation, clean claims, and compliance. Working with an experienced dental billing company can help practices navigate dental coding updates with confidence. Experts leverage the latest technologies and the services of dental billing specialists to stay informed about code updates, ensure accurate coding, up-to-date compliance, and consistent claims management. With the right billing partner, dental professionals can reduce administrative burdens, minimize denials, and stay focused on delivering quality patient care while protecting revenue.
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