How Dental Codes Get Made: A Conversation with AGD’s ADA Committee Reps Dr. Ralph Cooley and Dr. Arlene O’Brien

In the latest podcast, Dr. Schmidt talks with Ralph Cooley, DDS, FAGD, and Arlene O'Brien, DMD, FAGD, who are members of ADA Legislative and Government Affairs Council and AGD representatives to the ADA Code Maintenance Committee. The Code Maintenance Committee is responsible for reviewing and updating dental coding systems. In their roles, they advocate for changes that benefit general dentists. New codes for 2026 include updates to anesthesia codes, a new cracked tooth testing code, and modifications to denture duplication and occlusal guard cleaning codes. They emphasize the importance of public input and collaboration between organizations.

Listen now.