Government Support for Kids' Dental
Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
Access Essential Dental Services
Medicare-Funded Dental Care Through CDBS
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a Medicare-funded government benefit that provides eligible children aged 0-17 with access to basic dental services. Eligibility is automatically determined by Medicare based on age, Medicare status, and receipt of qualifying government payments.
Supporting Access to Dental Care for Eligible Children
The CDBS provides up to $1,158 in dental benefits over two consecutive calendar years for eligible children. Magical Smiles Caroline Springs offers bulk-billing for CDBS services, meaning families may not need to pay out of pocket for covered treatments. The benefit covers basic dental services, including examinations, cleaning, fillings, and extractions. Eligibility is confirmed through Medicare, and families receive notification if their children qualify for the benefit. The cap amount is indexed annually on 1 January, and the two-year benefit period allows families to spread dental care across multiple appointments as clinically needed.
CDBS Features for Eligible Children
The CDBS covers essential dental services and supports families in accessing care for children who meet Medicare’s eligibility criteria. The benefit operates within a two-year calendar period.
- The CDBS provides up to $1,158 in benefits over two consecutive calendar years for covered dental services, and this cap amount is indexed annually on 1 January.
- Many participating dental clinics offer bulk-billing for CDBS services, which may reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs for eligible families at the time of treatment.
- The benefit includes a range of basic dental services, including examinations, X-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canal treatment, and extractions when clinically indicated.
How CDBS Works
The CDBS operates as a Medicare benefit that is automatically assessed each calendar year. Eligibility is determined by the Australian Government based on specific criteria related to age and government payments.
- Medicare automatically determines eligibility each calendar year, and families receive notification letters if their children qualify for the benefit.
- Families can check eligibility status and remaining benefit balance through their myGov account linked to Medicare or the Medicare online account.
- The two-year benefit period operates across consecutive calendar years, and unused benefits do not carry over to the next period.
- Most participating dental clinics offer bulk-billing for CDBS services, meaning the clinic claims the benefit amount directly from Medicare on behalf of families.
Child Dental Benefits Schedule Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for the CDBS is automatically determined by Medicare each calendar year based on specific criteria set by the Australian Government. Families receive notification letters from Medicare if their children are eligible for the benefit during that calendar year period.
- Children must be aged between 0 and 17 years at the time dental services are provided to qualify for CDBS benefits.
- Children must be eligible for Medicare at the time they receive dental services, and families should confirm that Medicare details are up to date.
- At least one parent or guardian must have received Family Tax Benefit Part A or a relevant Australian Government payment for at least one day during the calendar year.
- Children in residential aged care are not eligible for CDBS benefits, as they receive dental care through alternative government programmes designed for residential care settings.
Accessing Your Child's CDBS Benefits
For families with eligible children, accessing CDBS benefits involves confirming eligibility status through Medicare and attending dental appointments where clinically appropriate treatment can be discussed and planned. Treatment suitability is determined through clinical assessment, with CDBS availability supporting access to care.
- Check your child's eligibility status and remaining benefit balance through your myGov account linked to Medicare or the Medicare online account before booking appointments.
- Confirm that your chosen dental clinic participates in the CDBS programme and offers bulk-billing for covered services, as not all clinics participate in the scheme.
- Contact Magical Smiles Caroline Springs to book an appointment for your child's dental assessment, where the dentist will examine oral health needs and discuss clinically indicated treatment options.
- Bring your child's Medicare card to the appointment, as the clinic will need Medicare details to process the CDBS benefit claim directly with Medicare on your behalf.
What CDBS May Help Cover
The CDBS covers basic dental services that address oral health needs for eligible children aged 0-17 years. Covered services include preventive care, diagnostic procedures, and necessary treatments.
- Dental examinations and assessments
- X-rays
- Cleaning services
- Fissure sealing for cavity prevention
- Fillings for tooth decay
- Root canal treatment when clinically required
- Tooth extractions
Please take note that CDBS does not cover orthodontic treatment and cosmetic dental work.