As parents, wanting to build good oral health and good oral practices for our children from their youth may be one of the best ways to care for their oral health as it can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
In Australia, the Child Dental Benefits Scheme helps families access basic dental services for their children without the stress of high out-of-pocket costs. This Australian Government-funded program helps eligible children access timely basic dental care.
If you have heard about the program but are unsure how it works, this guide will explain the child dental benefits, who is eligible, what services are covered, and how to make a claim.
Ready to begin?
What Is the Child Dental Benefits Scheme?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a government program that provides financial support for basic dental services for eligible children. It is designed to ensure that kids have access to preventive and restorative dental care to help maintain good oral health.
Under the program, eligible families can claim up to a set amount over a two-year period for covered services. This amount changes from time to time. For the child dental benefits fee schedule 2025, families should check the most recent information from Services Australia or ask their dentist for the current details.
Child Dental Benefits Eligibility
Your child may be eligible for the program if they:
- Are aged between 0 and 17 years at any point in the calendar year
- Are eligible for Medicare
- Receive, or are part of a family receiving, certain government payments such as Family Tax Benefit Part A
Eligibility is assessed each calendar year, so even if your child was not eligible in the past, it is worth checking again. You can confirm eligibility by contacting Services Australia or asking your dental clinic to check for you.
What Services Are Covered?
The CDBS covers a range of basic dental services that help prevent and treat oral health problems. These include:
- Check-ups and examinations
- X-rays
- Cleaning and scaling
- Fissure sealing
- Fillings
- Extractions
- Root canal treatment
It is important to note that orthodontic work (such as braces) and cosmetic treatments are not covered under the child dental benefits scheme.
How the Fee Schedule Works
The Child Dental Benefits Fee Schedule 2025 sets the maximum amounts that can be claimed for each service. The total benefit amount is capped over a two-year period. If you use the full amount before the end of the two years, you will need to wait for the next cycle to claim again.
Your dentist should be able to explain the costs of each service and how much will be covered before treatment begins. This way, you can make informed decisions about your child’s care.
Choosing a Child Dental Benefit Scheme Dentist
Not all dentists participate in the CDBS, so it is important to confirm before booking an appointment. A child dental benefit scheme dentist can check your child’s eligibility and process your claim directly. In many cases, eligible families do not need to pay upfront for covered services if the benefit amount is enough to cover the full cost.
Claiming Child Dental Benefits
The process for claiming child dental benefits is straightforward:
- Check eligibility with Services Australia or your dental clinic.
- Book an appointment with a participating dentist.
- Discuss the treatment plan and confirm which services are covered under the scheme.
- Sign a consent form before treatment begins to allow the clinic to claim on your behalf.
The claim will be processed, and you will either have no out-of-pocket costs or pay the difference if the service fee is higher than the benefit amount.
Benefits of Using the Program
The child dental benefits program helps families by:
- Reducing financial barriers to necessary dental care
- Encouraging regular check-ups to prevent serious problems
- Supporting early treatment to avoid more complex and costly procedures later
- Giving parents peace of mind that their child’s dental needs are being met
Tips for Making the Most of the CDBS
To get the best value from the program:
- Schedule regular check-ups to monitor your child’s oral health
- Use benefits for preventive care to avoid larger issues
- Keep track of the remaining balance in your child’s benefit amount
- Ask your dentist for an itemised list of covered services before treatment starts
Take Action for Your Child’s Oral Health
If you think your child may be eligible, it is worth checking and arranging an appointment with a participating Child Dental Benefit Scheme dentist. Early dental visits support long-term oral health and can help children feel more comfortable in dental settings.
Want to know more about claiming child dental benefits? Our team at Dentist Near Me Toongabbie can help check eligibility, explain your options, and provide gentle care for your child. Call us at (02) 7905 0814 or book an appointment online today to get started.