The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a government-funded system that provides eligible children with financial assistance (capped at $1,052) for basic dental services over the space of two consecutive calendar years. To be eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, your child must:
- Be aged between 2-17 years
- Be eligible for Medicare
- Receive, or be part of a family receiving, certain Australian Government payments
About This Offer
You can claim up to $1,052 for each child over 2 consecutive calendar years. You can use the full amount of $1,052 in the first year however this will leave no funds for the second year. If you don't use the full $1,052 in the first year, you can use it in the second year but only if your child remains eligible. The two-year period starts at the beginning of the calendar year in which your child both:
- Becomes eligible
- Gets their first dental service
If you don't use the full amount within the two calendar years, you can't use the remaining funds. You'll have to wait for a new two-year cover period to start. You also won't be able to use any remaining funds once your child is no longer eligible.
What is covered?
Services that receive a benefit under the CDBS include (some services have claiming restrictions):
- Dental Check-Up
- X-rays
- Cleaning
- Fissure Sealing
- Fillings
- Root Canal Therapy
- Tooth Extractions
- Partial Dentures
Please note that benefits are not available for orthodontic or cosmetic dental work, and cannot be used to pay for any services provided in a hospital.
For more information regarding the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) and its eligibility, visit the Services Australia website, or call Medicare on 132 011.