With the rising cost of living nowadays, many people have to make tough choices to manage their expenses. We understand that getting financial assistance for healthcare—especially for children—can be a huge relief. Dental care is often neglected due to high costs, but no parent or guardian wants to compromise their child’s health.
Thankfully, the Australian government offers support through the Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS), helping eligible children access essential dental care at little to no cost.
If you’re wondering whether your child qualifies for this program, this guide will walk you through the Child Dental Benefits Scheme eligibility, how to check if your child qualifies, and how to apply for the Child Dental Benefits Scheme.
What is the Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS)?
Before we dive into eligibility, let’s first understand what the Child Dental Benefits Scheme is.
The Child Dental Benefits Scheme is a government-funded program that provides financial support for basic dental services for eligible children. It covers up to $1,052 in dental benefits over a two-year period. This two-year period is rolling, meaning it starts when the child first uses the benefits and does not follow the calendar year.
Covered treatments include:
- Dental check-ups and examinations
- X-rays
- Teeth cleaning (scale and polish)
- Fillings
- Tooth extractions
- Root canal treatments
However, CDBS does not cover:
- Orthodontic treatments (e.g., braces, Invisalign)
- Cosmetic dentistry (e.g., teeth whitening, veneers)
- Hospital-based dental procedures
- Dental implants
Who is Eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Scheme?
CDBS Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Scheme, your child must meet the following requirements:
- Age Requirement – The child must be aged 0 to 17 years old for at least one day during the relevant two-year period.
- Medicare Enrollment – Your child must have a valid Medicare card.
- Family Tax Benefit or Other Government Payments – Eligibility is automatically assessed by Services Australia. Your child must receive Family Tax Benefit Part A, or other Centrelink benefit, such as:
- Youth Allowance
- Carer Payment
- Disability Support Pension
- Parenting Payment
- Special Benefit
- Veterans’ Children Education Scheme (if the child is 16 or older)
- Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (if the child is 16 or older)
If your child meets all these criteria, they are eligible for CDBS benefits.
How to Apply for the Child Dental Benefits Scheme
One of the most common questions we get in our dental clinic is how to apply for the benefits scheme. Actually, there is no need to manually apply for the Child Dental Benefits Scheme. Services Australia automatically assesses eligibility each year. If your child qualifies, you may receive a letter confirming eligibility.
However, not all families receive a notification letter, so it is always best to check via MyGov or Medicare directly.
Important Things to Know About CDBS
- The benefit cap is $1,052 over a two-year period. This period is rolling and not fixed to the calendar year.
- Unused funds do not roll over to the next two-year period. That means every two years, the benefit will always replenish back to $1,052.
- If your child becomes ineligible during the two-year period, they cannot use remaining benefits.
- You can use CDBS at any participating dentist. Remember to always confirm participation before your appointment.
How to Check Your Child’s Eligibility for CDBS
If you are unsure whether your child qualifies for the Child Dental Benefits Scheme, there are several ways to check:
1. Ask Your Dentist
Most dental clinics, including Dentist Near Me Merrylands, can check your child’s eligibility during your visit. Simply provide your Medicare card number, and they can confirm if your child qualifies.
2. Log in to Your MyGov Account
The easiest way to check child dental benefits scheme eligibility is by logging into your MyGov account and linking it to Medicare. Follow these steps:
- Sign in to MyGov
- Go to the Medicare section
- Check the Child Dental Benefits Schedule eligibility status
3. Contact Medicare
You can call Medicare at 132 011 to inquire about eligibility. Visiting a Services Australia office is generally no longer necessary for this. However, their website is always available for more information about your child’s CDBS benefit.
How Do You Claim the Child Dental Benefits Scheme?
Claiming CDBS is pretty simple, especially when you already confirmed that your child is qualified and eligible to have it. Here are the steps on how to use it for your child’s dental treatments:
1. Book an Appointment with a CDBS-Approved Dentist
Find a dentist that accepts the Child Dental Benefits Scheme. It is important to confirm participation before the appointment. Luckily, if you’re located in Merrylands or surrounding areas, you can visit Dentist Near Me Merrylands to get your child an appointment with our professional dentists.
2. Inform the Dental Clinic
Let the dental clinic know that you’d like to use the CDBS. Provide your child’s Medicare card so they can check eligibility and process the claim.
3. Sign a Consent Form
Before treatment begins, you may need to sign a consent form agreeing to use the Child Dental Benefits Scheme for your child’s dental care.
4. No Upfront Payment Required (Based on Your CDBS Balance)
At Dentist Near Me Merrylands, we will use whatever CDBS funds your child has available. If your treatment exceeds this amount, the remaining balance will need to be covered by you.
If you’re not sure how much of it is left, you can give us your Medicare card number and we’ll check your balance on your behalf. We can either do this before booking your appointment to make sure you are prepared.
Find out more about the Child Dental Benefits Scheme in Service Australia.
Prioritise Healthy Teeth and Gums
Ensuring your child has access to quality dental care is essential for their overall health. The Child Dental Benefits Scheme makes it easier for families to afford necessary dental treatments. If you’re unsure about child dental benefits scheme eligibility, you can check via MyGov, contact Medicare, or ask your local dental clinic.
Dental care for your children should not be overlooked. If you need to get their oral health checked, our dentists at Dentist Near Me Merrylands will welcome you to our clinic with warmth and care. Our clinic accepts CDBS and can assist you in checking eligibility and claiming benefits.Book an appointment today and ensure your child’s dental health is in the best hands.