The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is an Australian Government program providing financial assistance for basic dental services. It gives eligible children access to up to $1,158 in benefits per child over two consecutive calendar years.
If your child does not use the full $1,158 benefit in the first year, the remaining balance can be used in the second year of the cycle, provided the child remains eligible.
You don’t need to register for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Eligible families and teenagers will receive a notification from Services Australia. This letter is generally sent to the parent or guardian receiving the relevant government payment.
Dental Services Covered Under the CDBS
Services available include:
Orthodontic services, cosmetic dental work and services provided in a hospital aren’t covered.
Bulk Billing & Costs for CDBS in Charlestown
For eligible services that are bulk billed at Charlestown Dental Care, there is no out-of-pocket gap fee, as the payment is deducted directly from your child’s $1,158 benefit cap.
For more information on claiming, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au and search for Medicare services.
If we charge more than the amount you get back from Medicare, you must pay the difference. Out-of-pocket costs don’t count towards the Medicare Safety Net or the Extended Medicare Safety Net thresholds.
You can’t claim payment for the same dental services from both a private health insurer and Medicare under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
Is My Child Eligible for the CDBS?
Children and teenagers are eligible for the CDBS in Charlestown if they are aged 0 to 17 years for at least one day of the calendar year, are eligible for Medicare, and receive (or belong to a family that receives) a qualifying Australian Government payment such as Family Tax Benefit Part A.
Your child’s eligibility will be determined each calendar year.
You can check your child’s eligibility and balance through your Medicare online account at my.gov.au or by calling 132 011.
How to Claim Your CDBS Benefits
Once you know your child is eligible, you can book an appointment online for your child; please let our team know you will be using the Child Dental Benefits Schedule during the booking process.
We will discuss your child’s proposed treatment and the amount of benefits from the scheme and the remaining balance available for future treatment. You’ll also be asked to sign a consent form. You should only sign the consent form after you’ve discussed and agreed to the proposed treatment.
Remember to take your child’s Medicare card to the appointment.
Shared care arrangements
If your child is in an equal shared care arrangement, both parties will be notified of the child’s eligibility for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Regardless of which parent or carer organises the dental care, the total $1,158 benefit cap per child cannot be exceeded within the two-year calendar cycle.
