What is CDBS?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is an Australian Government program that
helps cover ...
basic dental services for children. Eligible families can access up to
$1,158 worth of dental care over two consecutive calendar years.
This is not private health insurance, it’s a Medicare benefit that ensures kids
receive the treatment they need without parents having to stress about
unexpected dental bills
Who is Eligible for CDBS?
Your child may qualify for CDBS if:...
✅ They are aged 0–17 years for at least one day of the calendar year
✅ You receive an eligible Centrelink payment such as Family Tax Benefit Part A,
Parenting Payment, or certain other allowances
✅ They are eligible for Medicare
You don’t have to do anything special to apply. Services Australia sends out
letters confirming eligibility at the start of the year, or you can check
through your myGov account.
How to Apply for CDBS
The good news is, there’s no complicated application process! Here’s how you can
confirm and use your benefits:...
1. Check eligibility:
• You’ll usually receive a letter from Services Australia at the start of the
year.
• Or log in to your myGov account, go to Medicare → CDBS to confirm
eligibility.
• You can also call Medicare on 132 011 and ask directly.
2. Choose your dentist:
• Find a dental clinic that accepts CDBS (like us at Amelia Street Dental).
• Mention that you want to use CDBS when booking your appointment.
3. Book your appointment:
• Bring your Medicare card on the day.
• We will bulk bill eligible treatments so there are no out-of-pocket costs (as
long as you stay within your benefit limit).
•That’s it! No forms, no waiting, just easy access to dental care for your kids.
What Treatments Are Covered?
CDBS focuses on preventive and basic dental care, which means you can use the
benefit for services such as: ...
🦷 Regular dental check-ups
🦷 X-rays
🦷 Cleaning and fluoride treatments
🦷 Fillings and fissure sealants
🦷 Extractions (if needed)
What’s not covered? Orthodontics, cosmetic dental work, and services
provided in a hospital setting aren’t included.
Why Does CDBS Matters for Your Child?
I often tell parents that the best orthodontic treatment starts with healthy teeth
...
and gums. Using your CDBS benefits for regular check-ups helps detect problems
early, sometimes before they even become visible. Early intervention can
mean:
🔹 Fewer cavities and fillings
🔹 Healthier gums
🔹 Less complicated (and less expensive) treatment in the future
🔹 Happier, more confident smiles
How to Use CDBS at Amelia Street Dental
At Amelia Street Dental Clinic, we make it simple:
...
1. Check eligibility – we can confirm it for you when you book.
2. Bulk billing available – you won’t have to pay upfront for most CDBS
services.
3. Comprehensive care – from gentle cleanings to preventive treatments, we’ve
got your child covered.
My Advice to Parents
If you have unused benefits, don’t wait until the year ends. CDBS resets every two years, ... and unused funds don’t roll over. Take advantage of it now, your child’s oral health is an investment that pays off for life.
