Why Updated ADA Codes Matter in 2026
WHAT DENTISTS NEED TO KNOW
Every year, the American Dental Association (ADA) releases updates to the CDT code set — the foundational language that dental practices use to accurately report procedures, communicate with insurers, and maintain compliance. These codes aren’t just administrative tools; they directly affect clinical documentation, reimbursement, and the legal accuracy of patient records. For 2026, the ADA has introduced 31 new codes, 14 revised codes, and nine editorial revisions, making this a significant update in recent years. Staying current is essential, not only to ensure proper billing and maximize reimbursement, but also to maintain accurate clinical reporting that aligns with modern standards of care. One example that illustrates why these updates matter is the major revision to D0180: Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation. In the 2025 version, this code focused mainly on dental-related factors such as periodontal symptoms and risk factors like smoking or diabetes. However, the 2026 update completely reframes the criteria, emphasizing systemic medical conditions and social risk factors as integral to determining when D0180 is medically necessary. In fact, entire sections of the older description have been removed. The new language requires an in-depth, medically oriented evaluation including full-mouth charting, oral cancer screening, medical history review, and assessment of systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and high-risk
pregnancy. This shift means that reporting D0180 without documented medical correlation could now be considered inaccurate — and insurers are expected to follow these stricter guidelines. This is only one example. New codes, such as those created out of necessity for more efficient refabrication of dentures (e.g., D5877 and D5878), were added specifically to reduce unnecessary patient visits and streamline documentation. Many other changes likewise reflect real clinical challenges and emerging diagnostic needs. For dental practices, using outdated codes can lead to denied claims, compliance risks, and missed opportunities to correctly document the care provided. The 2026 CDT update ensures that your coding reflects current clinical standards, medical- dental integration, and evolving insurer expectations.
To purchase the updated 2026 CDT book, simply scan the QR code, which will take you directly to the official ordering page.
Grow Your Practice With Cherry Finance
As specialists in Full Arch Dentistry, we at Jacksonville Dental Specialists understand that life-changing treatment often requires significant financial commitment. But we believe cost should never stand between a patient and the healthy, confident smile they deserve. That commitment to accessibility is what led us to partner with Cherry Financing, and why we encourage our colleagues to consider integrating this powerful tool into their own practices to help close more comprehensive, high-value cases. Cherry is a leading point-of-sale financing solution designed to make healthcare payments simple, transparent, and manageable. Whether a patient needs a single implant or a full arch restoration, Cherry allows them to split their investment into predictable monthly payments. By giving patients immediate purchasing power with the ability to pay over time, Cherry removes one of the biggest obstacles to treatment acceptance: the burden of a large upfront cost. For practices that offer major procedures like Full Arch Dentistry, financing can be the difference between a hesitant “maybe” and a confident “yes.” Offering Cherry transforms a $25,000-plus treatment plan into an accessible monthly commitment, significantly boosting case acceptance. More accepted cases translate directly into
higher production and revenue, all while your practice receives the full treatment amount upfront (minus a small fee) within a few business days. This eliminates receivable risk and supports healthy cash flow. Cherry also stands out among third-party financing options for its patient-friendly approach. Its soft credit check allows patients to pre-qualify without impacting their credit score, contributing to some of the highest approval rates in the industry. For qualifying patients, Cherry provides true 0% APR plans, not deferred interest promotions that can lead to retroactive charges. Patients appreciate the honest, transparent terms, flexible payment lengths of up to 60 months, and clear monthly breakdown of costs. With a quick, 60-second application and instant decisions, patients can begin treatment the same day they apply. At Jacksonville Dental Specialists, we’ve seen firsthand how Cherry expands patient access and accelerates practice growth, especially for full arch and other high-value procedures. We encourage you to explore Cherry Financing as a strategic addition to your financial offerings, helping more patients achieve the oral health and confidence they deserve.
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