As Australia’s local Dentist, Pacific Smiles Dental has over 110 centres to allow convenient access to the dental services you need.
Published on August 1, 2025.
Last reviewed on October 8, 2025
by Pacific Smiles Dental.
The rise in the cost of living is real for every Australian family, so any sweetener to reduce general costs of raising a family is welcome.
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) provides eligible children up to $1,132 in free dental* benefits for a range of bulk billed dental services.
These dental treatments could include:
- General dental check-up
- X-rays
- Cleaning
- Fissure sealing
- Fillings
- Root canals
- Extractions
In a recent ABC online article Australian Dental Association (ADA) president Chris Sanzaro said that around two in three families who were eligible for the free treatment have not used it. If you think that your family might be eligible, then you should definitely find out more information about the CDBS program and then make a booking at your local Pacific Smiles Dental centre.
What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?
The CDBS is a government-funded program that provides financial support for basic dental services to eligible children under 18 years old.
Providing up to $1,132 in free dental*, the CDBS includes preventative check-ups and a range of other basic dental services.
However, it does not cover orthodontics, cosmetic dental work, or services provided in hospitals.
Check with your dentist if there are any item or time restrictions.
What can you claim?
You can claim up to $1,132* for each child over two consecutive calendar years.
The two-year period starts at the beginning of the calendar year in which your child both:
- becomes eligible
- has their first dental visit
How do I check if my child/children are eligible for CDBS?
A child is eligible if they are:
- eligible for Medicare, and
- aged 0-17 years at any point in the calendar year, and
- receive a relevant Australian government payment, such as Family Tax Benefit Part A, at any point in the calendar year.
The CDBS continues to be means tested, which means that for your family to be eligible, they must be under 18 years old and be eligible for Medicare.
You can check a child’s eligibility online through Health Professional Online Services or by calling Services Australia on 132 150 (call charges may apply).
WATCH | Child Dental Benefits Schedule
How does the two-year CDBS benefit cap work?
The amount of dental benefits available to an eligible patient is capped for each child over two consecutive calendar years. This maximum amount of dental benefits is known as the benefit cap and the two consecutive calendar years is known as the relevant two-year period. That might sound a bit confusing, look at this way:
Eligible families will get a set amount of money for dental care over two years for each eligible child aged up to 17.
Think of it like getting a $1,132 gift card (for example) that you can use for dental visits over a two -year period.
How it works:
You can spend all of it in the first year if you need to OR you can spread it out between year one and year two. Whatever you don’t use in year one carries over to year two. But the child has to still qualify for the benefit in year two to use what’s left.
Example:
If your benefit cap is $1,132 for two years:
- You could use $600 in year one, then have $532 left for year two
- Or use the full $1,132 in year one if needed
- Or use $332 in year one, and have $800 available for year two
The key point: It’s a total amount for two years combined, not per year. You’re free to use it however you need within those two years, depending on what your child’s teeth need!
If you have Private health extras, you can still access the CDBS
If you have Private health extras, you can still access the CDBS if you meet the above criteria. At your child’s appointment, simply let the receptionist know that you would like to use your CDBS benefits instead of your health fund to claim.
Before booking your appointment
When you book your appointment at Pacific Smiles, let the receptionist know that you want to use the CDBS. They will be able to check your eligibility and balance limit. This will tell you what benefit amount you can get at your next appointment.
If your Medicare online account is linked to myGov, you can also check your CDBS balance online.
To do this:
Sign in to myGov.
Select History and statements, then Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
At your appointment
At your child’s dental appointment, ask about:
- what each service will cost
- if CDBS will cover the services.
Your dentist should check your child’s available benefit amount at the appointment prior to beginning treatment.
If your child is due for a check-up, confirm their eligibility and book online today. They may be eligible to receive $1,132 in free dental services*.
Look after your kids’ dental health today – they’ll thank you for it later.
*Free when services covered by the Commonwealth Government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule are bulk billed by participating Practitioners for treatments provided to eligible patients.
* https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-dental-benefits-schedule
