What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) started in January 2014 and provides access to benefits for eligible children. The CDBS, which is funded by Medicare, is means tested and requires receipt of Family Tax Benefit Part A or a relevant Australian Government payment (for example, health care card entitlement).

Benefits for dental treatment are limited to $1,052 per child over 2 consecutive calendar years. If not all of the $1,052 is used in the first year, the remaining balance can be used in the second year, if your child is still eligible.

Dental treatment that is covered by the CDBS includes examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals and extractions. Not included is orthodontic or cosmetic dental work. At Sunshine Family Dental, we are especially trained to offer caring treatment to children and teenagers between the ages of 4 and 17. Our dentists perform routine dentistry (i.e. fillings and extractions of baby teeth) and refer to specialists where appropriate.

Am I eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

You can confirm your child’s eligibility and balance amount by accessing your Medicare online account at my.gov.au or calling the Medicare general enquiries line on 132 011.

What’s next?

Call Sunshine Family Dental on (03) 9312 0263 to make an appointment and let us know that you are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.

At the time of the appointment, we will discuss your child’s treatment and any associated costs with you before providing the services. After this has been discussed, you will need to sign a consent form.

When the dentist has provided the services agreed for your child, we will bulk bill the treatment directly with Medicare (given that you have enough Child Dental Benefit left to cover the full treatment costs).

More Information:

For more information about the Child Dental Benefits Schedule please refer to the following government websites:

https://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/childdental

http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/child-dental-benefits-schedule