The 2026 Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) renewal period is closed. Existing members had until June 1, 2026 to renew for the 2026–2027 benefit year. If you had CDCP coverage for 2025–2026 and missed that deadline, you can still submit a new application for 2026–2027, but there may be a gap before your coverage becomes active again. Dental care received during that gap is not covered or reimbursed retroactively.
Current status — reviewed September 14, 2026: Applications are open for the 2026–2027 benefit year, which runs from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. The Government of Canada says renewals for the 2027–2028 benefit year will open in spring 2027. Check Canada.ca for the latest federal dates and instructions.
For general information about CDCP dental services at Smile Avenue Dentistry, visit our CDCP dentist in North York page. Eligibility, renewal, application, and coverage-start decisions are handled by the Government of Canada and Service Canada.
What to Know About CDCP Renewal in 2026
CDCP members must renew their coverage each year to confirm that they still meet the program’s eligibility requirements. For the 2026–2027 benefit year, the renewal period ran from April 15 to June 1, 2026.
That renewal period is now closed. If you missed the June 1 deadline, the current federal process is to submit a new application for the 2026–2027 benefit year. Your new coverage may not begin immediately, so confirm your benefit coverage start date before receiving treatment you expect the CDCP to help pay for.
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Who Needs to Renew the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
People already enrolled in the CDCP need to renew during the official renewal period for each new benefit year. Renewal confirms that the member continues to meet the federal requirements related to tax residency, family income, tax filing, and access to private dental insurance.
If you had coverage for 2025–2026 but did not renew by June 1, 2026, do not try to complete a late renewal. Use the current application process for 2026–2027 instead.
When Was the 2026 CDCP Renewal Deadline?
The deadline to renew CDCP coverage for the 2026–2027 benefit year was June 1, 2026. Renewing by the deadline allowed eligible members to continue into the new benefit period without having to reapply.
The Government of Canada says renewals for the 2027–2028 benefit year will open in spring 2027. Exact dates have not yet been announced, so check the official CDCP renewal page when the next renewal season approaches.
CDCP Renewal Timeline for 2026
| Date | What happened | What it means now |
|---|---|---|
| April 15, 2026 | Renewals opened for existing CDCP members. | This renewal window has ended. |
| June 1, 2026 | Deadline to renew for 2026–2027. | Members who missed it must use the new-application process. |
| June 2, 2026 | Applications for 2026–2027 were open to eligible Canadian residents, including people who missed renewal. | Applications remain open. |
| July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 | Current CDCP benefit year. | Your personal coverage start date may differ if you applied or reapplied later. |
| Spring 2027 | Next renewal period is expected to open. | Exact 2027–2028 renewal dates are still to be confirmed by the Government of Canada. |
CDCP Renewal Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for CDCP coverage, applicants and renewing members must continue to meet all four federal eligibility requirements:
- You do not have access to private dental insurance or coverage.
- You and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable, filed the required Canadian tax returns for the previous year and received your Notices of Assessment.
- Your adjusted family net income is less than $90,000.
- You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
Having dental coverage through a provincial, territorial, or federal social program does not automatically make you ineligible, but coverage may need to be coordinated. Service Canada determines CDCP eligibility.
What to Do Now If You Missed CDCP Renewal in 2026
If you missed the June 1, 2026 renewal deadline, use the current application process for the 2026–2027 benefit year:
- Confirm your tax filing is complete. You and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable, must have filed the required Canadian tax return and received your Notices of Assessment.
- Apply through My Service Canada Account. Sign in or create an MSCA profile, open the Canadian Dental Care Plan section, and select the option to apply for coverage.
- Use Canada.ca if you cannot use MSCA. Follow the official CDCP application instructions.
- Apply by phone when needed. Service Canada lists 1-833-537-4342 for CDCP applications and 1-833-677-6262 for TTY users.
- Check your application status and coverage start date. Do not assume your previous coverage automatically restarted after you submitted a new application.
Important: If you missed renewal, there may be a gap in coverage while your new application is processed. Dental care received during that gap is not covered or reimbursed retroactively.
What Information Do You Need to Reapply?
Before you start a new CDCP application, have the information Service Canada currently requests for each applicant and, when applicable, a spouse or common-law partner:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN); for children, provide it if available
- date of birth and full legal name
- home and mailing address
- details of dental coverage through government social programs, if applicable
- confirmation that the required Canadian tax return was filed and the Notice of Assessment was received
The federal requirements can change, so use the official application page as the final checklist before submitting.
How to Know When Your CDCP Coverage Is Active
After applying or reapplying, check your CDCP application status and confirm your benefit coverage start date. The Government of Canada says you do not need to wait for the Sun Life welcome package before receiving care once coverage is active, but you should have your CDCP member ID, identification, benefit coverage start date, and co-payment level available for your dental visit.
If you are already approved and your coverage start date is active, Smile Avenue Dentistry accepts CDCP patients in North York. You can call (416) 250-5354 to ask about appointment availability. The clinic does not determine federal eligibility or approve CDCP applications.
Watch for CDCP Renewal and Application Scams
Applying for or renewing CDCP coverage is free. The Government of Canada warns people to be cautious of calls, texts, emails, ads, or pop-ups that ask for payment or request personal, banking, or credit-card information outside official channels. When in doubt, start from Canada.ca/dental rather than a link in an unsolicited message.
Already Have Active CDCP Coverage?
If your CDCP coverage is active and you need dental care in North York, contact Smile Avenue Dentistry to ask about appointment availability and the information to bring to your visit.
CDCP Renewal 2026 FAQ
Do You Need to Renew the CDCP Every Year?
Yes. CDCP members must renew their coverage for each new benefit period to confirm that they still meet the eligibility requirements.
Can I Renew After the June 1, 2026 Deadline?
The 2026–2027 renewal period is closed. If you had 2025–2026 coverage and missed the June 1 deadline, the current federal instruction is to submit a new application for 2026–2027. A coverage gap may apply.
What Happens If I Missed CDCP Renewal?
You can submit a new application, but your coverage may not restart immediately. Dental care received during a gap in coverage is not covered or reimbursed retroactively.
Can Someone Help Me Apply for the CDCP?
Yes. Service Canada says a trusted person can help you apply by phone if you give clear consent during the call. A legally authorized delegate can also apply after Service Canada accepts the required proof of authority. Your dental clinic cannot approve your eligibility or make the federal decision.
When Will the Next CDCP Renewal Period Open?
The Government of Canada says renewals for the 2027–2028 benefit year will open in spring 2027. Check Canada.ca for the confirmed dates once they are announced.
