The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is an Australian government program that provides financial assistance to eligible families for their children’s dental care.
Under the scheme, eligible children can receive up to $1095 over a two-year calendar period for a range of essential and restorative dental treatments.
At Green Door Dental, we believe children’s dental health is a top priority. That’s why we’re proud to support and participate in the CDBS scheme.
Starting regular dental visits from a young age is not only the best way to keep your child’s teeth healthy, but it can also help them build a foundation of good oral health habits for life. Taking your child for dental check-up and cleans every six months will help to prevent tooth decay and other dental diseases that could lead to more complex and expensive problems as your child grows older.
Is your child eligible for the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
Your child may be eligible for the CDBS if:
- They are aged between 2-17 years old (at least some of the current year)
- Your child qualifies for Medicare
- You receive the Family Tax Benefit and you receive either Family Tax Benefit Part A, Parenting payment or Double Orphan Pension payments for at least some of that year
If your family is eligible, you may have already received information by email or by post about the scheme.
To check your child’s CDBS eligibility, get in touch with Medicare and they will be able to determine whether your child qualifies.
Green Door Dental is happy to participate in the CDBS. The way it works is you will be asked to pay the CDBS fee for your child's treatment. To process your rebate, simply log into your Medicare online account (this is done via myGov). Alternatively, submit your claim via the Express Plus Medicare mobile app or fill in a Medicare claim form. Once your claim has been processed, Medicare will pay the rebate into your nominated bank account. And don't forget, we offer gap-free check-ups for kids under 12.
What treatments are included in the Child Dental Benefits Scheme $1095 allocation?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule covers ‘basic’ dental procedures up to the value of $1095 over two years. Some of the most common dental services covered under the scheme include:
- Dental checkups and cleaning
- X-rays
- Sealants
- Tooth extractions, such as wisdom teeth removal
The CDBS does not cover orthodontic treatment (such as teeth straightening), cosmetic dental procedures or any dental work that may need to be carried out in the hospital. Not sure if your child’s treatment is covered by the program? Just ask your dentist.
The $1095 allocation is more than enough to cover the cost of regular six-monthly check-up and cleans so we encourage all parents to take this preventative approach to their child’s dental health.
How to use the Child Dental Benefits Scheme allocation
If you’re eligible for the CDBS program, you can claim up to $1095 for each child over two consecutive calendar years. The two year period begins at the start of the calendar year in which your child both:
- Becomes eligible for the CDBS
- Receives their first dental service under the scheme
How does it work?
1. Bring your child in for their dental check-up appointment
2. Your dentist will provide a treatment plan outlining any dental work your child needs, as well as the costs involved
3. Depending on the treatment required, you can use your $1095 allocation all at once or choose to spread it out over the two year period
Important points to remember
- You can use the full $1095 allocation in the first calendar year but this will leave you with no funds for the second calendar year
- If you do not use the full $1095 amount in the first calendar year, you can use the remaining funds in the second year as long as your child is still eligible
- Once you have used all your CDBS funds, you will have to wait for a new two year period to begin to receive the next $10095 allocation
How to check your remaining Child Dental Benefits Scheme funds
You can easily check your child’s remaining funds under the CDBS by logging into your Medicare account online or at my.gov.au. Alternatively, you can call the Medicare General Enquiries line on 132 011.
It’s important to note that any remaining funds at the end of the two year calendar period cannot be carried over into the next two year period. You also will not be able to use any remaining funds once your child is no longer eligible for the CDBS. The funds may only be used by the eligible child and cannot be transferred to another child or family member.
What if your child requires dental work that isn’t covered by the Child Dental Benefits Scheme?
If your child needs dental work that doesn’t fall under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, such as orthodontic treatment, we’ve got you covered!
At Green Door Dental, we’ll help you close the door on financial stress with our range of tailored and flexible finance options. The application process is quick and easy and there’s practically no waiting for approval if you meet the lending criteria. This means your child can get the dental care they need as soon as they need it and you can pay in comfortable, manageable instalments.
Give your kids a lifetime of great smiles, starting now
Research shows that starting regular dentist visits early in life can help children have healthier adult teeth and fewer dental problems in future.
Taking your child for regular dental check-ups is essential for ensuring good oral health. Plus, it also gives you the best chance of catching and treating any dental issues early before they turn into more serious (and often more costly) problems later.
Tooth decay in children can happen at any age — even in toddlers. That’s why it’s so important to start healthy oral hygiene habits from the time their first baby teeth appear. Even though your child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out, you still need to take special care to prevent tooth decay. Be sure to brush your child’s teeth and along their gum line twice a day. You’ll need to give them a hand in brushing their teeth properly until they can do it themselves (at around 8 years old).
