What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a dental benefits program for eligible children aged 2‐17 years that provides up to $1,000 in benefits to the child for basic dental services.
What dental services are included?
Services that receive a benefit under the program include examinations, x‐rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals, extractions and partial dentures. Many of these services have claiming restrictions. Services can be provided in a public or private setting. Benefits are not available for orthodontic or cosmetic dental work.
Who runs the CDBS programme?
The payment of benefits under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule is administered through the Department of Human Services.
Which children are eligible for dental services?
The Department of Human Services assesses a child’s eligibility from the start of each calendar year. A child is eligible if they are eligible for Medicare, aged 2‐17 years at any point in the calendar year and receive a relevant Australian government payment, such as Family Tax Benefit Part A at any point in the calendar year
How do I know if my child is eligible?
A notification of eligibility will be sent to the child or the child’s parent/guardian either electronically, or by post. This letter may be presented by the patient to the practice at the time of their appointment.
How long does eligibility last?
Once a child has been assessed as eligible, they are eligible for that entire calendar year – even if they turn 18, or stop receiving the relevant government payment. However they must be eligible for Medicare on the day the service is provided.
Can I use my private health insurance and the benefit from CDBS?
Unfortunately, No. Patients with private dental health insurance are unable to claim the benefit from both their private health insurer and CDBS for the same dental treatment.
What if the dental treatment required is not covered by CDBS or my threshold has already been exceeded?
In this case, contact the dental team regarding your options. You may need to pay an out-of-pocket cost.
Does your dental service Bulk Bill (accepts CDBS and submits any claims for my child on their behalf to Medicare)?
Yes. You will need to download and complete this Bulk Bill Consent Form for each child due to receive dental treatment with us. Preferably, after completing the form you can scan and email the form to hughrichdental@gmail.com or bring the form before the child’s dental appointment.
I think that my child’s CDBS threshold benefit has been exceeded and/or I may have to pay out-of-pocket costs for my child’s dental treatment. Can I still book my child for an appointment?
Yes. Your child will still need consent for dental treatment and you will need to download and complete this Non-Bulk Bill Consent Form for that child. This form will need to be dated as the same day of the child’s appointment with us. Preferably, after completing the form you can scan and email the form to hughrichdental@gmail.com or bring the form before the child’s dental appointment.
I would like more information about the CDBS. Where would I look?
For more information, you can click on the link: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/child-dental-benefits-schedule
For Dental Practitioners: Health Professional Online Services – http://www.humanservices.gov.au/hpos or call the Department of Human Services on 132 150 (call charges may apply).