The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) covers some, or the total, cost of certain essential dental services for eligible children. These eligible children need to be aged between two and 17 years old to receive the CDBS.

The Australian Government introduced the CDBS in January 2014 to help improve children’s dental health. The scheme, which Medicare runs, applies to essential preventative and restorative treatments up to a value of $1,026 over two consecutive calendar years.

What type of treatments does the Child Dental Benefits Schedule cover?

The treatments covered by the CDBS aid in the prevention of dental diseases or, wherever possible, will restore damaged teeth due to infection or trauma.

Preventative treatments covered by CDBS include:

• regular dental examinations
• cleanings
• x-rays
• fissure sealants
• fillings
• root canals
• tooth extraction.

At 1300SMILES Dentists we will work with you and your child to devise a suitable preventative dental treatment plan within the scope of the CDBS.

What doesn’t the Child Dental Benefits Schedule cover?

The CDBS doesn’t cover:

• orthodontic care (options that straighten your child’s teeth)
• cosmetic dental procedures (like replacing missing teeth)
• work that needs to be completed in the hospital.

However, be sure to check with our team to see if your child’s procedure is covered when booking your appointment.

How do I know if my child is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule through Medicare?

Your child could be eligible for the CDBS if:

• they’re between two and 17 years old
• they’re eligible for Medicare
• your family receives Family Tax Benefit Part A or a relevant government payment.

Keep in mind that Medicare assesses your child’s eligibility at the beginning of each calendar year. So, if your child meets the requirements for at least one day during that calendar year (i.e. your child turns two that year), you can receive payment for that whole year.

The easiest way to find out if your child qualifies for the CDBS is to contact our team on 1300 764 537 or complete the form further below. Our friendly team will check your eligibility and balance available.

You can also access this information on your Medicare account, either online at my.gov.au, or you can call the Medicare General Enquiries line on 132 011.

Do I need to apply for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

No, you don’t need to register your child for the CDBS. If your child is eligible, you’ll receive a letter.

How can I use the $1,026 benefit over the two years?

Once your child is eligible for the CDBS, you’ll be able to use the benefit from the beginning of the first calendar year. Take a look at different ways you could spend the benefit:

Spend the benefit in the first calendar year

You may choose to use the entire amount in this first year. If so, you won’t have any funds to use in the next year.

Spread out the benefit over the two consecutive calendar years

Or, you may only spend a portion of the $1,026 in the first year, leaving some to use for the following calendar year. Keep in mind that if your child isn’t eligible in that second calendar year, you won’t be able to use these remaining funds.

What if I don’t use the entire amount over the two years?

The funds will expire if you don’t use the entire $1,026 in the two-year calendar period. As such, you’ll need to wait for a new two-year cover period to begin. This new period starts when your child is eligible again.

How can I check how much is left to claim with the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

There are three ways to check your child’s balance. You can:

1. Complete the CDBS form below, and one of our team members will come back to you to let you know your eligibility or balance remaining.
2. Call our team on 1300 764 537, and we can check your child’s remaining balance or eligibility.
3. Access this information on your Medicare account, either online at my.gov.au, or you can call the Medicare General Enquiries line on 132 011.

How do I claim services covered by the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

After your child’s appointment, you can claim directly with us at the practice. We will need to have the child’s Medicare card details on file as well as a completed consent form which can be done in practice. If you have funds available we can bill the services straight to Medicare after the appointment!

What if my child requires dental work that the Child Dental Benefits Schedule doesn’t cover?

At 1300SMILES Dentists, we are proud to offer our patients a variety of flexible payment options including Afterpay, Humm and Zip.

Do you have an extras health insurance policy that covers your child? If so, you may be able to claim some of your treatment on your policy. However, check with your insurer before booking your appointment to be sure of your child’s cover.

Remember: You can’t claim from both the CDBS and your insurance policy for the same dental service.

How do I make an appointment for my child?

Book online to see a friendly 1300SMILES Dentists practice near you, or speak to a member of our team by calling 1300 764 537. Our dentists have provided affordable, gentle care to patients for over 30 years. Find out what sets us apart today!