Renewing your CDCP coverage in 2026 is easy to overlook, but missing it can mean losing access to affordable dental care when you need it most. Whether you are already enrolled in the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) or planning to renew for the new year, there are a few important updates and deadlines you should know. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about CDCP renewal in 2026, what has changed, and how to keep your coverage active with less stress so you can focus on your dental health with confidence.
What to Know About CDCP Renewal in 2026
CDCP renewal in 2026 is required to keep your dental benefits active and avoid any break in coverage. If you are already enrolled in the Canadian Dental Care Plan, you will need to confirm your eligibility, update your information, and renew within the required timeframe.
Some rules and coverage details may change from year to year, so understanding the renewal process early can help you stay covered and continue accessing dental care without unexpected costs.
Who Needs to Renew the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
Anyone enrolled in the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) needs to renew their coverage each year to keep their benefits active. This includes individuals and families who meet the plan’s eligibility requirements, such as income limits and residency rules. Even if your personal information hasn’t changed, completing the renewal ensures you continue to access dental services and avoid any interruptions in coverage.
When do you have to renew your Canadian dental plan?
You need to renew your Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) every year before the deadline to keep your coverage active. Renewal usually opens a few months before your current plan expires, giving you enough time to update your information and submit any required documents. Staying on top of the renewal dates helps you avoid gaps in coverage and ensures you can continue using your dental benefits without any delays.
CDCP Renewal Timeline for 2026
Knowing the CDCP renewal timeline for 2026 helps you stay covered and avoid any surprise gaps in your dental benefits.
When renewals open
Renewals usually start a few months before your current plan ends. This gives you plenty of time to double-check your information and submit everything you need, so your coverage continues without any hassle.
Deadline for Renewal
It’s important to renew before the official deadline. If you miss it, your dental benefits could be paused, meaning you might have to pay out of pocket for dental visits until your coverage is back.
CDCP Renewal Eligibility Requirements
To renew your CDCP coverage in 2026, you need to meet specific eligibility requirements. Make sure you check the following before submitting your renewal:
- Be a resident of Canada
- Meet the income limits set by the plan
- File any required tax information
- Keep your personal details up to date, including your address and family members covered
- Ensure all supporting documents are ready if requested
Following these requirements carefully helps your renewal go smoothly and keeps your dental benefits active without any interruptions.
How to Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan Renewal (2026)
To renew your CDCP coverage for 2026, make sure you follow these steps carefully:
- File your 2025 tax return
Before you can renew, you and your spouse or common‑law partner (if applicable) must file your 2025 income tax return in Canada and receive your Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency.
- Wait for the renewal period
Renewals for the 2025–2026 benefit coverage period opened in March 2025, with guidance from the government on how and when to renew.
- Renew online through My Service Canada Account (MSCA)
Sign in or create your MSCA, then choose the option to renew the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
- Renew on canada.ca/dental
If you do not use MSCA, you can still renew directly on the government site.
- Renew by phone
Call the Service Canada CDCP line at 1‑833‑537‑4342 (TTY: 1‑833‑677‑6262) for help or to renew using the automated system.
- Submit before the deadline
To avoid a break in your dental coverage, submit your renewal application by the official deadline (for the 2025‑2026 period, this was June 1, 2025).
- Keep confirmation
After renewal, save any confirmation or letter you receive showing your updated CDCP eligibility and benefit dates.
If you miss the renewal deadline, you can still renew later, but there may be a gap in coverage, and oral health services during the gap will not be covered or reimbursed.
FAQ
Do You Need to Reapply for the CDCP Each Year?
Yes. You must renew your CDCP coverage every year to keep your dental benefits active.
Can I Renew After the June 1 Deadline?
You can, but your coverage may have a gap, and dental services during that time might not be covered.
What Happens If I Forget To Reapply?
If you miss renewing, your benefits could be paused, and you may need to pay out of pocket until your coverage is restored.
How Can Your Dentist Help You Renew?
Your dentist can remind you about renewal deadlines and provide any required documents for your application.
Why Is It Important to Stay Enrolled?
Staying enrolled ensures you continue to access affordable dental care without interruptions or unexpected costs.
