Everything you need to know about the Child Dental Benefits Schedule

Getting your kid into the dentist’s chair isn’t always the easiest task. We often have to rely on the promise of TV, toys, stickers and (counterintuitively) sweets to get the job done.

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To make it even easier, we’re letting you in on something not many parents know about.

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) aims to make dental care more affordable so your child’s teeth get the care they need to stay healthy (hopefully, without the drama).

In this article, we’re going to break down exactly what the CDBS is all about, why it matters, and how it can help you give your kids the best shot at a future of healthy smiles.

Overview of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule

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So, let’s kick things off with the basics. What exactly is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule? At its core, it’s a government-funded initiative designed to help families get access to essential dental services for their kids, aged 2 to 17 years. It’s managed by Services Australia and aims to make dental care for kids more affordable for Aussie families.

Since its creation under the Dental Benefits Act 2008, the CDBS has been working hard to bridge the gap in dental care access. You’ve probably faced the financial stress of a dental bill before – who hasn’t with the current cost of living? The CDBS seeks to relieve stress by covering basic dental services, giving you peace of mind that your child’s oral health is being taken care of without breaking the bank.

Now, it’s important to note that the CDBS doesn’t cover everything. So if you’re hoping for a set of sparkly veneers or a few years’ worth of braces, you’ll need to look elsewhere. But when it comes to the essentials – think check-ups, fillings, cleanings – this program has you covered.

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Why early dental care matters

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We get it – convincing your kids to brush their teeth every day is sometimes like trying to pull teeth (pun intended). But here’s why it’s so important to get them into that dental chair from an early age.

The earlier you start with dental care, the better. Kids who visit the dentist early on are less likely to develop serious oral health issues down the line. We’re talking about preventing things like tooth decay, alignment issues, and gum disease – all of which can turn into much bigger problems if left untreated.

The Australian Dental Association recommends early dental visits to set the tone for a lifetime of healthy habits. It’s like teaching them to care for their teeth the way you teach them to care for their clothes.

And research has shown that kids from lower-income households tend to have higher rates of dental problems because of barriers to accessing dental care.

The CDBS supports families who might not otherwise be able to afford these services. Because every child, regardless of their background, has access to basic dental care.

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The goals of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule

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The CDBS started as part of the goal to improve oral health outcomes for children across Australia. With rising rates of tooth decay and other dental issues among kids, it was designed to address the gap in access to dental services.

Simply put, the more kids have access to regular dental visits, the less likely they are to develop serious oral health problems down the line. And by improving early dental care now, we can tackle some of the social inequalities that often lead to poorer oral health outcomes for lower-income families.

By focusing on prevention, the CDBS helps set a foundation for healthier, happier futures for Aussie kids.

Eligibility and covered services

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Alright, so now that we know what the CDBS is, let’s talk about who can benefit from it and what exactly is covered.

Who’s eligible?

To be eligible for the CDBS, your child needs to be aged between 2 and 17 years and meet certain criteria, such as being enrolled in Medicare and being from a family receiving certain government benefits, like the Family Tax Benefit Part A. If you meet the eligibility requirements, your child could receive up to $1,132 in dental benefits over two years.

What’s covered?

The CDBS covers basic dental services. These include:

• Check-ups: Regular visits to stay on top of your kid’s dental health.
• Fillings: If your child has a cavity, this will help cover the cost of filling it.
• X-rays: To help catch any issues early on.
• Cleaning: Helping to keep your child’s teeth and gums fresh and healthy.
• Fissure sealing: A simple preventive measure to protect teeth from decay.
• Root canals and extractions: In cases where more serious dental work is required.

However, cosmetic procedures (like teeth whitening) and orthodontics (braces) are not covered under the CDBS. But don’t worry – for most kids, these basic services are usually all they need to keep their teeth in good shape.

The benefit cap and claim period

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Here’s the practical bit: each eligible child can claim up to $1,132 in benefits over two years. The two-year period runs from January 1 to December 31, and once you hit the cap, that’s it for the year.

Example

Let’s say your child needs a routine check-up and a filling. The total cost for these services comes to $250. If your child is eligible, the CDBS will cover the full $250, meaning you don’t pay a cent out of pocket (as long as you haven’t reached the cap for the year). If your child needs more services later in the same year, you can still use the remaining benefits, but once the cap is hit, you’ll need to wait until the next claim period.

Review and monitoring of the CDBS

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Just like anything government-related, the CDBS is subject to regular checks to make sure it’s doing what it’s supposed to do. Every three years, an independent review is conducted on the Dental Benefits Act. This review makes sure that the CDBS is working effectively and delivering on its goals.

The Minister for Health oversees the review, ensuring that the program keeps up with the needs of families and children across Australia.

Who else is involved?

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The CDBS is a team effort. Services Australia plays a key role in administering the benefits, while a range of other stakeholders, like the Dental Clinical Advisory Committee (DCAC), provide important clinical advice.

It’s these collaborations that ensure the CDBS is as effective as possible in meeting the needs of families across the country.

Wrapping it up

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The Child Dental Benefits Schedule makes caring for your baby’s teeth easy, and takes the stress out of those dreaded dentist visits by covering the basics, so you can focus on what really matters: ensuring your child’s teeth are healthy and strong.

So, if you’re eligible, don’t miss out. Get your kids to the dentist early, and let the CDBS help keep their smiles healthy for years to come. After all, healthy teeth today mean fewer worries tomorrow.

Frequently asked questions

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How can I check if my child is eligible for the CDBS?

To check if your child is eligible for the CDBS, you can visit the Services Australia website or call their helpline. You’ll need to confirm your child’s age and whether you receive government benefits like the Family Tax Benefit Part A.

Can I use the CDBS for braces or cosmetic dental procedures?

Unfortunately, the CDBS doesn’t cover orthodontic treatments like braces, nor does it cover cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening. It’s designed to help with basic dental services like check-ups, fillings, and cleanings.

Can I use the full $1,132 cap in one visit?

No, the $1,132 benefit is spread over two years, and it applies to all the dental services your child needs within that period. So, if your child needs more dental work, you can continue using the benefits until the cap is reached.

Sources

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Services Australia, Child Dental Benefits Schedule, September 2024

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, Child Dental Benefits Schedule, 7 February

NSW Health, Child Dental Benefits Schedule, March 2025