Missed the CDCP Renewal? What to Do Now

The Canadian Dental Care Plan asks members to renew every year. If you missed the 2026 renewal, you have not lost the chance to be covered, but you do have a gap to manage. Here is what the government says happens next and what to do about it.

What happened

Each CDCP benefit period runs from July 1 to June 30, and members must renew to confirm they still qualify. The renewal window for the 2026-27 period closed at the start of June 2026. The next renewal is expected to open in spring 2027.

If you did not renew, your coverage did not carry over. You can submit a new application, but care you receive while you are without coverage is not covered and will not be reimbursed afterward.

What to do now

1. Check your status

Sign in to your My Service Canada Account, or call Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342 (TTY 1-833-677-6262), to see whether your coverage is active.

2. Apply again if it has ended

You can apply online through My Service Canada Account or by phone. Have this ready for yourself and each dependant: full name, date of birth, home and mailing address, Social Insurance Number if available (for children), and a list of any dental coverage you get through government social programs.

3. Apply for your spouse too

A spouse or common-law partner must submit their own application. Listing them on yours does not cover them.

4. Plan your care around the gap

Do not put off urgent problems like pain, swelling or an infection. For routine care, check your status first so you know what to expect.

Who qualifies

To be covered you generally need to:

• Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
• Have no access to private dental insurance, including through an employer, pension, professional or student organization, or a family member
• Have filed a Canadian tax return for the previous year (you and any spouse or partner)
• Have an adjusted family net income below $90,000

Check the government’s “Do you qualify” page for the full rules before you apply.

What you pay

CDCP pays a share of its established fees, based on your adjusted family net income:

Adjusted family net income	CDCP pays	You pay
Under $70,000	100%	0%
$70,000 to $79,999	60%	40%
$80,000 to $89,999	40%	60%

You may still owe extra if a provider’s fees are higher than the CDCP fee, or for treatment the plan does not cover. Your income band can change at renewal, because your income is recalculated. Orthodontic care is not currently covered, and some treatments, such as crowns, need pre-approval.

Two cautions

• Scams: Applying is free, and the government will not ask for your banking or credit card information to apply or renew.
• Reviews: Applications can be reviewed after they are accepted. If your answers do not match your tax slips, you could be selected for review. If you are found ineligible, you may have to repay the cost of services the plan paid for.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still renew?

No. The renewal window closed at the start of June 2026. You can submit a new application instead.

Will CDCP pay for care I had before I applied again?

No. Care received during a gap in coverage is not covered or reimbursed afterward.

Does my spouse need to apply separately?

Yes. A spouse or common-law partner must submit their own application.

Does it cost anything to apply?

No. There is no fee to apply or renew.

When is the next renewal?

It is expected to open in spring 2027, ahead of the benefit period that starts July 1, 2027.

What does CDCP cover?

Exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, root canals, extractions and dentures are among the covered services. See our CDCP page and the government coverage list.

This article is general information, not personal medical advice. Last reviewed: October 24, 2026.