As a parent, we know that your priority is wanting to take care of your child’s health – this includes their oral health.
When it comes to oral health however, we understand that the cost of dental care can make things harder than they need to be. This is where the CDBS comes in.
If you are wondering how to make sure your child gets the dental care they need without worrying about the bill, you are not alone. The good news is, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is here to help.
Still, many parents are unsure about how it works or how to check if their child can use it. This is why we’re here to answer the top questions parents ask about the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, so you can feel confident about your next step.
Ready to dive in?
What Is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a government program that helps pay for basic dental services for children aged 0 to 17 years.
This means if your child is eligible, they can get up to $1,095 in dental benefits over a 2-year period. This can be used for check-ups, cleaning, fillings and more.
There is no need to enrol or pay additional fees. If your child is eligible, you can simply use the benefit at clinics that accept it, like Dentist Near Me Toongabbie.
What Does Child Dental Benefits Cover?
Many parents are surprised to find out that the CDBS covers a wide range of common treatments.
Here are some of the services your child may be able to access through the benefit:
- Regular check-ups and exams
- X-rays
- Cleaning and scaling
- Fillings
- Fissure sealing
- Tooth extractions
- Root canals
It is important to note that the benefit only covers essential dental care. It does not cover cosmetic treatments or orthodontics like braces.
If you are not sure whether a service is covered, you can always check with our team before your child’s appointment.
What Is the Age Limit for Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is available for children aged between 0 and 17 years old.
To be eligible, your child must be:
- Within the age range for at least one day in the calendar year
- Eligible for Medicare
- Receiving certain government payments, such as Family Tax Benefit Part A
- If your child meets these criteria, they may be able to use the benefit anytime during that year.
How to Check My Child Dental Benefit?
One of the most common questions parents ask is:
“How can I check if my child is eligible for the benefit?”
You can check your child’s eligibility by:
- Logging into your Medicare online account through myGov
- Calling Medicare on 132 011
- Asking your dental clinic to check for you
At Dentist Near Me Toongabbie, we can help check your child’s eligibility before your appointment so you know what to expect.
What Is the Eligibility Criteria for Child Dental Benefit?
To use the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, your child must meet the following:
- Aged 0 to 17 years for at least one day that year
- Eligible for Medicare
- Receiving or part of a family receiving an eligible government payment such as:
- Family Tax Benefit Part A
- Parenting Payment
- Disability Support Pension
- Carer Payment
Keep in mind that eligibility is reviewed every year. Even if your child was eligible last year, you should still check again before their next visit.
How to Apply Child Dental Benefit?
Here’s the good news, you do not need to apply or sign up for the benefit separately.
If your child is eligible, Medicare will automatically send you a letter letting you know. You can then:
- Book an appointment with a dental clinic that accepts the benefit
- Let the clinic know you want to use the Child Dental Benefits Schedule
- Sign the consent form before treatment begins
Our team can walk you through each step and help you understand how the benefit works.
How to Claim Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
Claiming is simple and usually done on the spot.
If your child’s dental clinic bulk bills under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, you will not need to pay anything upfront. You simply:
Let the clinic know you want to use the benefit
- Sign a consent form for the treatment
- The clinic will claim directly through Medicare
If the clinic does not bulk bill, you may need to pay first and claim the benefit later through your Medicare online account.
At Dentist Near Me Toongabbie, we bulk bill eligible treatments under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule to help make things easier for families.
How Can I Maximise My Child’s Dental Benefits?
To get the most out of your child’s dental benefits:
- Check their eligibility early in the year
- Use the benefit before it expires
- Keep track of how much has been used through your Medicare account
- Book regular check-ups to catch problems early
Note: unused benefits do not roll over once the two-year period ends, so it is best to use them while they are still available.
Give Your Child the Quality Dental Care They Deserve
If your child is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, there is no reason to wait.
At Dentist Near Me Toongabbie, we help local families make the most of their dental benefits with honest advice and friendly care. Our team can check your child’s eligibility, explain your options, and provide treatment that fits within the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
Call us at (02) 7905 0814 or book an appointment online today and let us help you make the most of the support available to your family.