Being able to take your child to the dentist regularly is an important part of making sure they grow up to be happy and healthy, but, many parents worry about the cost which is completely understandable.
The good news? Help is available.
If your child is eligible, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) can cover basic dental services at no cost to you. By understanding how child dental benefits work, what is included, and how you can claim them, parents can easily understand the CDBS system and avail the dental support that their child needs.
Let’s begin!
What Is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a program funded by the Australian Government. It gives financial support for children aged 0 to 17 who need dental care. If your child is eligible, you can access up to one thousand and fifty dollars over two calendar years for basic dental services.
This program is available through both public and private dental clinics, including our team at Dentist Near Me Merrylands.
Child Dental Benefits Scheme Eligibility
Not every child can automatically use the CDBS. To find out if your child can get access, you must meet certain requirements.
Your child may be eligible if:
- They are aged between 0 and 17 for at least one day of the calendar year
- You receive a government payment such as Family Tax Benefit A, Parenting Payment, or Carer Payment
- You or your child hold a Medicare card
You do not need to apply for the program. If your child is eligible, you will get a letter or message from Services Australia, or you can check online using your MyGov account linked to Medicare.
What Does Child Dental Benefits Cover?
The child dental benefits do not cover everything, but they do provide support for many common services your child may need. It is focused on preventive and basic treatments to help your child maintain good oral health.
Services that may be covered:
- Dental check-ups
- Teeth cleaning
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Fissure sealants
- Extractions
- Root canals
It is important to note that CDBS does not cover orthodontic work, cosmetic dental services, or treatment in hospitals. Before treatment starts, your dentist will explain which services are included and what the cost will be, so there are no surprises.
How to Start Claiming Child Dental Benefits
Now that you know what is covered, let’s talk about how to start claiming child dental benefits. The good news is the process is simple and does not involve a lot of paperwork.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
You can check your child’s eligibility by:
Looking at your Medicare letter or text from Services Australia
Logging into your MyGov account and checking under Medicare
Calling Services Australia for confirmation
Step 2: Book an Appointment
Once you know your child is eligible, you can call your dentist and book a visit. Make sure to mention you want to use the child dental benefits when you book. That way, the clinic can prepare and check your available balance.
At Dentist Near Me Merrylands, we are happy to assist with checking your child’s balance and walking you through the claim process.
Step 3: Sign the Consent Form
Before treatment begins, your dentist will provide a consent form. This shows what services are being provided and what they will cost. It also confirms that you agree to use your child’s benefit for the visit. There is no need to submit this to the government—it is kept by the dental clinic.
Step 4: Receive Treatment and Claim On the Spot
Your dentist will provide the treatment and lodge the claim directly through Medicare. If everything is approved, you will not need to pay anything out of pocket, unless the treatment goes over the benefit limit or includes services not covered.
Understanding the Two-Year Cap
One of the most common questions we hear is, What happens if we do not use the full benefit in one year?
The child dental benefits scheme provides a total cap of one thousand and fifty dollars over two calendar years. That means if you do not use the full amount in the first year, the balance can carry over into the second year, but only if your child remains eligible.
If your child becomes ineligible in the second year, you will not be able to access the leftover amount. That is why it is a good idea to use the benefit while you can.
Important Things to Remember
Here are some simple tips to make sure you get the most out of the CDBS:
- Always check eligibility before booking
- Know what services are covered and what is not
- Make sure your child has a current Medicare card
- Keep track of how much of the benefit has been used
- Ask your dentist for a quote before treatment
Just remember, accessing dental care should not be a struggle for families. The child dental benefits scheme is a practical way to support children’s oral health, especially for check-ups and early treatment that can prevent bigger problems later on.
Give Your Child a Healthy Start
Your child’s dental health is too important to ignore. If you are unsure about child dental benefits scheme eligibility or want help claiming child dental benefits, our friendly team at Dentist Near Me Merrylands is here to help.Contact us at (02) 9718 9469 or book an appointment to check your child’s eligibility. Let us support your family’s oral health, one step at a time.