Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
*$1,095 worth of dental care for eligible children
Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
*$1095 worth of dental care for eligible children
CDBS: How to Access Free Dental Treatment for Your Child
The Australian Government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) program provides eligible children with access to basic dental services. It was established to help families who may face financial difficulties getting dental care for their children.
If your child qualifies and has not used up their benefits, Simply Teeth can offer dental treatment without any out-of-pocket expenses.
Who is eligible for the CDBS?
- Age: The child must be 0 to 17 years old at any point in the calendar year in which they are receiving dental services.
- Medicare: The child must be eligible for Medicare, which means they must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident or have applied for a permanent visa.
- Government benefits: Children who receive certain Australian Government payments such as Family Tax Benefit Part A (FTB-A), Youth Allowance, and other select payments, are automatically eligible for the CDBS.
Parents or guardians can find out if their child is eligible by visiting the Health Professional Online Services (HPOS) website or calling Services Australia on 132 150 (call charges may apply). HPOS is an online service for health professionals that allows them to manage their Medicare and CDBS claims, including checking a child’s eligibility.
It’s important to note that eligibility for the CDBS is assessed annually. Therefore, even if a child was eligible in a previous calendar year, they will need to be reassessed to determine if they are still eligible. If they are confirmed as eligible, they will receive a notification by post or electronically through MyGov. This notification can be presented to the dental practice at the time of the child’s appointment.
What dental services are covered?
- Examinations
- X-rays
- Teeth cleaning
- Fissure sealing
- Dental fillings
- Root canals
- Tooth extractions
It is important to note that orthodontic and cosmetic dental treatments are not covered by the CDBS. Additionally, services provided in a hospital setting are also not eligible for benefits under the program.
How much is covered?
The CDBS provides a maximum benefit amount of up to $1,095 for each eligible child over two consecutive calendar years. The two-year period starts at the beginning of the calendar year in which the child becomes eligible and receives their first dental service.
In the first year of eligibility, the full amount of up to $1,095 can be used. If the full amount is not used in the first year, the remaining balance can be used in the second year if the child remains eligible.
However, if the full benefit amount is not used within the two-year period, any remaining funds cannot be used. Further benefits will be counted toward a new two-year cover period. In addition, once the child is no longer eligible for the program any remaining funds cannot be used.
How to access dental services through CDBS?
- $1,095 for year one of the two-year period if 2024 is the applicable year.
The cap amount is adjusted annually on January 1st and only applies to a child or teenager’s first eligible service in that year.
Before your dental appointment, inform the dental office that you intend to use the CDBS. You should also confirm your remaining CDBS balance so you know the benefit amount you can receive. You can check this by phoning Medicare or accessing your Medicare online account.
Want to learn more?
Get all the details on the government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule info page:
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-dental-benefits-schedule
