Several orthodontic code changes supported by the AAO have been accepted by the American Dental Association Code Maintenance Committee and will take effect on January 1, 2027. The updated codes will be published in the ADA’s CDT 2027 and in AAO coding resources for members, including in the AAO 2027 CDT At-A-Glance.
The AAO Council on Orthodontic Benefits (COB) helped advance this effort. The COB plays an important role in orthodontic insurance and coding concerns, and in providing related resources for AAO members.
The 2027 code updates clarify and modernize the terminology used to describe orthodontic treatment, in part by providing clearer language for adjunctive orthodontic therapy and its relationship to comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
Changes Accepted by the ADA
The approved changes for CDT 2027 include:
- Revisions to the descriptor for Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment.
- Revision of D8210 to “adjunctive orthodontic appliance therapy – removable appliance.”
- Revision of D8220 to “adjunctive orthodontic appliance therapy – fixed appliance.”
- Revision of the related orthodontic subcategory title, “Minor Treatment to Control Harmful Habits” to “Adjunctive Orthodontic Therapy.”
Among the most visible changes is the replacement of “auxiliary” terminology with “adjunctive” terminology. The revised D8210 and D8220 descriptors also clarify that these therapies may be used either alone or as an adjunct to comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
View Specific Wording Changes to the Code Sections Listed Above
The updated comprehensive orthodontic treatment language also aligns with longstanding AAO policy, which states: “Adjunctive procedures to facilitate care may be required.”
Looking Ahead
Watch for the updated AAO 2027 CDT At-A-Glance in the eBulletin this fall or check the Dental and Medical Coding Resources section of this member website page:
https://www2.aaoinfo.org/practice-management/insurance-claims/
Before the January 1, 2027 effective date, AAO members should review the updated terminology in CDT 2027 and determine whether any internal coding references, office materials, or staff training resources should be updated to reflect the new language.
These approved changes reflect the value of sustained AAO engagement on issues affecting the specialty. The AAO appreciates the efforts of the Council on Orthodontic Benefits and everyone who helped support this work.
AAO Council on Orthodontic Benefits
| Dr. Tasha Hall, Chair GLAO | Dr. Stephen Robirds, Board Liaison SWSO |
| Dr. Chris Liang MASO | Dr. Ilene Rees SWSO |
| Dr. Benjamin Chan NESO | Dr. Layne McCord RMSO |
| Dr. Anthony Savage SAO | Dr. Mary Cooke PCSO |
| Dr. Jahnavi Rao MSO | Dr. Richa Dutta, AAO Code Consultant MASO |
