The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is an Australian Government program that helps eligible families pay for their children’s basic dental care. Parramatta Dentistry accepts the CDBS. This guide explains how it works in general terms. Because the details can change, always check the current rules with Services Australia.
Who may be eligible?
Eligibility is decided by Services Australia, not by your dentist. In general, the CDBS is for children and teenagers aged up to 17 who are eligible for Medicare and whose family receives certain government payments, such as Family Tax Benefit Part A, at some point during the year. Some young people who receive certain payments themselves may also be eligible.
If your child is eligible, Services Australia usually lets you know, but you can check yourself through your Medicare online account via myGov, the Express Plus Medicare app, or by calling Medicare.
How much does it cover?
Eligible children can receive benefits up to a capped amount over two consecutive calendar years. The cap is set by the government and is indexed from time to time. You can see your child’s remaining balance in your Medicare online account. Any unused amount at the end of the two-year period doesn’t roll over.
What’s covered
The CDBS covers a range of basic dental services, including:
- examinations
- x-rays
- cleaning, scaling and fluoride treatment
- fissure sealants
- fillings
- root canal treatment
- extractions
- partial dentures
There are limits on some individual items, so your dentist will let you know if a service isn’t covered or if it would exceed your child’s balance.
What’s not covered
- orthodontic treatment, such as braces or aligners
- cosmetic treatment
- dental services provided in hospital
- some other services outside the schedule
What to expect at your appointment
Before any treatment that will be claimed under the CDBS, your dentist must explain the proposed treatment and costs and get your agreement, including whether there will be any out-of-pocket cost. You’ll be asked to sign a consent form. Ask any questions you have at this point.
Can you use the CDBS and private health insurance together?
Generally you can’t claim the same service through both the CDBS and your private health fund. If your child is eligible for the CDBS and also covered by extras, ask our team how best to use your benefits.
Making the most of your child’s benefit
- Book regular check-ups. Six-monthly visits help find problems early, when they’re simpler to treat.
- Ask about fissure sealants. Sealants protect the deep grooves of back teeth, where decay often starts. See our article on fissure sealants for kids on our children’s dentistry page.
- Keep track of the two-year period so benefits don’t expire unused when your child needs care.
Gentle care for children
We take a gentle, unhurried approach with children, explaining each step in simple language and going at their pace. Check-ups, cleans and fissure seals are available for children at our Hunter Street practice, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm.
For the latest information on eligibility and benefits, visit the Services Australia website or call Medicare. Learn more about children’s dentistry at Parramatta Dentistry.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to apply for the CDBS?
Usually not. Services Australia assesses eligibility and generally sends a letter to eligible families. You can check eligibility and your child’s balance through your Medicare online account.
Is CDBS treatment bulk billed?
Some practices bulk bill CDBS services, while others charge a gap. Before treatment, your dentist must explain the costs and get your consent. Ask our team how fees work for your child.
What happens when the balance runs out?
Once the capped amount for the two-year period is used, further treatment isn’t covered by the CDBS until a new period starts, if your child is still eligible. Private health insurance or out-of-pocket payment may apply.
Does the CDBS cover braces?
No. Orthodontic treatment is not covered by the CDBS, nor is cosmetic treatment or dental treatment provided in hospital.
Can my teenager use the CDBS?
The CDBS can cover eligible young people up to the age of 17. Check eligibility with Services Australia.
Book at Parramatta Dentistry
Parramatta Dentistry is at Suite 25, Level 3, 27 Hunter Street, Parramatta, a short walk from Parramatta Station. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, and HICAPS is on site, so you can claim from your health fund on the day and pay only the gap, if there is one. Call (02) 8090 1109 or book online.
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personalised advice from your dentist.