Launched on 1 January 2014, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a dental benefits programme that provides children and teenagers aged between 2 to 17 up to $1,158 for basic dental services. The 2.7 billion Commonwealth-funded programme Australian’s young dental patients a capped benefit entitlement for basic dental services. The means-tested programme targets an estimated 3.4 million children every year.
At Molonglo Dental Surgery, we welcome all CDBS claims from eligible children. All you have to do is present the child’s eligibility letter at our clinic (if available) along with your Medicare card first to check eligibility and then make the claims on the spot. In most cases, you won’t have to make any out-of-pocket expenses for the basic dental services as set out in the CDBS guidelines.
To make life easy for you, we will submit the claim electronically so you won’t have to submit any paperwork on your own. After your dental appointment, we will simply process the relevant deductions for the day, and give you the balance amount that can be saved and used for a future visit, provided that you claim within the stipulated two-year period.
Are your children due for a routine dental check-up soon? If they are entitled to enjoy CDBS benefits, we can help you process the claims electronically at our clinic.
To book an appointment at Molonglo Dental Surgery, just give us a call at 02 6287 1222.
To find out if your child is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), please fill out the form below:
How Do I Know if My Child is Eligible?
If your child meets the CDBS eligibility requirements, you would have received a letter from the Australian Government that confirms his or her eligibility. Each eligible child can claim up to $1,158 over a two-year period, provided he or she is still eligible at the time of claiming the benefit.
What Are the Criteria for Eligibility?
To be eligible for this means-tested program, your child must qualify for Medicare, be aged between 2-17, and be part of a family that receives the Family Tax Benefit Part A or one of the following Australian Government payments:
- Parenting Payment
- Carer Payment
- ABSTUDY
- Youth Allowance
- Veteran’s Children Education Scheme (if child is 16+)
- Special Benefit
- Disability Support Pension
- Double Orphan Pension
- MRCA Education and Training Scheme (if child is 16+)
For more information on CDBS entitlement criteria, please visit: http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/child-dental-benefits-schedule
What Are the Treatments Included in the CDBS Program?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) covers basic dental services such as:
- Oral exam
- X-ray
- Root canal
- Fissure sealing
- Professional dental cleaning
- Extraction
Note: CDBS does not cover dental services provided by the hospital.
How Do I Find Out How Much Is Left in the Account After a Claim?
You may call the Medicare inquiry hotline at 132 011 to check your balance amount or access your Medicare online account at my.gov.au
Can I Use Private Insurance to Co-Pay with CDBS Funds?
No. If you choose to pay with private insurance funds, you cannot apply the CDBS benefits to make payments for the same treatment.
If your child is eligible for CBDS, you can claim up to $1,158 worth of free basic dental services.
For more information or to make a booking, call our friendly team at Molonglo Dental Surgery on 02 6287 1222.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a government-funded initiative designed to help families bear the cost of essential dental care for eligible children of eligible households. Under this program, each qualifying child aged between 2 and 17 can receive up to $1,158 in benefits over a two-year period. These funds may be disbursed for a range of basic dental services, including dental check-ups, professional cleanings, dental fillings, and x-rays.
To be eligible for the CDBS, your family must be in receipt of certain government payments, such as Family Tax Benefit Part A. Your child is likely eligible for for the government scheme if your family receives this or other qualifying payments. One of the quickest ways to confirm your child's eligibility is by visiting a dental clinic like Molonglo Dental Surgery, where we can verify your child’s status on the spot simply by using their Medicare card.
No. The CDBS only covers basic dental essentials, which unfortunately does not extend to orthodontic or cosmetic dental procedures. Treatments such as orthodontic braces, teeth whitening, or dental veneers are not considered basic dental services, hence are excluded under the CDBS.
No. The CDBS cannot be used in conjunction with private health insurance for the same dental service. If you make a claim a treatment under both systems, it will result in an overpayment, which must be reimbursed. You will have to decide which option works better for your situation before choosing to claim your CDBS benefits. Generally speaking, you can claim CDBS for basic dental care, and rely on your private health insurance for more extensive treatments.
Not to worry. Any unused portion of your child’s CDBS allocation will automatically roll over into the second year of the eligibility period. You have the flexibility to spread out treatments as needed. Do take note, however, that any remaining funds after the two-year window will expire. It is wise to make the most of the CDBS benefit before it lapses.
At Molonglo Dental Surgery, we offer 100% bulk billing for all CDBS-covered services, meaning there are no gap fees or hidden charges. When you visit us for eligible treatments, the full cost is covered by the CDBS, so you can focus on your child’s dental health without worrying about expenses.
Molonglo Dental Surgery is a trusted Canberra clinic committed to providing gentle, preventive dental care for children. We offer bulk billing for all CDBS services, helping our patients eliminate any financial barriers to accessible dental care. Our kid-friendly environment, which includes the popular Dino Chair, is designed to make your child's dental visits fun and stress-free. With a focus on early intervention and education, we help your child develop healthy habits that last a lifetime.