What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a dental benefits program for eligible children:
- 0 to 17 years old for at least one day that calendar year
- eligible for Medicare
- getting a payment from Services Australia at least once a year, or have a parent, carer or guardian getting a payment from Services Australia at least once a year.
It provides up to $1,132 in benefits (the benefit cap) over a relevant two calendar year period 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. Guide to the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) – Version 13
Who runs the CDBS programme?
The payment of benefits under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule is administered through the Department of Health and Aged Care.
Which children are eligible for dental services?
A child is eligible if they are:
- eligible for Medicare, and
- aged 0-17 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?
Services Australia assesses a child’s eligibility from the start of each calendar year and routinely check for newly eligible children. A notification of eligibility will be sent to the child or their parent/guardian either by post or electronically through MyGov.
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 – Access CDBS patient information – Health professionals – Services Australia or call Services Australia on 132 150 (call charges may apply).