The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is an Australian Government that is designed to provide financial support for dental services to eligible children.
The CDBS helps promote good oral health and well-being for millions of Australian children each year by providing financial assistance for essential dental services.
What is the CDBS limit?
As of January 1, 2025, the CDBS cap has been set at $1,132 to be used over two consecutive calendar years. It is to be used for essential dental care for eligible children aged 0 to 17 years.
That dollar amount is indexed annually on 1st of January to allow for changes in the cost of dental services.
The two year period commences at the start of the calendar year in which the child becomes eligible and receives their first dental service under the CDBS. Any unused funds do not carry over after the two-year period ends. Instead a new cap is established for the subsequent two year period as long as the child still meets the eligibility criteria to be part of the CDBS.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for the CDBS?
Children must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Age: The child must be between 0 and 17 years old for at least one day of the calendar year.
- Medicare: The child must be eligible for Medicare (Australian resident or permanent citizen).
- Government Benefits: The child, their parent (or guardian/carer) must receive a relevant Australian Government payment such as the Family Tax Benefit Part A at any point during the calendar year.
Eligibility is determined at the beginning of each calendar year. If your family is eligible you will likely be notified by Services Australia.
Which Dental Services are Covered by the CDBS?
The CDBS covers the dental services necessary for maintaining good oral health including:
Check Ups / Examinations: Oral assessments to monitor dental health and detect any dental issues
- X-rays: Any diagnostic imaging necessary for identifying dental issues not visible during a regular check up
- Cleaning: Professional removal of plaque and tartar
- Protective Treatments (e.g. Fissure Sealing): Protective coatings on grooved teeth to prevent decay
- Fillings: Treating and filling cavities
- Root Canal Treatments: Treating infection in an effort to save a natural tooth
- Tooth Extraction: Removal of teeth that cannot be repaired or are causing overcrowding
- Partial Dentures: Removable dental prostheses used for replacing missing teeth to restore function and appearance
The CDBS doesn’t cover cosmetic dentistry, orthodontic treatments, or any dental services in a hospital.
How to Use the CDBS?
To make use of the CDBS, follow these steps:
Step 1. Confirm Eligibility
Check your child’s eligibility via your Medicare online account or by contacting Services Australia directly.
Step 2. Choose a Dental Provider who offers CDBS
The CDBS is not available at all dentists. Underwood Dental Care does offer CDBS for children who meet the eligibility criteria.
Step 3. Book an Appointment
When you make an appointment, let us (or your chosen dental clinic) know that you intend to use the CDBS.
Step 4. Consent to Services Provided
Before commencing any treatment, your dentist will let you know which services are recommended and the expected costs. You’ll need to give your consent which is typically done by signing a form.
Step 5. Commence Treatment
Your dentist can then carry out the agreed dental services and treatment. In most cases, Medicare can be billed directly which will ensure minimal, if any, out of pocket costs. You can use dental services in excess of the cap as long as you are happy to pay the out of pocket costs.
Important Considerations
Please notify your dentist if you have already used some of your CDBS allowance at any other dental provider. Your dentist may be able to help plan treatments and services to get the most out of your cap without going over.
Eligibility for the CDBS is reassessed annually, so it’s important to ensure your child continues to meet the criteria each year.
The CDBS program itself is reassessed every 3 years by an independent panel so is subject to change.
Make an Appointment Today
The CDBS is effectively a bulk-billed dental service for children via Medicare. At Underwood Dental Care our dentists are highly experienced with children’s dentistry services and making children comfortable during their dental visits. Our clinic in Underwood is easy to access for residents in Logan and the southside of Brisbane.
We welcome patients of all ages and we offer services under CDBS for children who meet eligibility criteria. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Article by Dr Ben Thai (Principal Dentist at Underwood Dental Care & Queensland Veneers & Aligners)
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