Child Dental Benefits Schedule: Everything you need to know!

With the end of the school holidays quickly approaching, it’s a great time to book your child in for a dental check-up. Your child could be eligible for up to $1052 in free dental* with the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).

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 $1052 in free dental*, the CDBS includes preventative check-ups, X-rays, cleans, fillings, extractions, and a range of other basic dental services. Check with your dentist if there are any item or time restrictions.

What can you claim?

You can claim up to $1,052* for each child over 2 consecutive calendar years.

The 2-year period starts at the beginning of the calendar year in which your child both:

• becomes eligible
• has their first dental visit.

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. Your family must also be receiving a relevant Australian Government payment. Check your child’s eligibility here.

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, 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.

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 $1052 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.