The Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has been a game-changer for families across Ontario. It has helped many of our neighbors right here in Peterborough access the dental treatments they deserve. However, participation in this program isn’t a one-time event. To keep your coverage active and avoid paying out-of-pocket, you must go through the annual CDCP renewal process.
At Kawartha Dental Clinic, we want to ensure our patients never face a gap in their oral health care. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to do to keep your benefits secured for the upcoming year.
Why Is Your CDCP Renewal Mandatory?
The CDCP operates on an annual benefit cycle. This means your eligibility is reassessed every year to confirm that your financial and insurance status still meet the federal requirements.
If you fail to complete the renewal during the designated window, your current coverage will officially expire on June 30, 2026. Starting July 1, you would be responsible for the full cost of any dental services. Taking a few minutes to renew now ensures that your visits to Kawartha Dental Clinic remain affordable and stress-free.
To understand what CDCP is and how it works, you can refer to our blog post: What is CDCP and what dental services does it cover?
The 2026–2027 CDCP Requirements
To qualify for the next benefit year, Peterborough residents must reconfirm four primary criteria:
- Access to Insurance: You must not have access to any form of private dental insurance (via work, a pension plan, or a professional organization).
- Tax Compliance: You and your partner must have successfully filed your 2025 Canadian tax returns.
- Income Threshold: Your adjusted family net income must remain below $90,000.
- Residency: You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
Note: If you are currently covered by an Ontario provincial social program, you can still be eligible for the CDCP. Our office can help explain how these programs coordinate to cover your care.
Step-by-Step CDCP Renewal Instructions
The window for the 2026–2027 benefit year is currently open. Follow these steps to maintain your standing:
- Step 1: Verify Your Taxes: Ensure your 2025 taxes are filed, as Service Canada verifies your income directly through the CRA.
- Step 2: Collect Your IDs: Have your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and your unique CDCP member ID ready.
- Step 3: Choose Your Method:
- The Digital Route: Log in to your My Service Canada Account (MSCA) for the fastest processing.
- The Phone Route: Call the dedicated Service Canada line at 1-833-537-4342.
- Step 4: Watch Your Mail: Service Canada will send a determination letter confirming your new co-payment level and coverage dates.
Essential Dates for Peterborough Patients
Mark these deadlines on your calendar to ensure a seamless transition:
- April 15, 2026: Renewal applications officially opened.
- June 1, 2026: The hard deadline to submit your renewal.
- June 30, 2026: The date your current coverage ends if you haven’t renewed.
- July 1, 2026: The start of the new benefit year.
Missed the deadline? If you miss the June 1st cutoff, you cannot simply renew. You will have to start the application process from scratch as a new applicant beginning June 2. This often results in a period where you have no coverage at all, and the CDCP will not retroactively pay for treatments received during that gap.
Using Your Benefits at Kawartha Dental Clinic
Kawartha Dental Clinic is proud to work as a Peterborough dental clinic accepting CDCP. We offer everything, from routine cleanings to restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, and advanced sedation dentistry for those who feel anxious about dental work.
When your renewal is confirmed, pay close attention to your co-payment percentage. Because the government checks your income annually, your share of the cost might change. Whether your coverage is 100%, 60%, or 40%, we are committed to providing transparent pricing and helping you maximize your benefits.
Conclusion
The CDCP is a vital resource for keeping Peterborough healthy, but it requires active management. By completing your renewal between April 15 and June 1, you protect yourself from unexpected costs and ensure your dental health remains on track.
At Kawartha Dental Clinic, we are here to support our patients through every step of their dental journey. Contact us today to book an appointment or to learn more about using your renewed benefits at our Reid Street office.
FAQ
Can I renew my CDCP if my income changed last year?
Your co-payment (the portion you pay out-of-pocket) is based on your 2025 tax return. If your income stayed under $70,000, your co-pay is likely 0%. If it’s between $70,000 and $90,000, you will likely have a 40% or 60% co-pay.
Does the CDCP cover specialized services like sedation or dentures?
Yes, but these often require pre-authorization. This means Kawartha Dental Clinic must submit a treatment plan to Sun Life for approval before the work begins. Services like crowns, partial dentures, and certain sedation methods fall into this category.
Can I use my CDCP card for my spouse or children?
No. Each family member is enrolled individually and has their own unique coverage details. Even if you apply as a family, every person must meet the eligibility requirements.
What happens to my CDCP renewal if I miss the June 1st deadline?
If you do not complete your renewal by June 1, 2026, your benefits will officially expire on June 30. You cannot simply “reactivate” your old plan after this date. Instead, you will have to wait until June 2 to submit a brand-new application. This creates a coverage gap where you will be responsible for 100% of your dental costs until your new application is approved.
Can I renew CDCP before I file my 2025 taxes?
No. Filing your 2025 income tax return is a prerequisite for renewal. Service Canada uses your tax data to verify that your family income is still under the $90,000 threshold. It is best to file your taxes as early as possible so that your information is updated in the system before the June 1 renewal deadline.