The Child Dental Benefits Schedule
Helping children develop good oral-hygiene habits can be challenging, particularly as they become more independent. Regular dental check-ups and early treatment can help prevent tooth decay, dental infections and more complex problems. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) helps eligible families access essential children’s dental care through Medicare.
CDBS eligibility is assessed by Services Australia and generally depends on Medicare eligibility and receipt of an eligible Australian Government payment. The program provides a benefit balance that can be used toward approved basic dental services, subject to the current CDBS rules, service limits and the child’s remaining balance.
Skygate Dental can check your child’s CDBS eligibility and available balance before treatment. Where the planned service is fully covered and bulk billed, there may be no out-of-pocket cost. We will explain the proposed treatment, applicable CDBS benefit and any possible fees before proceeding.
Treatments Covered by the CDBS
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) helps eligible children access essential dental care through Medicare. Depending on the child’s available CDBS balance and the treatment required, it may cover part or all of the cost of services such as dental check-ups, X-rays, professional cleaning, fissure sealants, fillings, root canal treatment, extractions and partial dentures.
CDBS eligibility is determined by Services Australia, and some services may be subject to treatment limits or other conditions. Before beginning treatment, Skygate Dental can check your child’s eligibility and available balance and explain whether there are likely to be any out-of-pocket costs.
The CDBS does not cover orthodontic treatment, cosmetic dental procedures or dental services provided in a hospital. CDBS-funded services also do not contribute towards the Medicare Safety Net or Extended Medicare Safety Net.
Is My Child Eligible for the CDBS?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is available to eligible children and teenagers who meet the current Medicare, age and government-payment requirements. You do not need to apply or register for the program. Services Australia regularly assesses eligibility and will usually notify families when a child qualifies.
You can check your child’s CDBS eligibility and available balance through your Medicare online account linked to myGov. Skygate Dental can also check your child’s eligibility and remaining balance before treatment.
Eligibility generally depends on:
Your child meeting the current CDBS age requirements
Your child being eligible for Medicare
Your child, parent, carer or guardian receiving an eligible Australian Government payment
Eligibility is assessed for each calendar year. Current eligibility requirements and payment criteria are available through Services Australia.
Using CDBS at Skygate Dental
Skygate Dental offers bulk billing for eligible CDBS dental services, subject to your child’s available balance and the applicable program rules. When a service is fully covered and bulk billed, we submit the claim directly to Medicare and accept the applicable CDBS benefit as full payment.
Before treatment, we will explain the recommended care, confirm whether it is covered and advise you of any possible out-of-pocket costs. Where a service is not bulk billed, our team can explain how to submit a Medicare claim.