We have been getting calls and questions at the front desk about CDCP renewals every single day.
Since the deadline is coming up fast (June 1st), we put together answers to the questions we’re hearing most.
When is the CDCP renewal deadline for 2026?
That’s the cutoff to renew your coverage for the 2026-2027 benefit year without a gap between coverage. If you do not renew before June 1, there may be a gap in your coverage. Treatments completed during that gap (including cleanings, fillings, or emergency visits) may not be covered under the CDCP and you will have to pay out of pocket.
The Government of Canada has all the details here: CDCP Renewal Information
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Your CDCP coverage would end June 30, 2026. After that, you’d need to reapply from the beginning and be subject to application volume and processing times, which can take weeks to months.
That means anything you had planned or unplanned including regular cleanings or an unexpected emergency treatment, will not be covered during the gap and will need to be paid for out of pocket.
It’s a gap and stress that neither you nor our office want to deal with.
Do I need to file my taxes first?
Yes. Sun Life and the CDCP use your most recent tax information to verify your eligibility and determine your coverage level. If your taxes haven’t been filed and processed by the CRA yet, your renewal could get flagged or delayed.
If you’re not sure whether your taxes have been processed, you can check through your CRA My Account. We also have a plain-language breakdown of how the CDCP determines eligibility over on our CDCP explainer page if you want more context on how the income thresholds actually work.
How do I actually renew?
There are a few ways:
- Online through My Service Canada Account — fastest option if you’re comfortable with online accounts
- Through the Government of Canada website directly: Renew Your CDCP Coverage
- By phone through Service Canada — the better option if you’d rather talk to someone
Renewing online is the fastest and results in the least delays.
If you renew online, here’s how:
- Sign in or create a My Service Canada Account (MSCA) profile
- Once signed in, the Canadian Dental Care Plan is shown at the top of your MSCA dashboard
- Click “Renew your Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage” and follow the instructions
What documents do I need to renew?
The process is extremely easy and all you really need is:
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Your current mailing address and contact information
It would also be extremely helpful to have:
- You (and your spouse’s if applicable) most recent Notice of Assessment – this just confirms that you have done your 2025 taxes.
Can my dentist renew it for me?
No, but we can help. While we cannot renew your CDCP coverage for you, our team can help explain the process and help you understand what documentation or coverage information you may need before your appointment.
What we can absolutely help you understand is your current coverage status, what out of pocket expenses you may need to expect. We are also here to help you find out of a specific treatment is eligible and submit pre-authorization requests.
Will my coverage level stay the same?
Depends on your 2025 tax return.
Your coverage and co-payment percentages are recalculated based on your updated adjusted family net income each year. So if your income went up or down, your CDCP tier may also change. It’s worth reviewing the CDCP eligibility page after you renew to understand what your new coverage year looks like.
We’ve also written about how the plan works at different income levels here: What to Expect at Your First CDCP Appointment
How long does the renewal take to process?
It really varies. Some patients get confirmation within a few days; others wait longer, especially closer to the deadline when volumes spike.
If you’re planning to come in for a cleaning or treatment in July, you don’t want to be scrambling for coverage confirmation the week before. Renew now, and it’s one less thing to think about.
Yes — and we bill the CDCP directly so you’re not dealing with the paperwork.
We currently only charge the CDCP-established fees, which means if your plan covers 100%, your out-of-pocket cost is $0. No surprise bills, no balance billing.
You can read more about how we handle CDCP coverage here: How Many Cleanings Are Covered Each Year
Ready to book? Contact us here or call the office — our team will check your coverage status before you even come in.
Information current as of May 2026. CDCP program details are subject to change. Always verify your individual coverage at canada.ca/dental or by calling Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342.
We are not affiliated with the Government of Canada or Service Canada. This article is intended to help patients better understand the CDCP renewal process based on publicly available information as of May 2026.
