The Australian Government introduced a scheme to improve the dental health of eligible children (aged 2 to 17 years) through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). Eligible children can access $1,013 in Government benefits on selective services over a two year period.

CDBS Overview

Persons eligible

CDBS will be available to children aged between 2 and 17 years of age. They must be eligible for Medicare and the family must be in receipt of Tax Benefit Part A or receive one of the following Government payments:

Youth allowance
ABSTUDY
Double Orphan Pension
Veteran’s Children Education Scheme (children over 18 years)
Disability Support Pension
Parenting Payment
Special Benefit
Carer Payment
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (children over 16 years)

To find out about eligibility

Eligible families will receive written notice from the Australian Government. Your Dentist will check eligibility before the commencement of any treatment.

How long does eligibility last?

Children who are eligible for the CDBS at any time during a calendar year are eligible for that entire calendar year.

Child turning 2 or 18 sometime throughout the year?

If your child is turning 2 or 18 throughout the year they will still be eligible for the CDBS for that full year. Children need only be between 2 and 17 at some point throughout the entire year.

If your family stops receiving the Government Benefits which entitle the children to CDBS during the year what happens?

The child will still be eligible for the CDBS even if Government payments cease throughout the year, as the child only needs to be eligible at some point throughout the year.

Will eligibility be reassessed throughout the year?

The Government will check throughout the year to determine newly eligible children, however, most families will be advised at the start of each year.

What is Covered

Not all dental services are covered by the CDBS. Benefits covered include, subject to certain restrictions:

Dental check-ups
Teeth cleaning
X-rays
Fillings
Fissure seals
Extractions
Root canal treatment
Partial dentures

High end dental services such as orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry are excluded.

Child Dental Benefits Schedule FAQs

Our friendly front desk team is more than happy to answer any questions you may have. For quick reference, here are the answers to some questions about CDBS that we get asked often:

Will my dentist be able to check if my children are eligible?

Yes, your dentist will check patient eligibility by contacting the Department of Human Services.

Will my dentist be able to check if my children have benefits remaining?

Your Dentist is required to check your child’s remaining benefits balance on each occasion the child attends for treatment. Balance details are available from the Department of Human Services.

When does the two year period commence?

Eligible children have $1,013 to use on dental treatment over 2 years. The 2 year period commences at the start of the calendar year, not from the first appointment date.

Can my child use the full $1,013 in the first year?

Yes, eligible children can use their full benefits within the first year if required.

What happens if my child doesn’t use the $1,013 within the 2 years?

If the full $1,013 is not used within the two calendar year period, remaining benefits cannot be used in the future.

What happens if my child reaches the $1013 benefit limit?

The $1,013 benefit limit applies for each consecutive 2 calendar year period. Once a child has reached the benefit limit for those 2 years, no further benefits are available under the CDBS.

What if my child needs more treatment which will extend past the $1,013 limit?

The benefit limit is $1,013 each 2 years. Where additional treatment is required within the 2 years, private arrangements will need to be made between the parents and the Dentist unless the family has dental cover with their health fund.

Are there any limits to the number of treatments my child can receive?

The Government has placed some limits on the number of dental services which can be provided to eligible children in given periods. Your Dentist will be able to advise you as to whether these limits will affect you.

Can I use my private health insurance with Child Dental Benefits Schedule services?

No, patients with private health insurance are unable to claim benefits from both their health fund and the CDBS for the same treatment.

Can my child still use private health insurance for other services not covered by CDBS?

Yes, private health insurance can be used for additional treatment not covered by CDBS.

Do I Need to Pay After Treatment?

All Dentists at The Happy Tooth will bulk bill for treatment to which the child is entitled under the CDBS. Benefits for some services have restrictions, in addition the Schedule covers only a limited range of services. You will need to personally meet the cost of any services not covered by the Schedule. You will be provided with an estimate of any charges, including out of pocket expenses, prior to the treatment occurring.

The cost of treatment provided reduces the available benefit under the cap. Where the cap ($1,013 each 2 calendar year period) has been exhausted, you will need to personally meet the cost of any additional dental services.

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What You Need to Know About Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)

CDBS Overview

Persons eligible

What is Covered

Child Dental Benefits Schedule FAQs

Areas Served

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