Dental care is a key part of your child’s health as it builds the foundation of their oral health throughout their lives. While essential, however, the cost of dental care remains to be a barrier.
Fortunately, the Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS) helps to provide dental care accessibility—giving eligible children access to essential dental treatments, often with no out-of-pocket costs.
If you’ve been asking yourself, “Can my child get free dental care?”, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—who’s eligible, how to claim, what’s covered, and how to get started.
What is the Child Dental Benefits Scheme?
The Child Dental Benefits Scheme is a government-funded initiative designed to help eligible families manage the cost of dental care for children. It provides up to $1,095 worth of dental services over two calendar years, making it easier to stay on top of your child’s oral health without stretching the household budget.
What services are covered?
The CDBS covers a range of basic dental services that focus on prevention, early detection, and treatment. These include:
- Dental check-ups
- X-rays
- Teeth cleaning
- Fissure sealing
- Fillings
- Root canals
- Tooth extractions
Note: Orthodontic services, cosmetic treatments, and dental work done in a hospital setting are not covered.
Is My Child Eligible?
To access this support, your child must meet the following Child Dental Benefits Scheme eligibility criteria:
- Be aged 0 to 17 years at any point in the calendar year
- Be eligible for Medicare
- Receive (or be part of a family receiving) a relevant government payment, such as:
If you’re unsure about your child’s eligibility, you can check through your MyGov account or by contacting Medicare directly.
Do I Need to Apply for the Child Dental Benefit Scheme?
There’s no formal application process to access the scheme. If your child is eligible, you’ll typically receive a letter from Services Australia to let you know. But even if you haven’t received a letter, you can still check and apply for Child Dental Benefit Scheme eligibility through your MyGov account.
It is important to note that most families don’t check their children’s eligibility — so it’s worth taking the time to check to help secure funding for your child’s dental health!
What if My Child Turns 18 Soon?
As long as your child was under 18 at any point during the year, they can still use the benefits in that year—even if they’ve already celebrated their birthday. So if your child is approaching 18, don’t wait to book that appointment.
How to Claim Child Dental Benefits Scheme at Your Dental Clinic
Once you know your child is eligible, here’s how to claim:
1. Choose a dental clinic that accepts CDBS
Not every dental clinic offers CDBS claims. Make sure you go to a dentist—like Dentist Near Me Toongabbie—that accepts and processes Child Dental Benefits Scheme payments.
2. Let the clinic know ahead of time
When booking your appointment, mention that you want to use the CDBS. This helps the clinic prepare your consent forms and check your remaining balance.
3. Sign a consent form
Before any treatment starts, your dentist will explain what procedures are covered and what, if anything, will incur an out-of-pocket cost. You’ll then sign a form to confirm you agree with the plan.
4. Receive treatment—no paperwork required
The clinic will handle the claim with Medicare directly. As long as the treatment is covered and you have enough left in your balance, you won’t need to pay anything.
How Long Do the Benefits Last?
Your child can access up to $1,095 in benefits over two consecutive calendar years. If the full amount isn’t used in the first year, the remaining balance carries over to the second—but only if your child remains eligible.
After two years, any unused funds will expire. So it’s a good idea to space out appointments to take full advantage of the benefits before they reset.
Will I ever need to pay out of pocket?
As long as:
- You stay within the $1,095 cap,
- You attend a clinic that bulk bills under CDBS, and
- The treatment is one of the approved services…
- Then you shouldn’t have to pay anything!
If the cost of treatment goes over your balance or includes services that aren’t covered, your dentist will explain any fees before proceeding.
Why Early Dental Care Matters
Children’s teeth are constantly developing. Without proper care, issues like cavities, infections, and gum problems can sneak up quickly. Regular dental visits help catch these problems early—when they’re easier (and cheaper) to treat.
With the Child Dental Benefits Scheme, there’s no reason to delay.
Why The Child Dental Benefits Scheme Matters
The Child Dental Benefits Scheme is one of the most accessible ways for Australian families to manage dental care costs for their children. If your child qualifies, you could save hundreds of dollars while giving them the best start to lifelong oral health.
Don’t miss out on this support—check your eligibility and book your child’s next check-up today.
We’re Here to Help Prioritise Your Children’s Health
At Dentist Near Me Toongabbie, we proudly support the Child Dental Benefits Scheme and can help you claim your benefits quickly and easily. If you’d like help checking eligibility, understanding what’s covered, or planning your child’s treatment — then we’re here to help. Call our team on (02) 7905 0814 or book online to schedule a consultation with us. Let’s begin your children’s journey to a healthier and happier smile!