Missed Your CDCP Renewal? How to Reapply for 2026–27 (and Avoid a Coverage Gap)
Missed the June 1, 2026 CDCP renewal? You can still reapply for the July 2026 – June 2027 benefit year, online through My Service Canada Account or by phone at 1-833-537-4342. Coverage is not retroactive, so any dental care you get before approval is not covered. Apply now, then book once your Sun Life card arrives.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Bull, Westwood Dental Group · Last updated: October 5 - 2026
Timeline showing that if you missed the June 1, 2026 CDCP renewal, dental visits aren't covered from July 1 until you're approved.
Did you miss the June 1, 2026 deadline to renew your Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?You're not alone, and it's not too late. Your old coverage ended June 30. But you can apply again today.
Quick answers:
Can I still get CDCP? Yes. Apply again online or by phone.
Is it free to apply? Yes. It never costs money to apply.
Will CDCP pay for visits before I'm approved? No. That's why you should apply now.
CDCP 2026–27 renewal at a glance
The new plan year runs July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. If you missed renewal, the red bar is your "gap": time with no coverage. It ends the day you're approved.
Who qualifies for CDCP in 2026–27?
Answer these 4 questions. If you say yes to all 4, you can apply. Your spouse or partner fills out their own application.
Not sure about your income? Look at line 23600 on your last tax return. Add your spouse's or partner's too. The Government of Canada eligibility page has the details.
Missed the renewal? How to reapply in 4 steps
CDCP does not renew by itself. Each year, the government checks your income again. If you missed June 1, you apply as a new person.
Get your info ready. For each person: full name, birth date, address, and Social Insurance Number (kids too, if they have one).
Apply. Go to My Service Canada Account or call 1-833-537-4342. (TTY: 1-833-677-6262.)
Watch your mail. You'll get a letter with your start date. Then a Sun Life card arrives. Sun Life runs the plan.
Book your visit. Call us after your start date. Have your Sun Life member number handy.
Scam alert: CDCP never charges a fee. If a text or email asks for money or bank details, ignore it.
What does CDCP cover, and what will I pay?
CDCP covers most everyday dental care. Some bigger treatments need Sun Life's OK first. Braces are not covered right now.
Type of care | Examples | Preauthorization? |
Checkups and prevention | Exams, X-rays, cleanings, fluoride, sealants | No |
Basic treatment | Fillings, root canals, gum disease treatment | Sometimes, for some gum treatments |
Major treatment | Crowns, dentures, oral surgery | Yes, for crowns and some dentures |
Comfort and sedation | Anesthesia, sedation | Yes, for deeper sedation |
Orthodontics | Braces, aligners | Not covered |
What you pay depends on your family income. Under $70,000, you pay $0 for covered care. Above that, you pay part of the cost.
Some clinic fees are a little higher than what CDCP pays. Ask us your cost before treatment, and we'll walk you through it.
How often should you get your teeth cleaned?
Most people need a checkup and cleaning once or twice a year. Some people need more. It depends on your age and how healthy your teeth and gums are.
Your dentist or hygienist will tell you what's right for you. Already behind on cleanings? Don't wait for perfect timing. Apply for CDCP now, then book.
Why regular visits matter at every age...
Dental problems are common at every age, and many don't hurt at first. A checkup catches them while they're small, simple and cheaper to fix.
The good news: Canadians are keeping more of their teeth than 15 years ago. The worry: gum health is getting worse. Regular cleanings help with both.
How to avoid (or shorten) the coverage gap
Your gap started July 1. It ends when you're approved. Here's how to keep it short:
Apply this week. Every week you wait adds to the gap.
Don't ignore pain. Toothache, swelling or a broken tooth? Call us. We'll explain your options and costs.
Book cleanings for after your start date. Most routine visits can wait a few weeks.
Check your kids' options. Kids under 18 in lower-income families may qualify for Healthy Smiles Ontario. It's free.
Set a reminder for spring 2027. That's when you renew for next year. Renew on time = no gap.
Using your CDCP coverage in Guelph
Good news: Westwood Dental and Starwood Dental both accept CDCP. Bring your Sun Life member number. We'll check what's covered and send any approval requests to Sun Life for you.
More than a cleaning. We're a whole-body dental practice. That means we look at more than your teeth. Your mouth can show early signs of other health issues, like:
Snoring or breathing through the mouth at night
Jaw pain or tension
Red, puffy or bleeding gums
A tongue tie that affects how a child eats, talks or sleeps
If we see something, we'll explain it in plain words and talk through next steps, like myofunctional therapy. Ask us which services CDCP covers.
Been a while? Here's what to expect at your first visit. Bringing the kids? Meet our kids' dentistry team.
Got your CDCP approval? Let's get you booked. Westwood Dental, 530 Willow Road: 519-836-4650 · Contact Westwood Starwood Dental, 235 Starwood Drive: 519-766-1000 · Contact Starwood
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I missed the CDCP renewal deadline? Your coverage ended on June 30, 2026. You can reapply as a new applicant for the 2026–27 benefit year online or by calling 1-833-537-4342. Your coverage restarts once your new application is approved.
Is CDCP coverage retroactive? No. Dental care you receive between the end of your old coverage and the approval of your new application is not covered or reimbursed. Apply as soon as possible to keep the gap short.
What is the income limit for CDCP? Your adjusted family net income must be under $90,000. Below $70,000 there's no co-pay; from $70,000 to $89,999 you pay 40% or 60% of the CDCP rate.
Does CDCP cover braces or orthodontics? Not at this time. CDCP covers checkups, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, root canals, gum treatment, crowns, dentures, oral surgery and sedation. Some of these need preauthorization.
How often should I get my teeth cleaned? Most people need a checkup and cleaning once or twice a year. Kids usually go every 6 months, starting by age 1. People with gum disease may need a cleaning every 3 to 4 months. Your dentist will set the right schedule for you.
Can I get CDCP if I have dental insurance through work? Generally no. You must not have access to private dental insurance, whether through an employer, pension, school or a personal plan. Some retirees who lost their plan access may still qualify.
Does Westwood Dental accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan? Yes. Westwood Dental (530 Willow Road) and Starwood Dental (235 Starwood Drive) in Guelph both accept CDCP. Call 519-836-4650 or 519-766-1000 to book once your coverage starts.
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