Dental care is one of the most important things you can give to a child as they grow up. With the right care, you help them eventually become adults with good oral health and healthy permanent teeth. However, child dental care comes at a cost.
It is only normal to worry about the cost of dental treatments, and to wonder if there is any way to have it covered by the government. This is where the Child Dental Benefits Schedule comes in.
This program helps eligible families pay for basic dental services for children aged 0 to 17. But how much can you claim each year? And what happens if you do not use it all?
Let’s go into how you can begin claiming child dental benefits for your young ones, how the yearly cap works, and how to make the most of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
What Is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (or CDBS) is a government program run by Medicare. It gives eligible families up to $1,095 over two calendar years to help cover the cost of basic dental treatments for children and teenagers.
As of 1 January 2025, this cap will increase to $1,132 over two years, according to the Australian Dental Association.
The aim is to make dental care more affordable for kids so small problems do not turn into big ones later on.
What Does the Child Dental Benefits Schedule Cover?
The schedule covers a wide range of general dental services, including:
Check-ups and cleanings
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Fissure sealing
- Tooth extractions
- Root canal treatment
However, it does not cover:
- Orthodontic treatment (like braces)
- Cosmetic dental procedures
- Services provided in a hospital
Only bulk-billing dental clinics or providers who accept Medicare payments can offer services under this scheme. Always check with your clinic before treatment begins.
How Much Can You Claim?
The current benefit cap is $1,095 for each eligible child over two calendar years. That amount will increase to $1,132 in 2025.
It is important to note:
- This is not a yearly limit, but a two-year limit
- The cap resets every second year, not every January
- You can use the full amount in one year if needed
- If you do not use the full amount, the leftover balance can carry into the second year
Let us look at an example to make this clearer.
How the Two-Year Cap Works: Example
Say your child becomes eligible in January 2024. They have until December 2025 to use their total cap of $1,095.
If you use $400 in 2024, you still have $695 left for 2025.
If you use the full $1,095 in 2024, you cannot claim again until a new two-year period begins.
If you do not use any of it by the end of 2025, it expires and cannot be carried forward.
This is why it is important to book regular check-ups and keep track of how much you have claimed.
How Do You Know If Your Child Is Eligible?
To receive the child dental benefits, your child must meet these three conditions:
Age: They must be between 0 and 17 years old for at least one day in the calendar year.
Medicare: They must be eligible for Medicare.
Family benefits: You or your child must receive an eligible payment from Centrelink, like Family Tax Benefit Part A.
If you are unsure whether your child qualifies, you can check:
- Your Medicare online account
- The Express Plus Medicare app
- By calling Services Australia
Many dental clinics can also check eligibility for you at the time of your appointment.
How to Start Claiming Child Dental Benefits
Claiming is simple if your dentist accepts the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
Here is how it usually works:
Check eligibility: Confirm that your child is eligible through Medicare or ask your dental clinic to check.
Book an appointment: Let the clinic know you will be using the child dental benefits scheme.
Consent to treatment: The clinic will explain the services and costs. You must sign a form agreeing to the treatment before it begins.
Bulk billing or no-gap: If your clinic bulk bills, you will not have to pay anything out of pocket, as long as the treatment stays within your remaining cap.
If your treatment goes over the cap, you will need to pay the extra amount yourself. Always ask your dentist for a written quote so there are no surprises.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Child’s Dental Benefits
Start early: Get regular check-ups while your child is still young. Preventive care is easier and cheaper than emergency treatment.
Spread out appointments: If possible, space treatments over the two years to avoid hitting the cap too quickly.
Ask about costs upfront: Your dentist should explain what will be covered and what might not be.
Use it before it expires: If you are near the end of your two-year period, book any necessary treatments before your balance resets.
Why This Matters for Your Family
Even a simple pain can stop a child from eating, speaking, or sleeping properly, affecting their development. Unfortunately, some families are not able to address dental problems such as this due to the cost, delaying treatment as much as possible.
The child dental benefits scheme is there to help families avoid this. By covering the basics, it helps your child stay healthy, and helps you avoid surprise bills.
It is not just about saving money. It is about giving your child the care they need, when they need it.
Don’t Let the Benefits Go to Waste
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a great support for families. But it only helps if you use it. At Dentist Near Me Toongabbie, we can check your child’s eligibility, explain what you can do with your balance, and provide gentle, quality care using this funding..
To get started, call us at (02) 7905 0814 or book an appointment online today so we can make sure your child gets the dental care they need.