How to Renew Your Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Coverage for 2025-2026

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a valuable program designed to make oral health care more accessible for eligible Canadians. At Bow River Dental Centre, we work with Canadian Dental Care Plan patients to ensure they receive the care they need without financial barriers.

As the program moves into its next phase, current members should be aware that coverage must be renewed each year to maintain eligibility. This blog outlines everything you need to know about renewing your CDCP coverage for the upcoming 2025-2026 benefit period.

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When to Renew

Renewal for Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage begins in March 2025, after you’ve filed your 2024 tax return and received your Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency. If you’ve only recently applied using your 2023 assessment, you must wait at least one business day before submitting a renewal.

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Renewal Process

Renewing your coverage is straightforward and can be done through one of the following methods:

• Online Renewal Tool: Available on the Government of Canada website for all Canadian Dental Care Plan participants.
• My Service Canada Account (MSCA): If you’re already registered, you can log in and renew directly from your account dashboard.
• Automated Phone Service: Call 1-833-537-4342 and follow the prompts. TTY users can call 1-833-677-6262.

If you are unable to renew online or by phone, you may also request assistance from Service Canada.

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Required Information

To complete your renewal, ensure you have the following details:

• Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Canadian Dental Care Plan client number
• Mailing and home address
• Marital status (if applicable)
• Contact details (phone and email)
• List of any dental coverage through other government programs
• 2024 tax return and Notice of Assessment for yourself and your spouse or partner, if applicable

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Important Deadline

The renewal deadline is June 1, 2025. Failing to renew before this date can result in a gap in your dental coverage, meaning any dental care received during this period would not be reimbursed or covered retroactively. If you are still eligible, your coverage can be reinstated after the deadline, but only from that point forward.

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After You Renew

Once your renewal is submitted and reviewed, you will receive a determination letter. This letter will confirm your eligibility and outline any changes to your co-payment level based on your 2024 income. If there are updates, it’s important to bring this letter with you to your next dental appointment to avoid unexpected charges.

If your coverage is renewed, you can continue using your existing Canadian Dental Care Plan card—a new card will not be issued.

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Supporting Patients at Bow River Dental Centre Cochrane

As a dental clinic serving Cochrane and surrounding communities, Bow River Dental Centre is proud to support Canadian Dental Care Plan patients. We follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide and accept all major dental coverage plans, including the CDCP. Our goal is to ensure that every eligible patient understands their coverage and feels confident accessing the dental care they need.

If you have any questions about your CDCP coverage, renewal process, or how to use your benefits at our clinic, please don’t hesitate to contact our team. We’re here to help.

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