The Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS) was introduced by the government in January 2014. The aim of this benefit schedule is to improve children’s dental health by providing funds to cover essential dental services for eligible children aged between two and seventeen years old. The fund covers the cost of essential preventative and restorative treatments up to a value of $1,158 over a two consecutive year period. Any funds remaining at the end of each two-year period will not be carried over. The new indexed cap rate for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) of $1,158 comes into effect on 1 January 2026 and is applicable until 31 December 2026. The increased $1,158 cap applies only if a child’s CDBS treatment period begins in 2026. The $1,132 cap applies to those starting in 2025, even if their treatment continues into 2026.
The services covered by CDBS help prevent any dental diseases, or wherever possible, will restore teeth that have been damaged due to infection or trauma. 1300SMILES will be able to work with you and your child to devise a suitable preventative dental treatment plan within the scope of the services covered.
Preventative treatments covered by CDBS include your child’s regular dental examinations, cleanings and x-rays and fissure sealants. Restorative treatments covered include fillings, root canal treatments and tooth extractions if we are unable to save a tooth.
Is your child currently enrolled in this scheme? Contact us to make sure they get the maximum benefits from their funds.
Children aged between two and seventeen years old are able to be assessed for eligibility at the beginning of each calendar year for the entirety of the coming year. To be eligible, a child must qualify for Medicare, and they must be a part of a family who receives an applicable government payment, for example the Family Tax Benefit Part A.
The most straightforward way is to access your Medicare account, either online at my.gov.au or you can call the Medicare General Enquiries line on 132 011. The next step is to contact 1300SMILES and let us know your child qualifies. We can then schedule an appointment for your child to discuss suitable treatment options for them, based on their dental health. We will also discuss any associated costs of these services, and you will need to sign a consent form before we provide any treatment. All treatment provided under CDBS is bulk-billed so you will not be out of pocket.
*Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) Terms and Conditions:
Bulk billed dental items are subject to Medicare requirements.
Children must be aged between 0-17 years
There are limitations to certain items numbers being performed
Up to $1,158 benefit over two consecutive calendar years per child from January 2026.
Covers examinations, X-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals, extractions and partial dentures. Many of these services have claiming restrictions.
Does not cover Orthodontic and Cosmetic dental.
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