Dental care is one of the few health services in Australia which is not covered by Medicare. To combat this, the government introduced the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). This allows parents with eligible children between the ages of 0 and 17 years to claim basic dental services. The CDBS covers up to $1,095 over a two-year period through Medicare.
What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a dental benefits program organised through Medicare. Children can get payments if they are 0 to 17 years old for at least 1 day of the calendar year and eligible for Medicare.
The CDBS provides children with $1,095 in benefits for basic dental services over a two-year period. This period starts at the beginning of the calendar year (January 1st). Your benefits won’t roll over into the next period which means whatever is not used in the two years cannot be used in the next 2-year period.
Who can receive benefits of the CDBS?
A child’s parent, carer, or guardian can receive the CDBS benefits if they have received one of the following eligible payments for at least 1 day of the calendar year:
A child can receive the benefits if they have received one of the following eligible payments for at least 1 day of the calendar year:
- Family Tax Benefit Part A
- Carer Payment
- Disability Support Pension
- Parenting Payment
- Special Benefit
- Youth Allowance
- Help under the Veterans’ Children Education Scheme (VCES) if the child is 16 or older
- Help under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme if the child is 16 or older
You can find out more about how to receive these payments on the Australian Government Department of Human Services website in the Child Dental Benefits Schedule section.
However, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule cannot be used in conjunction with a private health insurance claim. You will have to decide whether to use one or the other.
Which dental treatments are covered by the CDBS?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule covers a range of basic dental services including:
- Examinations
- X-rays
- Cleaning
- Fissure sealing
- Fillings
- Root canals
- Extractions
This coverage includes your child’s 6 monthly preventative check-up and clean appointments. Learn more about why regular dental visits are important in our blog post.
Please keep in mind there are some restrictions for basic dental services. Together with one of our dentists or front desk team members, you can check if there is any item or time restriction for your child’s treatment.
The CDBS does not cover any cosmetic treatment such as veneers, orthodontic treatment (Invisalign or SmileStyler) or any dental services your child receives in hospital.
Using CBDS at Coastal Dental Care
You can use your Child Dental Benefits Schedule benefits at our Coastal Dental Care practices. All practices offer this service bulk billed.
Just let our front desk team know when you come in for your appointment that you would like to use the CDBS for your child. Discuss the costs and restrictions of the dental items required for your child with our dentists. Once you have given consent, we will begin the treatment.
If the treatment is fully covered by the CDBS, we will bulk bill it and you won’t have to pay anything. The treatment amount will then be deducted from your CDBS balance.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team. Alternatively, you can book your consultation appointment online 24/7.
