This is a blog site providing general information on the Canadian government dental program. For official information, please visit Canada.ca/dental




Renew or re-apply for CDCP coverage

The renewal period for the 2026-2027 Canadian Dental Care Plan benefit year closed on June 1, 2026. If you had CDCP coverage for 2025-2026 and did not renew by the deadline, you can submit a new application for the 2026-2027 benefit year. There may be a gap in coverage while your application is processed. Dental care received during a gap will not be covered or reimbursed retroactively. Renewals for the 2027-2028 benefit year are expected to open in spring 2027.

Members of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) must renew their coverage each benefit year to avoid a gap. The renewal window for the 2026-2027 benefit year ran from April 15 to June 1, 2026, and is now closed.

Missed the 2026-2027 Renewal Deadline?

If you had CDCP coverage for 2025-2026 and did not renew by June 1, 2026, your coverage has ended. You can submit a new application for the 2026-2027 benefit year. There may be a gap in coverage while your application is processed, and dental care received during a gap will not be covered or reimbursed retroactively.

Learn how to apply for the CDCP

CDCP Renewal Eligibility Requirements

To renew CDCP coverage for a benefit year, members must meet the following four criteria:

  1. Tax Filing: You (and your spouse/common-law partner) must have filed your Canadian tax return for the previous year.
  2. Income Threshold: Your adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000.
  3. Residency: You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
  4. No Private Insurance: You must not have access to any form of private dental insurance.

How CDCP Renewal Worked for 2026-2027

When the renewal window was open (April 15 to June 1, 2026), members could renew through three channels. These channels will be available again when renewals for the 2027-2028 benefit year open in spring 2027.

Method 1: Online via My Service Canada Account (MSCA)

Members could log in to My Service Canada Account, navigate to the Canadian Dental Care Plan section, select “Renew my coverage,” and confirm income and insurance status.

Method 2: By Phone

  • Toll-Free Phone Number: 1-833-537-4342
  • TTY Service: 1-833-677-6262
  • Requirement: Social Insurance Number (SIN) and CDCP Client Number (Member ID).

Method 3: In-Person or Through a Delegate

Members could visit a Service Canada Centre in person. Legal delegates (such as a Power of Attorney) needed to have authorization documents verified by Service Canada before renewing on a member’s behalf.

CDCP Renewal Dates and Deadlines

The CDCP operates on an annual benefit-year cycle. For the 2026-2027 benefit year:

  • 2026-2027 Renewal Period: April 15 to June 1, 2026 (closed)
  • 2026-2027 Coverage Period: July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027
  • 2027-2028 Renewals: Expected to open in spring 2027

Warning on Coverage Gaps: If you did not renew for the 2026-2027 benefit year by June 1, 2026, your coverage ended on June 30, 2026. You can submit a new application for 2026-2027, but there will be a processing delay. Any dental care received during this coverage gap will not be covered or retroactively reimbursed.

Understanding CDCP Co-Payments based on AFNI

The CDCP pays a percentage of eligible costs at CDCP-established fees. There is no co-payment for adjusted family net income under $70,000; the co-payment is 40% from $70,000 to $79,999 and 60% from $80,000 to $89,999. You may still owe an additional amount if your provider charges more than the CDCP-established fee or if a service is not covered.

What Information Do You Need to Renew or Re-Apply?

Before starting a renewal or new application, ensure you have the following for yourself, your spouse/partner, and any dependants:

  • Full Legal Name and Date of Birth.
  • Social Insurance Number (SIN) (Required for all adults; required for children if available).
  • CDCP Member ID / Client Number (if renewing; found on your Sun Life membership card or Service Canada letters).
  • Current Residential and Mailing Address.
  • Details of Public Dental Coverage received via any alternative provincial, territorial, or federal social programs.
  • CRA Notice of Assessment (NOA) for the previous tax year.

Beware of CDCP Scams

The Government of Canada emphasizes that applying for or renewing your CDCP coverage is 100% free. Never click on unexpected links, pop-up ads, text messages, or emails asking for credit card information or payment fees. Always verify that you are on a legitimate .gc.ca or canada.ca federal domain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When was the deadline to renew for the 2026-2027 benefit year?

The renewal deadline for the 2026-2027 benefit year was June 1, 2026. The renewal period is now closed.

What happens if I did not renew my CDCP coverage in time?

Your coverage ended on June 30, 2026. You can submit a new application for the 2026-2027 benefit year. There will be a coverage gap during processing, and dental care received during the gap will not be reimbursed retroactively.

Do my income levels need to be re-evaluated every year?

Yes. The government reviews your household income annually through your CRA tax filings to ensure you remain below the $90,000 threshold and to adjust your co-payment tier if your income changed.

Can my dental clinic renew my coverage for me?

No. Dental providers can look up your coverage dates or co-payment rate, but they cannot file your renewal. This must be completed by you or an authorized delegate.

When will renewals for 2027-2028 open?

Renewals for the 2027-2028 benefit year are expected to open in spring 2027.

Checking Your Renewal Status

Track your application status online or via phone:

Information Source: Official Government of Canada CDCP Renewal Page

Renew or re-apply for CDCP coverage

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