By LeeAnn Winkler, RDH, BSDH, FADHA
May 22, 2025
The American Dental Association’s (ADA) Code Maintenance Committee (CMC) meets annually to discuss and evaluate additions, revisions, deletions or editorial changes to the Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature (CDT Code) – the federally designated national terminology for reporting dental services.
Anyone can participate in the process by submitting recommendations for code changes, through ADA.org/cdt for information on this process. As ADHA’s Liaison serving on the Dental Codeology Consortium (DCC), I work with a group of passionate dental hygienists whose mission it is, “To influence the creation, definition and maintenance of dental diagnostic procedure codes.” This important work is already underway for the 2026 CMC meeting, which will determine entries for CDT 2027.
Changes for 2025
The CDT 2025, which went into effect on January 1, 2025, brings 10 new procedure codes, 8 code revisions, 2 code deletions and 4 editorial changes that affect documentation and billing practices in dental offices nationwide.
New Codes in 2025
D2956 removal of an indirect restoration on a natural tooth
Descriptor: Not to be used for a temporary or provisional restoration.
D6180 implant maintenance procedures when a full arch fixed hybrid prosthesis is not removed, including cleansing of prosthesis and abutments
Descriptor: This procedure includes active debriding of the dental implant(s)and prosthesis. This patient is also instructed in thorough daily cleansing of the implants.
D6193 replacement of an implant screw
D9913 administration of neuromodulators
D9914 administration of dermal fillers
** There are laws in some states allowing dental hygienists as well as dentists to administer Neuromodulators, ex. Botox and dermal fillers.
D9959 unspecified sleep apnea services procedure, by report
D7252 & D7259 – under Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
D8091 & D8671 – under Orthodontics dealing with orthognathic surgery
Revised Codes in 2025 (new verbiage)
D0160 detailed and extensive oral evaluation – problem focused, by report.
Descriptor: Sleep related breathing disorders was added.
D0801 3D intraoral (intraoral replaced the word dental) surface scan-direct
Descriptor: A surface scan of any aspect of the intraoral anatomy.
D1330 oral hygiene instructions (The revision dropped the descriptor.)
D2940 placement of interim direct restoration (The descriptor was revised.)
D6080 implant maintenance procedures when a full arch hybrid prosthesis is removed and reinserted, including cleansing of the prosthesis and abutments
Descriptor: removed “This is not a per implant code and is indicated for implant supported fixed prosthesis.
D6011, D6051 & D6090 dealing with implant procedures also were revised.
Editorial changes
D5520, D5640 & D5650 related to complete and partial denture repairs.
Eliminations
D2941 interim Therapeutic restoration – primary dentition
D6095 repair implant abutment, by report
A Peek at What’s Coming in 2026
Looking ahead, the 2026 code set includes several additions reflecting the changing landscape of dental care. New codes for photobiomodulation therapy, implant maintenance and influenza vaccine administration highlight the expanding scope of dental care and preventive services. These upcoming changes will enhance our ability to document and bill for increasingly specialized procedures in dental practices.
New Codes in 2026
Dxxxx photobiomodulation therapy – first 15-minute increment, or any portion there of Descriptor: The use of low-level therapy to alleviate pain of inflammation, modulate the immune response, and promote tissue healing or regeneration.
Dxxxx photobiomodulation therapy – each subsequent 15-minute increment, or any portion there of (No descriptor.)
Dxxxx scaling and debridement of a single implant in the presence of peri-implant it is inflammation, bleeding upon probing and increased pocket depths, including cleaning of the implant surfaces, without flap entry or closure
Descriptor: This procedure is not performed in conjunction with D1110, D4910 or D4346.
Dxxxx implant maintenance procedures when a full arch removable implant/abutment supported denture is removed and reinserted, including cleansing of the prosthesis and abutments-per arch
Descriptor: This procedure includes active debriding of the implant(s)and examination all aspects of the implant system, including the occlusion and stability of the prosthesis. The patient is also instructed in thorough daily cleansing of the implant(s).
Dxxxx collection, preparation, and analysis of saliva sample – point-of-care (No descriptor.)
Dxxxx cleaning and inspection of occlusal guard- per appliance
Descriptor: This procedure does not include any adjustments.
Dxxxx influenza vaccine administration (No descriptor.)
Revised Codes in 2026
D0180 comprehensive periodontal evaluation-new or established patient
Descriptor: a comprehensive evaluation of periodontal conditions, including full mouth probing and periodontal charting. Indicated for patients exhibiting signs or symptoms of periodontal disease, systematic medical conditions, or patients with social risk factors. It includes an evaluation for oral cancer, an evaluation of the patient’s medical history, a general wellness assessment, and includes an evaluation of current dental conditions.
D9230 administration of nitrous oxide
Descriptor: when nitrous oxide is administered as a single agent.
D0417 collection and preparation of saliva sample for laboratory analysis (No descriptor.)
D0418 analysis of saliva sample – laboratory (Removed descriptor.)
Understanding the CDT Code system is vital for dental professionals as it directly impacts billing, patient care and scope of practice. With important additions like neuromodulators and new implant maintenance codes, staying informed about these annual updates ensures proper reimbursement for services. The Dental Codeology Consortium’s work demonstrates how dental hygienists can actively shape our profession’s future by participating in the code development process – a crucial opportunity as we prepare for upcoming 2026 changes.
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References
American Dental Association. CDT 2025 Current Dental Terminology. Chicago: American Dental Association, 2025.
American Dental Association Code Maintenance Committee. “Public Report of March 2025 Code Maintenance Committee Meeting: Inventory and Action Summaries.” American Dental Association, 2025. https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/publications/cdt/public_reportofmarch2025codemaintenancecommit.pdf?rev=331ed4c26bbe40d5b333c728e61b2a89&hash=FC3A812C3E412CD7AA851F6C23F10832.
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LeeAnn Winkler, RDH, BSDH, FADHA is a practicing clinical dental hygienist of 43 years. She has been an active ADHA member and has held multiple leadership positions on the local, state and national levels including Texas President and most recently District IX Director. She is the current ADHA Liaison to the Dental Codeology Consortium and the IOH Committee Region C Liaison.
