Good oral health starts early. With the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, eligible families can access essential dental care for children without financial stress.
At Wickham Dental Carseldine, we believe that positive early visits build confidence for life. Below you will find how the CDBS works, who qualifies, what is covered and how we help you use every dollar wisely.
What is the CDBS?
The CDBS is an Australian Government program that helps cover the cost of basic dental services for eligible children. Each eligible child receives up to $1,000 in benefits to use over two consecutive calendar years. The fund renews in two-year cycles if eligibility continues.
The goal is to make preventive care routine, catch problems early and reduce the need for complex treatment later.
Who is eligible?
A child is typically eligible if they:
- Are 2 to 17 years old for at least one day in the relevant calendar year;
- Receive, or are in a family receiving, a qualifying government payment such as Family Tax Benefit Part A.
Eligibility is assessed by Medicare. Many families receive a letter, but if you are unsure, we can check eligibility for you in-practice or over the phone.
What treatments are covered?
The CDBS pays benefits for most general dental services needed to keep children’s teeth healthy, including:
- Check-ups and examinations;
- Professional cleans and fluoride treatments;
- X-rays when clinically necessary;
- Fissure sealants to protect vulnerable grooves in molars;
- Fillings for tooth decay;
- Root canal treatment on baby or adult teeth, when indicated;
- Extractions only if required.
Not covered: orthodontic treatment (braces, aligners), cosmetic procedures (e.g., veneers), or services provided in a hospital. If a service is not covered, we will discuss alternatives and costs upfront.
How the benefit works in practice
- The $1,000 is shared across two calendar years;
- If you do not use the full amount in Year 1, the remaining balance carries into Year 2, provided your child remains eligible;
- After the two-year period ends, any unused funds expire and do not roll forward.
Clear example:
- Year 1: Your child uses $280 for a check-up, clean, fluoride and two small fillings. Balance left = $720.
- Year 2: A check-up, clean and X-rays cost $210. Balance left = $510. Anything left after Year 2 expires.
We will always discuss itemised costs in advance so you know how much of your child’s balance will be used at each visit.
No surprise fees
If our fees for a covered service are within your child’s available CDBS balance, there is no out-of-pocket cost for that service. If a recommended service would exceed the remaining balance, we will:
- Show you the gap in dollars;
- Offer prioritised staging to fit within benefits where clinically reasonable;
- Provide written consent before proceeding.
Why early dental care matters
- Comfort and confidence: Children who attend from a young age are more relaxed at future visits.
- Prevention: Fluoride, sealants and early advice reduce the risk of decay.
- Early detection: Small issues can be treated simply before they become painful or costly.
- Healthy habits: We reinforce brushing technique, diet tips and mouthguard use for sport.
What to expect at Wickham Dental Carseldine
- Welcome and paperwork
We confirm your child’s Medicare eligibility and remaining balance. We also explain what is covered and answer questions. - Gentle clinical assessment
A kid-friendly check-up with photos or X-rays if needed. We focus on comfort and confidence building. - Personalised prevention plan
We map out cleaning intervals, fluoride, sealants, diet tweaks and home-care tips that suit your child’s age and risk. - Transparent fees and consent
You receive a simple treatment outline with costs and how it uses the CDBS balance. Nothing proceeds without your go-ahead. - Follow-up and reminders
We help you schedule review visits to maximise benefits within the two-year window.
How we help you use your benefits wisely
- On-the-spot eligibility and balance checks via Medicare
- Smart scheduling to complete preventive care and necessary treatments within the current cycle
- Staged care plans when balances are limited, prioritising the most important items first
- Clear communication about what is covered and any potential gaps
Tips for a great first visit
- Book a morning appointment when your child is fresh.
- Bring a favourite toy or book.
- Keep language positive and simple: “The dentist counts and cleans your teeth.”
- Avoid saying “It won’t hurt.” Instead, try “We will go gently, and you can put your hand up if you need a pause.”
- If your child has specific needs or sensory preferences, tell us beforehand so we can tailor the visit.
Common questions (FAQs)
How do I check if my child is eligible?
Call us and we can check through Medicare, or you can view CDBS eligibility and balances in the Medicare section of your myGov account.
Can I choose any dentist?
Yes. CDBS benefits can be used at participating private practices like ours. We claim directly through Medicare to keep it simple.
Will I have to pay anything on the day?
If the covered services fall within your child’s remaining balance, there is no out-of-pocket cost. If a gap is likely, we will tell you before treatment and provide options.
Are missed appointments covered?
No. CDBS pays for eligible dental services, not missed appointment fees. Please let us know early if you need to reschedule.
What if my child is anxious?
Our team uses gentle, tell-show-do techniques and breaks on request. For very anxious children we can discuss extra behavioural supports or staged visits.
What happens when my child turns 18?
CDBS eligibility ends at 18. We will help plan a smooth transition to adult preventive care.
Can benefits be used for mouthguards?
Custom mouthguards may be covered when clinically indicated as a preventive service. We will confirm eligibility and cost before proceeding.
Example care plans
Low-risk child (ages 4–6)
- Six-monthly check-ups and cleans
- Fluoride once or twice per year
- Sealants on first adult molars when appropriate
- Home-care coaching and diet guidance
Higher-risk child (ages 7–12)
- Three to four cleans per year, plus topical fluoride
- Sealants on deep-grooved molars
- Early treatment of small cavities to avoid larger fillings
- Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and supervised flossing
Teens (ages 13–17)
- Regular checks and cleans, sports mouthguard if needed
- Targeted diet advice for sugary drinks and snacks
- X-rays as indicated to monitor wisdom teeth and decay risk
How to get started
- Call or book online to arrange a CDBS appointment.
- Have your Medicare details handy so we can check eligibility and balance.
- Attend your visit and receive a simple plan with itemised costs and benefit use.
- Return for scheduled reviews to make the most of your two-year cycle.
We are committed to accessible, high-quality dental care for every family. Every child deserves the best start to lifelong oral health.
Healthy habits start here.
Book your child’s appointment today and let us help you make the most of your CDBS benefits.
Disclaimer: The information above is general in nature and not medical advice. Eligibility for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule is assessed by the Department of Human Services (Medicare). Treatment suitability, specific costs and coverage are confirmed during consultation.