The 2026 CDT codes are now available, and staying current is essential to keeping your practice compliant, efficient, and ready for accurate claims processing. Every dental claim submitted, whether electronically or on paper must use the current CDT code set, as required under HIPAA standards. Using outdated codes can lead to insurance denials, reimbursement delays, and workflow disruptions. The annual ADA update ensures:
- Accurate claim submission
- Consistent documentation
- Proper insurance reimbursement
- Compliance with national standards
Running the CDT 2026 Update in Eaglesoft
Eaglesoft provides a built‑in CDT Utility to help you update your system with the new codes. Here’s what the utility does:
- Adds all new 2026 CDT codes with standard ADA descriptions
- Updates any existing codes to the proper “D” prefix format
- Adds missing standard service types
- Helps ensure your system reflects current ADA nomenclature
However, it’s important to note:
- Fees must be manually added to new codes
- Deleted or revised codes are not automatically removed or edited — these require manual adjustment
- You should always verify insurance acceptance of new codes before updating
- Ensure you have a current/valid backup of your Eaglesoft data
Need Step‑by‑Step Guidance?
To help you confidently complete the update, we recommend reviewing our full support guide here: https://pattersonsupport.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/24227/
This resource includes:
- Detailed CDT Utility instructions
- Pre‑update checklists
- Best practices for handling revised and deleted codes
- Backup guidance
- Insurance verification tips
