As a parent, making sure your child is as healthy as possible is understandably one of your highest priorities.
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The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) has been introduced by the federal government to make that task a little easier if you receive benefits such as Family Tax Benefit A payments. The CDBS helps you keep your kids’ teeth in great shape by providing you with up to $1000 that you can use over a two calendar year period on a range of dental services including examinations, routine cleaning, fillings, and root canals.
What the CDBS doesn’t cover, however, are orthodontic (the straightening of crooked teeth), cosmetic dental procedures (the restoration or replacement of damaged or missing teeth), or any work that might need to be done in a hospital. If you aren’t sure what’s covered, just ask your dentist.
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Are my children eligible?
A child is eligible if they are aged 2–17 years, are eligible for Medicare and receive Family Tax Benefit Part A or other relevant Australian Government payments, including: Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, Disability Support Pension, Parenting Payment Special Benefit, Carer Payment, Double Orphan Pension, Veteran's Children Education Scheme, if the child is 16 or over, Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (if the child is 16 or over).
Will I have any out-of-pocket cost for treatment?
If you receive your dental treatment at a participating private clinic your claim will be bulk billed via Medicare and you will have no out-of-pocket costs.
Will my Dental Practitioner be able to check if my children are eligible?
Yes, all dental practices will be able to check patient eligibility by contacting Medicare.
Will my Dental Practitioner be able to check if my children have benefits remaining?
Yes, all dental practices will be able to check patients remaining benefits balance by contacting Medicare.
What happens if my child doesn't use their full benefit in the first year?
Any remaining benefits from the first year will be carried over to the second year.
What happens if my child doesn't use their full benefit in the first year?
Any remaining benefits from the first year will be carried over to the second year as it runs on a 2 year cycle.
Can I use my CDBS benefit at a private dentist and then come back here?
Yes, you may choose to visit a private dentist to claim CDBS benefits.
Last year there were almost 140,000 children treated throughout Victoria, with the aim to improve the oral health of all Victorians, particularly vulnerable groups and those most in need.
