Dental Benefits for Children: How the CDBS Can Help

Highlights

• Regular dental visits are an important part of maintaining good oral health.
• A government-funded Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) helps cover the cost of basic dental services for eligible children aged 0 to 17 years.
• The CDBS provides access to a capped benefit for a range of basic dental services.
• Payments from the CDBS can be used to help pay for a child’s dental treatment at public or private dental clinics.
• If you choose a private dentist, ask about any out-of-pocket costs.

In This Article

• Understanding the Child Dental Benefits Schedule
• Eligibility Criteria for CDBS
• Choosing Between Public and Private Dental Services
• Services Included in the CDBS
• How to Find a Public Dentist
• Tools and Assistance

Understanding the Child Dental Benefits Schedule

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a government initiative that helps families access preventative and general dental care for children aged 0 to 17 years.

It provides eligible children with a capped benefit over a 2-calendar-year period.

This cap can be used to claim benefits for a range of basic dental services at both public and private dental clinics. Many clinics offer bulk billing for these treatments.

When booking an appointment, inform the dentist that you plan to use the CDBS and check how much funding is available under the benefit cap.

Eligibility Criteria for CDBS

You don’t need to apply or register for the CDBS—eligibility is determined automatically. Families will be notified if their child qualifies, either electronically or by mail.

A child may be eligible if, during the relevant calendar year:

• They meet certain residency or citizenship requirements.
• They are under 18 years old for at least one day of the calendar year.
• They receive, or are part of a family that receives, a qualifying government payment at least once during the year.

Choosing Between Public and Private Dental Services

Public dental clinics provide treatment for children covered under the CDBS. These services are bulk billed, with no out-of-pocket costs.

CDBS benefits can also be used at private dental clinics to cover some or all of the treatment costs.

The funds can be used all at once or spread out over the 2-year period. However, once the benefit cap is reached, no further claims can be made until the next benefit cycle begins.

If using a private dentist, be sure to:

• Check how much the procedure will cost.
• Ask if there are any additional treatments required.
• Confirm any out-of-pocket expenses before starting treatment.

Private health insurance cannot be used to claim for the same treatment covered by the CDBS.

Services Included in the CDBS

If eligible, the CDBS covers part or all of the costs for certain basic dental services, including:

• Teeth cleaning
• X-rays
• Fissure sealing
• Fillings
• Root canals
• Extractions
• Partial dentures

Before an appointment, check which services are covered in full and which may require additional payments.

The CDBS does not cover:

• Orthodontic treatments
• Cosmetic dental procedures
• Any dental services performed in a hospital

How to Find a Public Dentist

To find a dentist who offers bulk billing, use official directories or local health service providers.

Tools and Assistance

For more details on the Child Dental Benefits Schedule:

• Visit the official government health website.
• Contact relevant health services for guidance.
• Ask your dentist about using the CDBS for your child’s treatment.

Good oral health habits should start early. Regular dentist visits help ensure strong and healthy teeth from a young age.