As a parent, have you ever worried about the cost of your child’s dental treatment? This is very understandable given how easily dental treatments, and their subsequent costs, can pile up. Luckily, this is where the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) comes in. If you’re a parent wondering “what does child dental benefits cover?” or “how to use child dental benefits”, you’re not alone.
Good news: the CDBS helps eligible families access essential dental care for their children, at little or no cost. But what treatments are included? And how can you be sure your child qualifies?
By explaining the basic inclusions of CDBS, we hope to be able to help you get the care your child needs without the financial stress.
Let’s begin.
What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a government program that provides financial support for basic dental services for eligible children. If your child is between 0 and 17 years old, they may be able to access up to $1,095 over two years for dental care.
What does child dental benefits cover?
The CDBS covers a wide range of essential dental procedures—no cosmetic treatments, no extras. Just the basics your child needs for a healthy smile.
- Covered services include:
- Check-ups and examinations
- X-rays
- Cleaning
- Fillings
- Fissure sealing
- Tooth extractions
- Root canal treatments
It’s designed to support prevention and early treatment, helping your child avoid bigger dental problems down the road.
Who Can Use the CDBS?
Before booking an appointment, you may be asking yourself: Is my child eligible?
Child Dental Benefits Scheme Eligibility
To use the CDBS, your child must:
- Be aged 0 to 17 years for at least one day of the calendar year
- Qualify for Medicare
- Be part of a family receiving an eligible payment (like Family Tax Benefit Part A)
You don’t need to apply. Services Australia will usually send you a letter if your child is eligible.
Still unsure? You can always call Medicare, check online through your MyGov account, or ask your local dentist (like us at Dentist Near Me Merrylands) to help check eligibility for you.
Common Dental Procedures Covered by the CDBS
Let’s take a closer look at what’s included and why each one matters for your child’s dental health.
1. Routine Check-Ups
A regular check-up is the first step to maintaining healthy teeth. Under the CDBS, your child can get a dental exam at no cost, which allows the dentist to check for cavities, gum health, and overall oral hygiene.
Routine exams help catch issues early, before they become bigger (and more painful) problems.
2. Dental X-Rays
X-rays are often used to spot problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye, like:
- Cavities between teeth
- Hidden infections
- Developing wisdom teeth
Note: The CDBS covers diagnostic X-rays if the dentist believes they are needed. This ensures a more accurate and complete view of your child’s dental health.
3. Professional Teeth Cleaning
Even with regular brushing, plaque can still build up in hard-to-reach areas. A professional clean helps remove plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Note: The CDBS covers scale and polish treatments, encouraging kids to keep up good oral hygiene habits.
4. Fillings
Cavities happen, even with the best brushing habits. If your child has tooth decay, a filling may be needed to restore the tooth and prevent further damage.
Note: The CDBS covers tooth-coloured fillings, which help stop decay and keep your child’s smile intact.
5. Fissure Sealants
Sealants are a simple, painless way to protect your child’s molars from decay. They’re thin coatings applied to the grooves of back teeth to block out food and bacteria.
Note: The CDBS includes fissure sealing, especially helpful for children with deep grooves in their teeth.
6. Tooth Extractions
If a tooth is damaged beyond repair or causing pain, an extraction may be the best option. While no parent wants their child to go through this, it’s comforting to know the cost is covered.
Note: The CDBS includes simple and surgical tooth extractions, depending on the situation.
7. Root Canal Treatments
In some cases, decay or injury can reach the nerve of the tooth. A root canal may be necessary to save it. This can sound scary, but with today’s techniques, it’s a safe and effective treatment for children too.
Note: If required, CDBS funding can also cover this more advanced procedure.
How to Use Child Dental Benefits
Claiming Child Dental Benefits
Using the CDBS is easy when visiting a bulk-billing dentist. Here’s how the process usually works:
- Check if your child is eligible. Use your MyGov account, contact Medicare, or call your dentist for help.
- Book an appointment with a clinic that accepts the CDBS – like Dentist Near Me Merrylands.
- At your visit, sign a consent form and the clinic will claim directly from Medicare, no upfront payment needed.
If you don’t use the full $1,095 in the first year, the balance carries over to the second year (as long as your child is still eligible).
Why Early Dental Care Matters
Taking advantage of the CDBS is about more than saving money, it’s about building healthy habits for life. Regular dental visits:
- Teach kids that the dentist isn’t scary
- Catch issues before they cause pain or infection
- Support better speech, eating, and sleep
Even if your child’s teeth “look fine,” preventive care is key to avoiding bigger dental problems down the road.
Make the Most of Your Child’s Dental Benefits
At Dentist Near Me Merrylands, we provide gentle, professional dental care for kids using the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Whether you’re unsure about your child’s eligibility or ready to book a visit, we’re here to help – every step of the way.
Contact us at (02) 9718 9469 or book an appointment to check your child’s eligibility. Remember: these benefits don’t last forever. If you’re eligible, don’t wait.