Looking after little smiles, while they're still growing.
Childhood is when habits, jaws and confidence all quietly take shape — and when a calm, familiar dentist makes the most difference. For eligible children under 18, Medicare's Child Dental Benefits Schedule covers their everyday dental care, and we bulk-bill it. We'll check eligibility for you, and talk you both through every step.
For covered services and eligible children there's no out-of-pocket cost, subject to Medicare eligibility and program terms.
The early years are the easy years to look after.
When children grow up seeing the dentist as somewhere calm and ordinary, check-ups stay simple. Small things get noticed early, while their teeth and jaw are still finding their shape — and the visits never have to become a big deal.
It's also one of the few parts of family health that, for many households, is fully covered. So the only real question is making the time.
When did a check-up last feel calm — for your child, and for you?
If the honest answer is “not for a while,” that's exactly what these appointments are built to change. No lectures, no rush — just a friendly visit that helps the next one feel easier than the last.
The everyday care that keeps small smiles on track.
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a Medicare program that covers basic dental for eligible children. Here's the kind of care it's designed for.
01Check-ups
Regular examinations to keep an eye on how everything is growing and developing.
02Cleans & fluoride
Professional cleaning and fluoride to help protect young teeth.
03X-rays
Where needed, to see what a look in the mirror can't.
04Fillings
Gentle treatment for small cavities before they grow into bigger ones.
05Extractions
When a tooth genuinely needs to come out, handled calmly and carefully.
06Root canal & more
Other basic services are also covered — we'll confirm what suits your child.
CDBS is for general and preventive care — it doesn't cover orthodontics (like braces or Invisalign), cosmetic work, or treatment in hospital. If your child needs something outside the scheme, we'll explain the options first. You can read the full program detail at Services Australia.
Is your child eligible?
It comes down to three things — and if you're not sure, you don't have to work it out alone.
Who qualifies
- Aged 0–17 for at least one day of the calendar year.
- Eligible for Medicare.
- The family receives a qualifying government payment for at least part of the year — most commonly Family Tax Benefit Part A.
How to check
- Sign in to your Medicare online account through myGov, or the Express Plus Medicare app.
- You'll see whether your child is eligible and how much benefit is still available.
- Prefer not to? Tell us when you book and we'll check it for you — no paperwork stress.
Your child's first visit, step by step.
Knowing what's coming takes the worry out of it — for them, and for you. Here's how a first appointment usually goes.
Before you come in
Talk about it lightly at home — “we're going to count your teeth” works better than a big build-up. Bring a favourite toy if it helps. Morning appointments often suit younger children best, when everyone's fresh.
When you arrive
There's a quick Medicare consent form to sign — it's a standard part of bulk-billing under the scheme, and reception will hand it to you and explain it. Then your child can settle in; there's a small play area while you wait.
In the chair
We keep it friendly and unhurried — a gentle look around, a count of the teeth, a clean if they're comfortable, and plenty of explaining-as-we-go. Around 30 to 45 minutes, usually one visit, and most children leave a little prouder than they arrived.
Before you leave
We'll let you know how everything looks and when to come back. If anything needs attention, we'll always talk you through it — including any cost — before doing a thing.
If you've been meaning to book for a while.
It's an easy one to let slide — everyone's busy, and nothing feels urgent until it does. But picture next year's check-up: is it the same quiet worry in the waiting room, or a child who already knows the routine and barely thinks twice? The early visits are what make the later ones easy.
This is for you if…
Your child is due (or overdue) for a check-up, you'd rather start gently than wait for a problem, and you'd like to know whether Medicare covers it. First visits are genuinely welcome here.
It's probably not for you if…
You're after braces, Invisalign or cosmetic work — those sit outside what CDBS covers. That's fine; just call and we'll point you to the right service instead.
Covered by Medicare, bulk-billed by us.
per eligible child, across two calendar years, for children starting a new benefit period in 2026.
That's the Medicare benefit a family can use for basic dental under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. We bulk-bill it directly — so for covered services, eligible families have nothing to pay at the visit. If a treatment falls outside the scheme, or the benefit has been used up, we'll always explain any cost before we begin. No surprises.
Figure is indicative only — set by Medicare, indexed each January, and dependent on your child's eligibility and remaining balance. We'll confirm the current amount for you. Subject to program terms.
Bulk-billed children's dental, at all three clinics.
Surrounded by local schools and families across Melbourne's west, we see children of every age, every day. Choose the clinic that's easiest for you.
Caroline Springs
Caroline Springs, Burnside, Taylors Hill
Point Cook
Point Cook, Williams Landing, Sanctuary Lakes
Bacchus Marsh
Bacchus Marsh, Maddingley, Darley
The things parents usually ask.
Is it really free?
How do I know if my child is eligible?
What should I bring to the first visit?
How long does an appointment take?
What if my child is nervous about the dentist?
Does CDBS cover braces?
Ready when you are.
Book your child's visit online, or call and we'll check eligibility and find a time that suits. No pressure — just a gentle first step.