As a parent, your top priority is doing whatever you can to keep your child healthy and happy, and routine preventive dental care is essential to helping them achieve optimal oral and overall health.
That’s why you need to understand how the 2-year CDBS cap expiry works; that way, the available funds won’t go to waste.
Let’s explore how CDBS covers basic dental services for your child.
What Is the Child Dental Benefits Scheme?
The Child Dental Benefits Scheme, or CDBS, is available for children between the ages of 0 and 17 who are eligible for Medicare and also receive a qualifying Australian Government payment.
CDBS covers up to $1,158 over two consecutive calendar years and covers basic preventive treatments, including dental check-ups, x-rays, teeth cleaning, dental fillings, root canal treatment and fillings.
What Is the 2-Year Cap Expiry?
The $1,158 CDBS coverage automatically begins on January 1st of the calendar year your child becomes eligible, but only if they receive treatment during that year. So, even if they don’t go to the dentist until later in the year, the coverage date starts on January 1 and lasts for that calendar year and the next calendar year.
The coverage works on a “use-it-or-lose-it” system and expires at the end of the second year, even if you haven’t taken advantage of all the available funds.
So, for example, if your child became eligible on January 1, 2026, but doesn’t go to the dentist until May of 2026, their coverage is effective through December 31, 2027.
At the end of year 2, those unused funds expire. They don’t roll over, and you will no longer have access to them.
However, if your child is still eligible for government assistance, a new 2-year cycle begins on January 1st of the following year.
Tracking Your Balance
Our caring dental team will happily assist you if you need help verifying your child’s remaining balance, but if you’d prefer, you can always log in to your Medicare online account or access the Express Plus Medicare mobile app for more information.
Children’s Dentistry Charlestown, NSW
If you’re looking for a dentist in Charlestown, NSW, we hope you’ll contact our dental clinic to book a visit. At Charlestown Dental Care, we’ll work with you to determine the best way to maximise your CDBS funds.
To take the first step, feel free to call us on (02) 4942 1633.
