Every parent wants their child to have a healthy smile.
Dental care (alongside other healthcare concerns) may sometimes be a bit too expensive for the average Australian family, especially if you have to pay for regular check-ups, fillings, or other treatments out of pocket.
The good news is that in Australia, there’s a government program called the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) that can help cover the cost of certain dental services for eligible children.
This raises the question: Is your child eligible for the CDBS?
To know if your child qualifies for CDBS, you’ll need to know the child dental benefits eligibility rules, and how you can check if your child qualifies. We’ve prepared a run-through of what CDBS is and how you can claim your child’s child dental benefits and get them the care they need without extra stress on your budget.
Let’s dive right in!
Understanding the Child Dental Benefits Schedule
Before we check if your child is eligible, let’s first understand what the program is and why it exists.
What is the CDBS?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a program run by the Australian Government that helps eligible families cover basic dental services for their children.
Through the CDBS, eligible children can get up to a certain dollar limit over two calendar years to help pay for dental services like:
Regular check-ups and exams
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Tooth extractions
- Teeth cleaning
This benefit can be used at public dental clinics or private practices, including Dentist Near Me Merrylands.
Child Dental Benefits Eligibility: Who Can Qualify?
Not all children in Australia can access the CDBS. Your child must meet a few important conditions.
- To be eligible, your child must:
- Be aged between 0 and 17 years for at least one day in the calendar year.
- Be eligible for Medicare.
- Receive, or be part of a family receiving, a relevant government payment (such as Family Tax Benefit Part A) for at least one day in the year.
If all three conditions are met, your child will usually qualify for the program for that calendar year.
How to Check If Your Child is Eligible
If you’re not sure about your child’s status, you can do a quick check.
Step 1: Contact Services Australia
You can call Services Australia or log into your myGov account linked to Medicare. This will tell you whether your child qualifies for the CDBS in the current year.
Step 2: Check Your Letters or Notifications
Families who qualify usually receive a letter from Services Australia letting them know their child is eligible. Keep this letter handy, it can make the process easier when booking dental appointments.
Step 3: Confirm with Your Dental Clinic
When you book an appointment, let your dentist know you believe your child is eligible for the CDBS. The clinic can also check for you before treatment begins.
What’s Covered Under the CDBS?
The benefit covers most basic dental services, but it doesn’t include orthodontics (like braces), cosmetic dental work, or dental services provided in hospitals.
Here are some common treatments included in the child dental benefits schedule:
- Oral exams
- Professional cleaning
- X-rays to check teeth and jaw health
- Fillings for cavities
- Tooth removal if needed
- Fissure sealants to protect teeth from decay
How to Use and Claim Child Dental Benefits
Once you know your child qualifies, you can start claiming child dental benefits in a few simple steps.
Step 1: Make an Appointment with a CDBS Provider
Choose a dental clinic that accepts CDBS patients. Many private dentists, including our clinic in Merrylands, participate in the program.
Step 2: Confirm Coverage Before Treatment
The dental clinic will check your child’s balance under the CDBS and confirm which treatments are covered.
Step 3: Sign the Consent Form
Before the treatment begins, you’ll be asked to sign a consent form agreeing to the services provided under the CDBS.
Step 4: No Upfront Payment (If Within the Limit)
If the treatment cost is within your child’s remaining CDBS balance, there’s no need to pay anything upfront. The clinic will claim the payment directly from Medicare.
Checking Your Child Dental Benefits Schedule Balance
It’s important to know how much of your child’s CDBS limit is left, especially if you’re planning more than one treatment.
You can check your child’s balance by:
- Calling Medicare directly.
- Using your myGov account linked to Medicare.
- Asking your dental clinic to check for you.
Knowing the balance means you can plan treatments without unexpected costs.
Why Use the CDBS?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is there to make dental care easier to access for Australian families. It’s especially helpful for:
- Staying on top of regular dental check-ups.
- Catching dental problems early, before they become more serious (and costly).
- Teaching children the importance of oral health from a young age.
Making use of the CDBS can mean fewer dental problems in the future and healthier smiles for your kids.
Start Your Child’s Dental Health Journey Today
If your child meets the child dental benefits eligibility rules, the CDBS can be a valuable way to get essential dental care without worrying about the cost. At Dentist Near Me Merrylands, we accept CDBS patients and are happy to help you check your child’s eligibility. We’ll explain your options clearly so you know exactly what’s covered.
Contact us at (02) 9718 9469 or book an appointment today and find out how you can make the most of their Child Dental Benefits Schedule.