Code Updates for 2026
December 2025
January will bring a new set of CDT, CPT, ICD codes. Incorporating all of these changes has a broad impact on your practice. From communicating these changes to staff to updating your software!
Why are these changes so important? New code sets not only mean code additions but also code revisions as well as code deletions. Moreover, it’s a trifecta of updates across dental codes, medical codes, and diagnosis codes. Plus, these changes may impact dental/medical cross coding for oral surgery. It’s a lot.
In 2026, there will be:
31 new, 14 revised, and 6 deleted CDT dental codes and 9 editorial updates (effective 1/1/2026);
288 new, 46 revised, and 84 deleted CPT medical codes (effective 1/1/2026);
487 new, 38 revised, and 28 deleted ICD-10 diagnosis codes (effective 10/1/2025).
Among the 2026 CDT code updates are significant revisions to anesthesia and sedation— including clarifications to descriptors and reporting criteria for existing sedation techniques. Other notable CDT additions include new codes for scaling / debridement for implants and cleaning / inspection for occlusal guards.
A substantial portion of 2026 CPT code updates support augmentative intelligence (AI) and assistive AI services. These codes reflect the growing role of AI in healthcare and billing teams should stay informed how to best support these services.
Make a Plan.
Staying current with code changes is crucial. Accurate coding ensures that patient records reflect the latest treatment definitions and helps prevent claim rejections that can delay processing and reimbursement. Put simply: keeping codes up-to-date is essential to avoid unnecessary denials and maintain efficient claims workflows and accurate billing.
How are code and form updates communicated to your staff? What resources do they need?
Frontline staff should implement new codes immediately in treatment planning.
Billing staff need to understand how code and form updates affect claim submission and processing.
There are many resources to help communicate and implement new code sets, including books, eBooks, coding companions, apps, webinars, and more. Check your professional memberships—ADA, AMA, AAOMS, AHIMA, and others—for the tools and resources that work best for your practice.
How is code and claim form data updated in practice management software?
Some update automatically on a maintenance schedule.
Others require you to schedule updates manually.
Reach out to your software representative to understand how code and form updates are imported into your system. Many vendors also provide dedicated webpages and resources specifically for these updates.
We are happy to be a resource to you in this process. Our services are customized to each practice’s specific needs and goals. Call or text us at (860) 435-7344 any time for a free consultation on how we can support you in optimizing your billing.
Oral Surgery Suite
Dental Billing & Consulting Professionals is excited to introduce our new Oral Surgery Suite including our EstimatorIQ™ — a comprehensive insurance verification and estimate tool designed specifically for OMS practices. Built on a proven workflow, EstimatorIQ™ captures both medical and dental coverage benefits for the procedure codes most relevant to your practice. It then guides you through creating accurate, customized treatment estimates that are ready to present to your patients.
Schedule your free demo today and be among the first to experience smarter, faster, biller-built solutions with early access subscription pricing.