The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a Medicare program that provides eligible children with access to benefits for basic dental services.
Eligible children may receive up to $1,000 in benefits over two consecutive calendar years. The two-year period begins when the child first receives an eligible service under the scheme.
Who is eligible?
The CDBS applies to children aged 2 to 17 years who:
- Are eligible for Medicare, and
- Receive, or are part of a family receiving, certain government benefits.
These may include:
- Family Tax Benefit Part A
- Carer Payment
- Disability Support Pension
- Parenting Payment
- Special Benefit
- Youth Allowance
- Veterans’ Children Education Scheme (for eligible children aged 16 or older)
- Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (for eligible children aged 16 or older)
Eligibility is assessed by Services Australia. Families must meet the eligibility criteria for at least one day during the calendar year.
Unused benefits from the first year may carry over into the second year of the benefit period.
What Services are Covered?
CDBS covers dental services including examinations, routine cleaning, repairing cracked teeth, fillings and The CDBS covers a range of basic dental services, including:
- Examinations
- X-rays
- Cleaning
- Fissure sealants
- Fillings
- Root canal treatment
- Extractions
- Partial dentures
The scheme does not cover orthodontic treatment, cosmetic dental procedures, or hospital-based dental services.
Fees and Eligibility
Where eligible services are provided within the available CDBS balance, there may be no out-of-pocket expense. However, this depends on the individual child’s remaining benefit balance and the services provided.
Our team can assist you in checking eligibility and available balance prior to treatment.
For further information about the CDBS, please contact our practice or visit the Services Australia website.