orthodontics

Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS)

Stop Worrying About Dental Costs

As parents, we know that one of the things you prioritise is your child’s wellness, which does not exempt dental care. We also understand that child dental can be costly and make you worry. But fret not, because at Dentist Near Me Merrylands, we extend our help with our Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS). 

Through this scheme, your little one can still receive the quality dental care they deserve at our clinic without having to compromise its price tag. 

What is the Child Benefit Dental Scheme (CDBS)? 

The Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS) is a program funded by the Australian Government that provides up to $1,158 over two calendar years for basic dental services for eligible children aged 2-17 years. This means your child can receive essential dental treatments without financial stress. And with our help, you are assured that everything will be easier.

girl in dentist chair showing proper tooth-brushing using dental jaw model and big toothbrush
girl with a dentist

How Does the Child Dental Benefits Scheme Work?

The Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS) was put in place to provide free dental care to all children in the Western Sydney Area. For children who are qualified for its benefits, they can enjoy these benefits: 

  1. Free dental screening for ALL children at our clinic.
  2. Children eligible for CDBS will have treatment done under Medicare and have no out-of-pocket expenses at our clinic.
  3. Children who are not eligible for CDBS will be given alternative treatment plans to still be able to give them the care they need.

Child Benefits Scheme Eligibility

You don’t have to apply or register to receive a CDBS. If your child is eligible for the benefit, the government will send you a letter informing you of their eligibility. 

Your child can get CDBS when all of the following applies: 

  • they’re eligible for Medicare.
  • they’re between 0 and 17 years old for at least one day that calendar year.
  • you or they get an eligible payment at least once that calendar year. 

 

You can be either the child’s: 

  • parent, carer or guardian 
  • approved care organisation
Ortodontist brushing artificial jaw

What Treatments Can Be Done with CDBS?

  1. Full comprehensive exam, X-rays and a Clean.
  2. Fluoride treatment to strengthen all teeth and reduce the risk of decay.
  3. A parental and child education about how to brush properly, information on teeth progression, orthodontics potential requirements, and other information that parents are concerned about.
  4. Any required dental treatments, including fillings, nerve and root canal treatments, extractions, crowns, or any other treatment required are covered under CDBS scheme with no out-of-pocket expense. (CDBS ELIGIBLE CHILDREN ONLY) 

 

For more information about CDBS, read more from the Australian Government site.

Our Commitment to Your Child’s Oral Health

At Dentist Near Me Merrylands, our greatest hope is to help every child in our community achieve better oral health. We believe that establishing good oral habits early in life leads to lifelong benefits and can truly change a child’s future. We encourage you to take advantage of the Child Dental Benefits Scheme to support the kids in our community.  

Payment Plans 

We understand that every family’s situation is different. That’s why, aside from the Child Dental Benefits Scheme, we offer various payment plans to suit your needs. We accept Supercare, ZipPay, AfterPay, Smile Right, and HUMM.

Front view of cheerful smiling African female dentist looking at camera, and little red haired girl patient, sitting in dentist chair, showing thumbs up. Concept of teeth health, oral care

Preparing for Your Child’s Future

At Dentist Near Me Merrylands, we’re dedicated to ensuring your child’s dental health. If you have any questions about the Child Dental Benefits Scheme or need assistance with the process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to provide your child with the best dental care in a supportive and caring environment.

If you’d like help understanding how the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) works or just looking for a dental clinic in Merrylands that accepts CDBS, our team at Dentist Near Me Merrylands is here to help and guide you through the process. We support families from Auburn, Lidcombe, Prospect, Fairfield, Girraween, Granville, Guildford, Parramatta, Smithfield, North Rocks, Pendle Hill, Chester Hill, Winston Hills, Baulkham Hills, Wetherill Park, Merrylands West, Constitution Hill, and across Greater Western Sydney with children’s dental care and CDBS-related questions. Book an appointment today to discuss your child’s dental needs and get clear information about using the Child Dental Benefits Scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?

The CDBS is a government program that provides eligible children aged 0 to 17 years with access to basic dental services, funded by Medicare. It covers up to $1,158 over two calendar years.

A child is eligible if they:

  • Are aged 0 to 17 years for at least one day in the calendar year
  • Are eligible for Medicare
  • Receive (or their parent/carer receives) a relevant government payment, such as Family Tax Benefit Part A

CDBS covers a range of preventive and restorative treatments, including:

  • Dental check-ups
  • Cleans and fluoride treatments
  • X-rays
  • Fissure sealants
  • Fillings
  • Extractions
  • Root canal treatment

 

Note: It does not cover orthodontics, cosmetic work, or hospital treatment.

For a child whose current two-calendar-year CDBS period starts in 2026, the benefit cap is up to $1,158 across that two-year period, subject to the child remaining eligible and the services being covered by the scheme. The available balance can be lower if benefits have already been used. Because the cap is indexed and eligibility rules can change, families should check their current CDBS eligibility and balance through Services Australia before relying on an older figure shown online. The clinic can explain which proposed dental items are covered before treatment begins.

Yes. The two-year period starts from the first dental service claimed under CDBS, not from when your child became eligible. A new two-year cycle can begin once the previous period ends.

You can check eligibility by:

  • Logging into your MyGov account linked to Medicare
  • Calling Medicare
  • Asking your dental clinic to check on your behalf (with your consent)

If your dental clinic bulk bills CDBS, there are no out-of-pocket costs. Always confirm with your clinic whether they bulk bill under the program before treatment begins.

Not all dental clinics participate in the CDBS. It’s important to confirm in advance whether your chosen clinic accepts CDBS and whether they bulk bill.

If your child’s dental treatment exceeds the available balance, you will need to pay the difference out-of-pocket. Your dentist should give you a treatment plan and cost estimate before proceeding.

Yes, eligible emergency treatments like extractions or fillings due to dental pain or injury can be covered, as long as they fall within the services listed and the funding cap hasn’t been reached.

Affordable Dental Care

We know how daunting dental costs can feel, but we’re here to make it easier for you. Together, we’ll find a payment plan that suits your budget. We accept Supercare, ZipPay, Afterpay, Smile Right, and HUMM.

Red and inflamed gums showing common signs of gum disease

Signs of Gum Disease You Should Not Ignore

Read More

Patient having a routine dental check-up with a dentist

How Often Should You Get a Dental Check-Up? (And What Happens If You Skip One)

Read More

Woman experiencing teeth sensitivity in cold winter weather

Why Your Teeth Feel More Sensitive in Cold Weather

Read More

The Road to a Straighter Smile

Eat and smile with confidence again. If crooked teeth have been bothering you, braces might be worth considering. Have a chat with the team at Dentist Near Me Merrylands, where we can look at how straightening your teeth could make everyday things feel easier. Let’s help you get back to enjoying your meals and your smile.

Compare
Treatment Prices

with No Hidden Fees

Get transparent treatment costs with a 10% price beat guarantee (Sydney) from Dentist Near Me Merrylands.

Experience warranties up to 10 years on selected treatments.

Compare
Treatment Prices

Get transparent treatment costs with a 10% price beat guarantee (Sydney) from Dentist Near Me Merrylands.

Experience warranties up to 10 years on selected treatments.