Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 Canadian Dental Care Plan benefit period, giving eligible Canadian residents another opportunity to seek help with the cost of oral health care.
The federal government updated its official CDCP information on September 22, 2026, and its application page confirms that new applications are open for the current benefit period.
The benefit period runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
People who had CDCP coverage during the previous period but did not renew by the June 1, 2026, deadline can still submit a new application, but the government warns that coverage will not continue without interruption.
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What the Canadian Dental Care Plan update means
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is intended for residents who do not have access to private dental insurance and whose adjusted family net income is below $90,000.
Applicants must meet all four federal eligibility requirements:
- They must not have access to private dental insurance or dental coverage through an employer, pension, professional organization, student organization or family member.
- They and their spouse or common-law partner, if applicable, must have filed a Canadian tax return for the previous year.
- Their adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000.
- They must be Canadian residents for tax purposes.
Government dental programs do not automatically prevent someone from qualifying.
The federal government says provincial, territorial or federal social-program coverage may coordinate with the CDCP when a person meets the plan’s requirements.
People who missed renewal can re-apply
The renewal window for the 2026–2027 period is closed.
The government says it ended on June 1, 2026.
Former CDCP members who missed that deadline may submit a new application instead of renewing.
However, dental services received during the gap before the new application is approved will not be covered or reimbursed retroactively.
That means applicants should check their coverage status before booking care and should not assume that a previous CDCP member card proves that current coverage is active.
How to apply for CDCP coverage
Applicants can apply online through My Service Canada Account, through the government’s online application route or by telephone.
- Sign in to or create a My Service Canada Account.
- Open the Canadian Dental Care Plan section on the account dashboard.
- Select the option to apply for CDCP coverage and follow the instructions.
People who cannot use the online services can call Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342.
The TTY number is 1-833-677-6262.
Applicants must provide information for themselves and any dependants, including a Social Insurance Number when available, date of birth, full name, home and mailing addresses and information about dental coverage through government social programs.
A spouse or common-law partner must submit a separate application to receive CDCP coverage.
Information about the spouse or partner is also used to confirm marital status, calculate adjusted family net income and check whether private dental coverage is available through that person.
How much the plan may cover
CDCP coverage is based on the plan’s established fees and the applicant’s adjusted family net income.
The plan may not cover the full amount charged by a dental provider, as outlined in its coverage and co-payment information.
| Adjusted family net income | CDCP share of established fees | Patient share of established fees |
|---|---|---|
| Below $70,000 | 100% | 0% |
| $70,000 to $79,999 | 60% | 40% |
| $80,000 to $89,999 | 40% | 60% |
Even people in the lowest income category may face additional charges if a provider’s fee is higher than the CDCP-established fee or if the patient agrees to treatment that the plan does not cover.
The government recommends confirming in advance that a provider accepts CDCP patients, bills Sun Life directly and explaining any costs that will remain the patient’s responsibility.
Services covered under the plan
The CDCP can help pay for a broad range of services, including examinations, X-rays, cleanings, fluoride applications, fillings, some root-canal procedures, gum treatment, dentures, oral surgery and certain sedation services.
Some treatments require preauthorization before the service is provided.
Orthodontic services are not currently available under the plan.
Only oral health providers are reimbursed for covered services.
Patients who pay the entire bill themselves should not expect the CDCP to reimburse them directly.
Applicants should watch for CDCP scams
There is no fee to apply for or renew CDCP coverage.
Service Canada warns applicants to be cautious about emails, text messages, phone calls, mail or online advertisements that request banking, credit-card or other sensitive personal information.
Official applications should be completed through Government of Canada services.
Applicants can check the status of their application or their dependants’ applications through the federal online status checker or by contacting Service Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can Canadians apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
Applications are open for the 2026–2027 benefit period, which runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
What happens if I missed the CDCP renewal deadline?
You can submit a new application, but coverage will have a gap until the application is approved. Dental care received during the gap will not be covered retroactively.
What income qualifies for the CDCP?
Your adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000, along with meeting the plan’s other eligibility conditions.
Can I apply for the CDCP by phone?
Yes. People who cannot apply online can call Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342. The TTY number is 1-833-677-6262.
Does the CDCP pay the entire dental bill?
Not necessarily. Coverage depends on income and the plan’s established fees, and patients may owe co-payments or additional charges.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, eligibility rules, application options, coverage-gap warnings and payment details were checked against current Government of Canada CDCP pages updated in September 2026. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html))
Disclaimer: CDCP eligibility and the amount a patient pays depend on individual circumstances, plan rules and the dental provider’s fees.