The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) has been introduced to make dental care more affordable for families who are on Medicare and are receiving other government benefits.

How it works for your family

Ideally, your child should see the dentist as soon as his or her first teeth emerge. With regular kids dental check-ups, the early signs of decay can be detected and treated. Regular visits to the dentist teach and reinforce good dental hygiene practices, which are essential for your child’s teeth to last a lifetime.

The Medicare schedule provides an allowance of up to $1000 per eligible child to be spent on dental services, over a two-year calendar period. If you do not spend the full amount in the first year it will be carried into the second year. Any funds not used by the end of the second year will be forfeited.

What dental services are covered by CDBS?

Kids dental benefits under the CDBS schedule include:

  • Routine check-ups and examinations
  • Professional teeth cleaning
  • Fillings and fissure sealing
  • X-rays
  • Tooth extractions
  • Root canal treatments.

These treatments and procedures are available to a maximum amount of $1000 per child.

The CDBS does not cover orthodontic treatment and teeth straightening, cosmetic procedures and procedures that would be performed in a hospital environment. If you are unsure whether the procedures your kids need would be covered, you can check with us.

Who is eligible for child dental benefits?

Child dental services are available to kids aged 2 to 17 who also qualify for Medicare.

In addition, they need to be receiving another benefit such as:

  • Family Tax Benefit Part A
  • Youth Allowance
  • Disability Support Pension
  • Parenting Payment
  • Carer Payment

You don’t need to apply or register for CDBS. If your child is eligible, you will receive a letter from Medicare.

How does the CDBS work?

We have no waiting periods for Medicare child dental benefits. If your child qualifies for kids’ dental benefits, you can be seen at the next available appointment.

We are a bulk billing dentist for eligible children covered under the Medicare dental scheme.

Making the most of your CDBS

At The Caddens Dental Bar we will prepare a detailed treatment plan for your child that outlines the cost of each treatment so you can plan how to spend your allowance most effectively. We will also show you whether any of the treatments carry additional or out of pocket costs so you can decide before going ahead with any work.

Remember, you cannot claim from both the CDBS and your private insurance if you have private health cover.

Child Dental Benefits in Caddens, Penrith

The Caddens Dental Bar offers the best in children’s dentistry in Penrith. We are a fun and friendly kids dentist in Penrith offering Medicare bulk billing services under the child dental benefits scheme. To find out more about the CDBS schedule and its benefits for families, or to arrange an appointment, call us on (02) 9159 3955.