The ADA's Code Maintenance Committee has finalized its actions for CDT 2027, approving 67 total changes to the Current Dental Terminology code set — including 28 new codes, 33 revisions, and 6 editorial updates. All changes take effect January 1, 2027, with the updated CDT book available this fall.
The committee convened March 13 at ADA Headquarters in Chicago, working through proposals submitted by dentists, professional organizations, and industry stakeholders. Per ADA committee member Paula Crum, D.D.S., the session reflected "strong engagement from a wide range of stakeholders" and "significant public interest" heading into the discussions.
Implant Coding Gets a Significant Overhaul
The most substantive updates center on implantology. A new code will specifically address removal of a screw-retained indirect restoration on an implant — a procedure that previously lacked a dedicated code despite being routinely performed. Paired with that is a new healing cap placement code, designed to capture the procedure regardless of the clinical context: post-implant placement, second-stage surgery, or following restoration removal for implant body access.
Fixed splint repair and removal also get their own new codes, as do implant- and abutment-retained interim fixed dentures for the partially edentulous arch — a gap that's long created documentation headaches for practices managing complex implant transitions.
Semi-precision abutment and attachment codes are being refined as well, improving the ability to distinguish between natural tooth-borne and implant-borne prosthetics and between initial placement and replacement of removable parts.
Orofacial Pain Finally Gets a Code Suite
One of the more forward-looking additions is a set of new codes dedicated to orofacial pain management. The new codes cover injection blocks for the occipital nerve, peripheral nerve, and sphenopalatine ganglion, as well as tendon and ligament injections and trigger-point muscle injections. For practices that have been managing these patients — and navigating the creative coding required to document the work — this is a long-overdue development.
Also worth noting: the existing neuromodulator administration code is being revised, and new codes will distinguish cosmetic chemodenervation procedures from therapeutic ones. That separation matters not just for billing accuracy but for insurance documentation and potential coverage determinations down the line.
Other Notable Updates
The D2390 direct resin-based composite crown code is being revised to remove its anterior-only restriction, opening its use to posterior teeth. The orthodontics section formerly titled "Minor Treatments to Control Harmful Habits" is being retitled and updated, with revisions to D8210 and D8220.
Looking Ahead to CDT 2028
The window for submitting code change requests for CDT 2028 closes November 1, 2026. The committee is scheduled to meet March 4–5, 2027, to act on those submissions. Proposals are open to anyone — dentists, staff, organizations, or companies — and can be submitted via the official form at ADA.org/cdt.
The full meeting report from the March 13 session is available for review and download at ADA.org/cdt.