Every parent wants their child to be healthy, including their teeth, but dental care can sometimes be quite costly. Data gathered in 2021 by the University of Adelaide showed that 7.4% of children aged 5 to 17 reported to have fair to poor oral health, whilst 17.2% of children reported experiencing either toothache or avoiding food.
Because of these high rates of child dental health, Australia made it easier for parents and guardians to help them afford dental health for their children—the Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS).
So, what is this Child Dental Benefits Scheme about? What treatments are covered by this scheme, and how do you claim the benefits for your child?
Let’s take a look and see what this is about.
Understanding the Child Dental Benefits Scheme
When we talk about dental health, most people would sometimes overlook it. However, it is as important as our physical health. That’s why the Australian government made the Child Dental Benefits Scheme.
The Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS) is a government-funded program designed to help eligible children access basic dental services in a timely and affordable manner. It provides financial support for dental treatments over a two-year period, ensuring children receive the care they need to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
The amount prepared by the government with this benefit scheme is capped at $1,052 for two consecutive calendar years. After the two years are up, it will be replenished with the same benefit amount but will not roll over when the first one already expired.
What Treatments Are Covered?
The CDBS covers a wide range of basic dental services, including:
- Examinations and check-ups
- X-rays to detect underlying issues
- Cleaning and scaling
- Fillings for cavities
- Fissure sealing to protect teeth
- Dental crowns
- Tooth extractions (if necessary)
- Root canal treatments (for basic root canal treatments on temporary/baby teeth)
Important: The CDBS mostly covers basic dental services only and does not cover orthodontic work, cosmetic dentistry, or services provided in a hospital setting.
Child Dental Benefits Scheme Eligibility
Who Can Access the CDBS?
To qualify for the Child Dental Benefits Scheme, a child must meet the following criteria:
- Aged between 0 and 17 years old for at least one day of the calendar year.
- Eligible for Medicare.
- Family receives a relevant government payment for at least one year, such as:
- Family Tax Benefit Part A
- Parenting Payment
- Carer Payment
- Other specific eligible payments imposed by the government of Australia
Learn more about how to check if your child is eligible for Child Dental Benefits scheme.
How to Check Eligibility
The easiest way to check if your child is eligible is through:
- MyGov account linked to Medicare (make sure the child is eligible for Medicare to access this)
- Contacting Services Australia at 132 011
- Speaking with your dentist, who can also check eligibility through Medicare
You can ask our team to check if your child is eligible for the benefits scheme. Dentist Near Me Merrylands also offer other payment options to make it more accessible and affordable for payments.
How Do You Claim the Child Dental Benefits Scheme?
Step 1: Book an Appointment with a Participating Dentist
Find a bulk-billing dentist or a clinic that accepts CDBS. In Merrylands or surrounding areas, Dentist Near Me Merrylands is a bulk billing clinic for patients who are enrolled in Medicare. Otherwise, it’s still best to confirm with the dental provider before booking with them.
Step 2: Inform the Dentist About the CDBS
Before treatment, let the clinic know you want to use Child Dental Benefits Scheme funds. The dentist will confirm your eligibility and explain which treatments are covered.
Step 3: Sign the Consent Form
Before any dental work begins, you’ll be asked to sign a consent form agreeing to the treatment and confirming your claim under CDBS.
Step 4: No Out-of-Pocket Costs (If Fully Covered)
If the total treatment cost falls within the CDBS limit, you won’t have to pay anything. If the treatment exceeds the benefit limit, the dentist will inform you of any extra charges. However, it is important to note that dentists participate when it comes to claiming CDBS by ensuring bulk billing instead of having gap fees.
Step 5: Claiming Through Medicare
For bulk-billing dentists, claims are processed automatically through Medicare. If you pay upfront, you can claim reimbursement through:
- Medicare online account (via MyGov)
- Express Plus Medicare mobile app
- Medicare service centre
Check Services Australia for more information about the eligibility and how to claim the Child Dental Benefits Scheme.
How to Apply for the Child Dental Benefit Scheme
You don’t need to apply separately for CDBS. If your child meets the eligibility criteria, Medicare will automatically send you a notification.
However, if you haven’t received any information but believe your child qualifies, you can:
- Check Medicare online
- Call Services Australia
- Speak to your dentist about checking eligibility
Ensuring Your Child’s Dental Health
The Child Dental Benefits Scheme is a fantastic way to ensure your child will get essential dental care without financial stress. Regular dental visits as early as childhood helps prevent cavities, gum disease, other oral health problems, and, ultimately, setting the foundation for lifelong dental health.
If your child is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Scheme and you’re in or around Merrylands, our friendly team at Dentist Near Me Merrylands can provide quality care in a comfortable setting.
Call us today at (02) 9718 9469 to book an appointment and make the most of your child’s CDBS benefits!