Child Dental Benefits Schedule
(CDBS)
Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) at Diamond Dental Bundoora
At Diamond Dental Bundoora, we prioritise nurturing smiles from a young age. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) to make essential dental care accessible for all eligible families. This Medicare program helps offset the costs of vital preventative and restorative services, ensuring financial limitations don’t stand in the way of your child’s oral health.
We are pleased to offer bulk billing for eligible CDBS services, meaning no out-of-pocket costs for covered treatments up to the benefit limit.
Who Qualifies for the CDBS?
The CDBS offers benefits to children who meet the following three eligibility criteria on at least one day of the calendar year:
- Age: Are between 0 and 17 years old.
- Medicare: Are eligible for Medicare coverage.
- Government Payment: Receive a relevant Australian government payment at least once during the calendar year, or have a parent, carer, or guardian who does.
Eligible Government Payments typically include the Family Tax Benefit Part A, but also may include the Parenting Payment, Carer Payment, and others. Services Australia will usually notify you if your child is eligible.
Understanding the Two-Year Benefit Period
The CDBS provides a maximum benefit cap of $1,132 (indexed annually, current as of January 1, 2024/2025) spread over two consecutive calendar years.
- Period Start: The two-year period starts when your child becomes eligible and receives their first eligible dental service in a calendar year.
- Fund Use: You can use the full $1,132 amount in the first year or spread it out over both years.
- Expiry: Unused funds cannot be carried forward or used once the two-year period ends, or once your child is no longer eligible.
Example: Making the Most of the CDBS
Let’s look at Sarah and her son, Ben:
Year 1 (2025)
Sarah receives government assistance, making Ben eligible for a new two-year period with a fresh $1,132 limit. Ben uses $500 for a check-up, clean, and two fillings.
Year 2 (2026)
Ben remains eligible. The remaining balance of $632 is available for use. If Ben only uses $200, the remaining $432 cannot be used in 2027, as the two-year period has ended.
Year 3 (2027)
If Ben remains eligible, a new two-year period starts with a fresh $1,132 limit.
What Services Are Included?
The CDBS covers a range of basic dental services essential for protecting and maintaining your child’s oral health:
- Examinations (Check-ups)
- X-rays (Diagnostic imaging)
- Cleaning (Scale and Polish)
- Fissure Sealants (Protective coatings on back teeth)
- Fillings (For treating decay)
- Extractions (Tooth removal)
- Root Canal Treatment
Note: Certain clinical limitations or item restrictions may apply to these services. Our dentists will always discuss the proposed treatment and its cost with you before commencing.
What’s Not Included?
The CDBS is designed for basic care and does not cover benefits for:
- Orthodontic Treatment (e.g., Braces or Clear Aligners)
- Cosmetic Procedures (e.g., Teeth Whitening or Veneers)
- Services performed in a hospital (e.g., procedures requiring general anaesthetic)
Claiming Benefits Made Easy
Claiming CDBS benefits at Diamond Dental Bundoora is simple and hassle-free, as we bulk bill Medicare for all eligible services:
1. Notify Us
Mention that you wish to use the CDBS when you book your child’s appointment.
2. Verification
We will check your child’s eligibility and the available balance directly with Medicare before any treatment begins.
3. Treatment & Consent
Repair and reinforce damaged or missing teeth with strong, long-lasting restorations.
4. No Upfront Cost
For eligible services covered by the CDBS, we claim the benefit directly from Medicare, resulting in no out-of-pocket costs for you (provided the benefit cap is not exceeded).
If your child’s treatment plan exceeds the $1,132 benefit cap, we will notify you immediately, and no treatment exceeding the cap will proceed without your prior consent.
Why Choose Diamond Dental Bundoora for Your Child’s Care?
- Bulk Billing Advantage: We bulk bill for CDBS, ensuring eligible basic dental services come with zero out-of-pocket expenses up to the benefit cap.
- Gentle and Friendly Team: Our dentists are experienced in paediatric care, creating a welcoming and relaxed environment to build positive dental habits for life.
- Focus on Prevention: We maximise the use of CDBS funds on preventative services like examinations, cleans, and sealants to stop problems before they start.
- Fissure Sealants (Protective coatings on back teeth)
