The American Dental Association (ADA) has released the upcoming 2026 CDT code updates, which include 19 new codes, 6 revisions, and 3 deletions. These changes directly impact procedures commonly performed by oral surgeons, implant specialists, and practices billing for medically necessary treatment.
If your team hasn’t reviewed these updates or adjusted internal workflows, your practice could face an increase in denials, underpayments, or compliance issues starting January 1, 2026.
This guide outlines what’s changing, why it matters, and how to prepare your billing systems and clinical documentation before the new codes take effect.
What’s Changing in 2026?
While the ADA restricts public listing of the specific codes, here are the most notable categories being impacted:
- New surgical codes related to complex extractions and hard tissue procedures
- Revisions to language for trauma-related reporting and implant maintenance
- Deletions of diagnostic codes tied to pre-surgical planning
- Expanded categories that may now overlap with medical billing depending on diagnosis and documentation
These changes are significant for practices involved in high-acuity or cross-coded treatment plans—especially when billing both dental and medical insurance carriers.
Who Will Be Most Affected?
These updates are especially relevant for practices performing:
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery
- Full-arch implant rehabilitation
- Trauma, pathology, or biopsy procedures
- Sleep apnea therapy using oral appliances
- Pediatric surgical cases
Failing to stay current can result in:
- Increased claim denial rates in early 2026
- Incorrect code usage that limits appeal options
- Disrupted cash flow and elevated accounts receivable
- Lost reimbursements due to incomplete or inaccurate documentation
Five Ways to Prepare Your Billing Team for 2026
1. Review Your Most Frequently Billed Procedures
Evaluate your top 25 billed codes and compare them to the updated categories. Highlight any that may require documentation or submission changes.
2. Update Clinical Documentation Templates
Ensure that your providers’ notes support the new coding language—especially for procedures involving trauma, pathology, and extractions.
3. Train Your Front Office and Billing Staff
Everyone involved in scheduling, insurance verification, and claim submission should understand how the 2026 changes affect patient eligibility, pre-authorizations, and payer rules.
4. Assess for Medical Billing Opportunities
Some of the new codes may qualify for submission under medical insurance, particularly for trauma and sleep-related services. Understanding when and how to file under medical plans is critical.
5. Schedule a Comprehensive Code Audit
Have an expert review your documentation, coding, and claims workflows to identify vulnerabilities that could lead to rejections or lost revenue.
Don’t Wait Until Denials Start to Make Changes
Many billing teams only realize they’ve fallen behind once denied claims begin to accumulate. At Insurance Billing Experts, we help specialty practices stay proactive—not reactive.
Our support includes:
- Live updates on annual CDT changes and their billing impact
- Custom documentation templates aligned with new code language
- Hands-on staff training for in-house teams
- Full-service medical and dental billing for trauma, oral surgery, implants, and sleep apnea
- A team of 43 experienced professionals, including a dedicated verification of benefits team and medical billing department
If you’re unsure whether your systems are ready for 2026, let’s schedule a code and compliance audit. We’ll help you identify gaps, reduce denials, and strengthen your revenue performance.