Written by Dr James Tran, principal dentist at Lumi Dental.
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule, or CDBS, is a Medicare program that helps cover the cost of basic dental care for eligible children. For families who qualify, it can pay for a large part of check-ups, cleans, fillings, and more, over a two year period. Many parents are eligible without realising it. This guide explains in plain English what the CDBS covers, who qualifies, the current benefit cap, and how to check and use it.
Key takeaways
- The CDBS provides Medicare funded dental benefits for eligible children up to a capped amount over two calendar years.
- The cap is set by the government and indexed each year; it is around $1,150 for a benefit period starting in the current year.
- Eligibility is generally tied to the family receiving certain government payments, such as Family Tax Benefit Part A.
- It covers basic services like exams, cleans, X-rays, fillings, and extractions, but not orthodontics or cosmetic work.
- You can check eligibility through Medicare, and many practices can confirm it and bulk bill the benefit.
What the CDBS is
The CDBS is an Australian Government scheme, delivered through Medicare, that contributes to the cost of basic dental services for children who qualify. Rather than a fixed dollar handed over, it works as a capped total that the family can draw on over a rolling two calendar year period for eligible treatments. It is designed to make routine dental care affordable for children in families receiving certain support payments, and to encourage early, preventive dental habits.
The benefit cap
Each eligible child has access to a set total over two consecutive calendar years. The government indexes this cap annually, so the exact figure rises over time. For a benefit period starting in the current year, the cap is around $1,150 per child, and any amount not used typically does not carry over beyond the two year period. Because the figure changes each year and depends on when your child's benefit period begins, it is best to confirm the current cap with Medicare or your dental practice. The team at Lumi Dental can check your child's remaining balance before treatment so there are no surprises.
Who is eligible
Eligibility has a few parts, and Medicare confirms it each calendar year. In general, a child qualifies if they are eligible for Medicare, are in the relevant age range for the scheme, and the family receives a qualifying payment such as Family Tax Benefit Part A for at least part of the year. Some other government payments also make a child eligible. Because the criteria are specific and checked yearly, the reliable approach is to confirm eligibility directly rather than assume. Many families are surprised to find they qualify.
What the CDBS covers
The scheme covers a range of basic, general dental services:
| Covered | Not covered |
|---|---|
| Examinations and check-ups | Orthodontics (braces, aligners) |
| Cleans and preventive care | Cosmetic dental work |
| X-rays | Dental care provided in a hospital |
| Fillings | Crowns and bridges |
| Root canals and extractions | Services beyond the general schedule |
| Fissure sealants |
The focus is squarely on the everyday, preventive, and restorative care that keeps children's teeth healthy. Preventive items such as fissure sealants are included, which is helpful because they protect the very teeth most prone to decay.
How to check and use it
Confirming and using the benefit is straightforward. You can check your child's eligibility and remaining balance through your Medicare online account via myGov, the Express Plus Medicare app, or by phoning Medicare. Your dental practice can also verify eligibility and the balance for you. When you book, let the practice know you would like to use the CDBS. Many practices, including Lumi Dental, can bulk bill eligible services directly to Medicare, which means no out of pocket cost for those covered items up to the cap. Keeping track of the balance helps you plan the year's care.
Making the most of the benefit
A little planning helps the CDBS go further. Booking a check-up early in the benefit period lets your dentist map out any needed treatment within the cap. Prioritising preventive care, such as regular cleans and sealants, reduces the chance of larger problems later. Combining the CDBS with good habits at home, covered in our guide to a child's first dental visit, gives your child the best start. If treatment needs exceed the cap, your dentist can discuss options and timing so care stays affordable.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my child is eligible for the CDBS?
Eligibility is generally tied to your family receiving a qualifying payment such as Family Tax Benefit Part A, along with your child being Medicare eligible and in the relevant age range. Medicare assesses it each calendar year. The simplest way to confirm is to check your Medicare online account through myGov or ask your dental practice to verify it for you.
How much does the CDBS cover?
Each eligible child has a capped total over two consecutive calendar years, which the government indexes annually to around $1,150 for a period starting in the current year. The benefit covers eligible basic services up to that cap. Because the figure changes and depends on when the period starts, confirm the current amount with Medicare or your practice.
Does the CDBS cover braces?
No. The scheme covers basic general dental care such as exams, cleans, X-rays, fillings, and extractions, but it does not cover orthodontic treatment like braces or aligners, nor cosmetic work. If your child may need orthodontics, that is a separate cost, and your dentist can advise on timing and options.
Can I use the CDBS at any dentist?
You can use it at any dental practice that participates in the scheme, in either the public or private system. Many private practices bulk bill eligible CDBS services, meaning no out of pocket cost for covered items up to the cap. It is worth confirming when you book that the practice offers CDBS and how they handle billing.
The takeaway
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule can cover a substantial share of your child's routine dental care if your family is eligible, with a capped total of around $1,150 over two years for basic services. Many families qualify without realising, so it is well worth checking. To find out whether your child is eligible and to book, the team at Lumi Dental in Melrose Park can help and can bulk bill eligible services. Explore our general dental care or current offers on the deals page. This article is general information and not a substitute for personal dental advice; confirm current CDBS details with Medicare.
