CDCP Renewal 2026: What Toronto Patients Need to Know
CDCP renewal opened April 15, 2026, and your renewal deadline to stay continuously covered is June 1, 2026. As of this month, more than 6.3 million Canadians are enrolled, and the program is now open to all eligible Canadian residents -- not just seniors, kids, and the 18-64 expansion group. Here's exactly what's changed and what to do about it if you're a Toronto patient.
Key Takeaways
- Renewal window: April 15 - June 1, 2026. Renew by June 1 to avoid a coverage gap.
- All ages now eligible (income and insurance criteria still apply). 2026-27 is the first benefit year without an age restriction.
- 6.3 million Canadians enrolled; over 4 million have already seen a provider (Employment and Social Development Canada, April 2026).
- Average savings: $900 per Canadian per year (Government of Canada).
- Renewal requires your 2025 tax return filed with CRA and your 2025 Notice of Assessment received.
What is the CDCP, and what's new in 2026?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program covering dental care for eligible Canadian residents without private dental insurance and with adjusted family net income under $90,000. It launched in late 2023 for seniors, expanded through 2024 to kids under 18 and adults with a Disability Tax Credit, and in 2025 opened to adults 18-64 in income brackets.
The 2026 change: as of the 2026-27 benefit year, the CDCP is no longer restricted by age group. Any Canadian resident who meets the income threshold ($90,000 adjusted family net income) and has no access to private dental insurance can apply or renew. Coverage continues to include diagnostic, preventive, restorative, endodontic, prosthodontic, periodontal, and oral surgery services, with co-pays scaled to income.
For a primer on what specific procedures are covered and at what reimbursement rates, see what CDCP covers in 2026.
When does renewal need to happen?
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| April 15, 2026 | Renewal window opens |
| June 1, 2026 | Renewal deadline to avoid a coverage gap |
| June 2, 2026 | Re-enrollment opens (for those who missed renewal and new applicants) |
| Mid-summer 2026 onward | Active coverage continues for renewed members |
How do I actually renew?
Renewal is fast -- the Government of Canada quotes "a few minutes online or by phone." You'll need:
- Your 2025 federal tax return filed
- Your 2025 Notice of Assessment received from CRA
- Your CDCP member number (on your benefit card, in your account, or on prior CDCP correspondence)
- Your Social Insurance Number for identity verification
Most renewals complete in under 10 minutes if your CRA paperwork is current. If you haven't filed your 2025 taxes yet, file first -- CDCP eligibility verifies against CRA data.
What if my income changed?
If your adjusted family net income for 2025 crosses the $90,000 threshold, you become ineligible for CDCP coverage for 2026-27. If you cross a co-pay bracket (under $70,000 = no co-pay; $70,000-$79,999 = 40% co-pay; $80,000-$89,999 = 60% co-pay), your share of cost changes accordingly. Renewal reassesses your bracket annually.
What if I just became eligible because of the age-restriction removal?
You apply, not renew. Go to canada.ca/dental and complete a first-time application. Expect your member number and welcome letter within 6-8 weeks. You can book a CDCP visit at any participating Toronto dentist (including The Village Dentist) the moment your card arrives.
How does this affect families with kids?
Eligible children under 12 have been covered since 2024 and continue to be. The 2026 expansion mostly affects adults 12-17 (who were previously in a different bracket) and the under-18 group who renew on the same family file. Kids' first dental visits, fluoride, sealants, fillings, extractions, and orthodontic consultations are all in scope. For when to book a child's first visit, see your baby's first dental visit.
Is The Village Dentist a CDCP provider?
Yes. We accept CDCP across our full service menu. You do not need to pay upfront and submit for reimbursement -- we direct-bill Sun Life (the CDCP administrator). You'll be responsible only for your co-pay share if your bracket has one, plus any treatments outside the CDCP fee schedule (which we explain in writing before any work is done).
If cost is what's been keeping you away from the dentist, we want to hear from you -- whether that fear is about money, the visit itself, or both.
From Dr. Kaur
"The 2026 all-ages expansion is the biggest change to public dental coverage in Canada since CDCP launched. A lot of our regulars at the Village -- thirty-somethings, working parents, folks who put their kids on insurance through work but couldn't justify it for themselves -- are now eligible for the first time. If you've been wondering whether you qualify, file your taxes and check canada.ca/dental this week, not in May. The deadline is June 1 to stay seamless." > -- Dr. Abinaash Kaur, DDS, The Village Dentist, 750 Annette St, Toronto
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I had CDCP last year. Do I automatically renew? No. Renewal is a one-step action you have to take between April 15 and June 1, 2026. If you don't, your coverage lapses and you re-apply June 2 onward.
Q: Can I use CDCP for Invisalign? Generally no for adult cosmetic Invisalign. CDCP covers orthodontic services for children under 18 with severe malocclusion documented through specific clinical criteria. Adult Invisalign for aesthetic reasons is not covered. See our Invisalign in Toronto guide for typical pricing.
Q: What if I have private insurance through work? You're not eligible for CDCP. The program is specifically for Canadians without access to private dental insurance. If you've recently lost workplace coverage (job change, retirement, separation), you may now qualify.
Q: What's covered exactly? Diagnostic exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, dentures, crowns, and oral surgery -- at CDCP fee-schedule rates. Cosmetic procedures (whitening, veneers, elective Invisalign) are not covered. Full schedule at canada.ca/dental.
Q: Is the dentist allowed to charge me more than the CDCP rate? Only if you've consented in writing and the difference is for non-covered services or above-schedule treatments. Reputable Toronto dentists are transparent about this -- there should be no surprise bills.
Q: What's the co-pay structure?
- Adjusted family net income under $70,000: 0% co-pay
- $70,000-$79,999: 40% co-pay
- $80,000-$89,999: 60% co-pay
- $90,000+: not eligible
References
- Government of Canada. Canadian Dental Care Plan renewal season opens April 15. April 2026. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2026/04/canadian-dental-care-plan-renewal-season-opens-april-15.html
- Government of Canada. Renew your Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/renew.html
- Oral Health Group. CDCP renewal opens as 6.5M approved, more than 2M yet to receive care. April 2026. https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/dental-governance-regulations/cdcp-renewal-opens-as-6-5m-approved-more-than-2m-yet-to-receive-care-1003995139/
- Government of Canada. Canadian Dental Care Plan. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html
- Government of Canada. Apply -- Canadian Dental Care Plan. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/apply.html
Bottom line
If you had CDCP coverage in 2025-26, renew by June 1, 2026 at canada.ca/dental or by phone. If you newly qualify because of the all-ages expansion, apply at the same link. Either way, file your 2025 taxes first and have your Notice of Assessment ready. Average Canadian savings under the plan: about $900 a year. In Toronto, that's most of a year's worth of routine dental care.
Related posts
- Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP): What You Need to Know
- How Much Does a Dental Checkup Cost in Toronto? OHIP, CDCP & Insurance
- Scared of the Dentist? Here's What Most People Get Wrong
The Village Dentist is a CDCP provider in Toronto's Bloor West Village. Book an appointment at 750 Annette St, or call (416) 769-4441. Dr. Abinaash Kaur, DDS, RCDSO.
