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Child Dental Benefits Schedule

Good dental habits start early, and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule can help eligible families with the cost of basic dental care. At Essential Care Dental, we can check your child’s eligibility and available balance and process eligible claims directly.

Government Support for Children’s Dental Care

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule, or CDBS, is an Australian Government program for eligible children aged 0 to 17. It helps families access basic preventative and restorative dental services.

What’s Covered by CDBS?

Depending on your child’s needs, eligible services may include:

The CDBS does not cover orthodontic treatment, including braces or Invisalign®, or cosmetic dental work. Custom-fitted appliances such as mouthguards are also generally not covered.

How Eligibility and Claims Work

Your child may be eligible if they’re covered by Medicare, are aged 0 to 17 for at least one day in the calendar year and receive an eligible government payment, or have a parent, carer or guardian who does.

There’s no need to apply. Services Australia assesses eligibility, and you can check your child’s status through your Medicare account in myGov. Bring their Medicare card to the appointment so we can check their eligibility and available balance before treatment and process eligible claims directly. We’ll also explain any required consent before treatment begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The CDBS is an Australian Government program that helps eligible children access basic dental services.

How much can my child claim through CDBS?

If your child’s two-year benefit period starts in 2026, they can access up to [MEDICARE CDBS] over two consecutive calendar years. Benefit caps are indexed annually, and the available balance may be lower if benefits have already been used.

What dental services are covered?

CDBS can cover services including check-ups, cleans, X-rays, fluoride treatments, fissure sealants, fillings, root canals and extractions.

Does CDBS cover braces or Invisalign?

No. Orthodontic treatment, including braces and Invisalign, isn’t covered.
Does CDBS cover mouthguards?
Custom-fitted appliances such as sports mouthguards are generally not covered.

Who is eligible for CDBS?

Eligibility depends on your child’s age, Medicare eligibility and whether they or a parent, carer or guardian receive an eligible government payment.

Do I need to apply?

No. Services Australia assesses eligibility automatically. You can also check your child’s status through your Medicare account in myGov.

What should I bring to my child’s appointment?

Please bring your child’s Medicare card. We can check their eligibility and available benefit before treatment.

Make the Most of Your Child’s Dental Visit

If your child is due for a check-up or you’ve noticed a dental concern, their CDBS benefit may help cover eligible services. Contact Essential Care Dental today to schedule, and we’ll check their eligibility and available balance.

Book Your Child’s Check-Up

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Child Dental Benefits Schedule | (07) 3333 2011