The Dental Coding Update: Recent CDT Changes You Need to Know-The Dental Coding Update: Recent CDT Changes You Need to Know

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Greg Grobmeier reviewed upcoming 2027 CDT code changes and their implications for dental practices. He emphasized that CDT codes are intended to document services accurately—not guarantee insurance coverage—and that clinicians should code what they actually do, support claims with appropriate documentation, and follow current ADA guidance.<br /><br />The update includes 67 official changes: 28 new codes, 30 substantive revisions, six editorial revisions, and category or subcategory changes. Topics include expanded preventive-care coding, a new code for full-mouth non-fluoride caries-preventive treatments, revised fluoride and orthodontic codes, and new codes for splint repairs, denture and prosthesis repairs, implant procedures, and oral-facial pain treatments. Changes also clarify distinctions among precision and semi-precision attachments and between implant-supported and abutment-supported crowns. A new healing-cap placement code and codes for removing screw-retained implant crowns were highlighted.<br /><br />Grobmeier also stressed that codes may be organized by category rather than numerical order, and that unspecified-by-report codes should be used when no specific code applies. Insurance reimbursement is determined separately by each plan and may depend on additional criteria. He recommended training teams, reviewing code usage, avoiding deleted or incorrect codes, and documenting procedures and clinical rationale thoroughly.<br /><br />During Q&A, he discussed coding for in-office povidone-iodine preventive treatment, common errors such as misreporting endodontic access closures and surgical extractions, and opportunities to use comprehensive periodontal evaluation codes appropriately. The changes take effect January 1, 2027.

Keywords

2027 CDT code changes

dental coding

ADA guidance

insurance reimbursement

preventive care coding

fluoride codes

orthodontic codes

implant procedures

prosthesis repair

oral-facial pain

periodontal evaluation

clinical documentation

dental practices