The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) helps eligible Australian children access certain basic dental services through Medicare. Many parents are unsure whether their child qualifies or how the program works. Understanding eligibility, how to confirm coverage and what services may be included can help families organise their child’s dental care.
Many Australian parents hear about the Child Dental Benefits Schedule but are not always sure how it works. Questions often come up when families start thinking about their child’s first dental visit or when they are trying to understand whether Medicare may help support preventive dental care.
Parents may be unsure whether CDBS applies automatically to all children or whether it can only be used through public dental clinics. Eligible children can access covered dental services through participating dental providers.
What Is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is an Australian Government program that helps cover part or all of the cost of certain basic dental services for eligible children and teenagers aged 0 to 17.
For a new two-year CDBS benefit period beginning in 2026, eligible children can access up to $1,158 in covered basic dental services over two consecutive calendar years. The benefit cap is indexed and can differ depending on when the child’s two-year period began, so parents should check the child’s current CDBS balance before treatment.
Through this initiative, eligible children may receive services that focus on maintaining healthy teeth and identifying potential issues early.
Depending on eligibility, available benefits and CDBS restrictions, covered services can include:
- Dental examinations
- X-rays
- Cleaning
- Fissure sealing
- Fillings
- Root canal treatment
- Extractions
- Partial dentures
These services may allow dentists to assess oral health, identify dental concerns and provide preventive advice where appropriate.
Parents can also learn more about CDBS dental services for children in Bundoora and the types of children’s dental care available at the clinic.
How Eligibility for CDBS Is Determined
CDBS eligibility is determined by Services Australia. Dental clinics can check a patient’s recorded eligibility and available balance, but they do not set the eligibility criteria themselves.
A child or teenager is generally eligible when they:
- Are aged 0 to 17 for at least one day of the calendar year
- Are eligible for Medicare
- Receive an eligible Australian Government payment at least once during the year, or have a parent, carer or guardian who receives an eligible payment
Services Australia advises that families are sent a letter when a child is eligible for CDBS.
Parents can check their child’s CDBS eligibility and available balance before treatment through their Medicare online account or by contacting Services Australia.
Why Many Parents Feel Unsure About the Program
Some families believe the benefits apply automatically, while others assume they can only be used at public dental clinics.
Several factors contribute to this confusion.
Multiple Dental Care Pathways in Australia
Australia offers several pathways for children’s dental care, including public dental clinics, private dental practices, and Medicare-supported programs. The similarities between these options can make the system difficult for parents to navigate.
Eligibility Notifications Can Be Missed
Families who are unsure about eligibility can check their child’s status through Medicare rather than relying only on previous correspondence.
Not All Clinics Participate in the Program
Not every dental provider uses CDBS in the same way, so parents should confirm whether the clinic accepts CDBS and how eligible services are billed before treatment.
Why Preventive Dental Visits Still Matter
Many parents begin researching the Child Dental Benefits Schedule when they start thinking about their child’s first dental appointment.
Early dental visits allow children’s dentists in Bundoora to monitor developing teeth and gums and identify concerns that may require preventive care, monitoring or treatment. Depending on the child’s needs, preventive care may include options such as fissure sealants or fluoride treatment.
Parents can also learn what happens during routine check-up and clean appointments and how recall intervals are determined for individual patients.
How Parents Can Confirm Their Child’s Eligibility
Parents who want to confirm their child’s eligibility for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule can take several steps.
Check Through Medicare Online
Eligibility information can usually be viewed through a Medicare online account or the Medicare mobile application.
Contact Medicare Directly
Parents can also contact Medicare directly if they need confirmation about their child’s eligibility.
Ask the Dental Clinic During Booking
Participating dental providers may be able to check a child’s CDBS eligibility and remaining balance using the relevant Medicare provider systems.
Clinics Serving Families Across Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs
Radiant Smiles Dental Bundoora provides children’s dental care for families from Bundoora and nearby communities including Eltham, Greensborough, Lalor, Macleod, Mill Park, Reservoir, Rosanna, Thomastown and Watsonia.
Questions Parents Often Ask About the Child Dental Benefits Schedule
Does every dentist accept the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
CDBS can be used with dental providers that offer treatment under the program. Contact the clinic before treatment to confirm whether CDBS is accepted and how eligible services are billed.
Do parents need a referral to use the program?
A referral is not generally required to access CDBS dental services. Parents should still confirm eligibility and the clinic’s CDBS arrangements before treatment.
Can the program be used for preventive dental visits?
CDBS can cover eligible basic dental services including examinations, cleaning, X-rays and fissure sealing, subject to the program rules and the child’s available balance.
What if my child is not eligible?
Children who are not eligible can still attend routine dental visits through private dental care.
What dental problems might require further treatment?
If tooth decay or damage is identified, the dentist can assess whether monitoring, preventive care or restorative treatment may be appropriate. Parents can also read about how dentists treat a chipped or damaged tooth.
CDBS and Ongoing Children’s Dental Care
Whether or not a child qualifies for CDBS, dental visits allow the dentist to monitor developing teeth and gums and provide preventive advice based on the child’s individual needs.
Disclaimer: Information about the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) in this article is intended for general educational purposes only. Eligibility for the program is determined by Medicare and may depend on individual circumstances. Dental services available under CDBS can vary between clinics. Parents should confirm eligibility with Medicare and seek personalised advice from a qualified dental professional regarding their child’s oral health needs.
