Access Children’s Dental Care Through CDBS
CDBS
What the Child Dental Benefits Schedule Means for Your Child’s Care
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) provides up to $1,095 in basic dental care over a two-year period for eligible children. At Beyond Smiles Dental in Perth, we help families access these benefits for check-ups, cleans, fissure seals, and more. No upfront payment applies for eligible CDBS-covered services within your child’s remaining benefit balance. It’s a simple way to support your child’s oral health.
Claim CDBS Benefits for Your Child Here
We assist with CDBS claims so your child can access eligible dental care, with no upfront payment for covered services within the benefit limit.
HOW CDBS WORKS
A Step-by-Step Guide to CDBS Claims
Check your child’s eligibility
Use your Medicare online account or contact our Perth clinic for assistance. We can help you confirm if your child qualifies for CDBS before booking any treatment.
Book a CDBS appointment
Call or book online at your nearest Beyond Smiles Dental clinic in Perth. Let our team know you’re using CDBS so we can check your child’s available Medicare benefit balance.
Sign the Medicare consent form
Before treatment begins, you’ll be asked to sign a Medicare consent form. This allows us to claim eligible services directly through Medicare, so you won’t need to handle any paperwork.
Receive gap-free eligible treatment
Once approved, your child can receive CDBS-covered dental care with no upfront payment for services within the benefit balance. We’ll provide updates on the balance of the remaining benefits.
ELIGIBILITY
Is Your Child Eligible for CDBS?
1 Aged 0 to 17 at any time this year
2 Has an active and valid Medicare card
3 Receives a government payment like the Family Tax Benefit
4 Eligibility confirmed by Services Australia or Medicare
USEFUL INFORMATION
Frequently Asked Questions About CDBS
How much does CDBS cover per child?
What dental services are included in CDBS?
The CDBS includes a range of basic dental services defined by Medicare, which support children’s oral health and may help prevent future issues. At Beyond Smiles Dental, eligible services include the following:
- Oral examinations and check-ups:
Routine dental exams can detect early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or bite issues, supporting your child’s oral health. - Dental cleaning:
Professional teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar that regular brushing may miss. This reduces the risk of gum disease and keeps young teeth and gums healthy. - X-rays (when required):
Dental X-rays are used to check for hidden decay, monitor tooth development, or assess damage. These are only taken when clinically necessary. - Fissure sealants and fluoride treatments:
These preventive treatments are used to protect teeth, particularly molars, and may help reduce the risk of cavities in children. - Tooth fillings and basic restorative treatments:
If your child has a cavity or minor damage, the CDBS covers fillings. It also includes other simple procedures that help restore the tooth’s function and appearance. - Tooth extractions (if clinically necessary):
Extraction may be provided where a tooth is severely damaged or infected and cannot be preserved. - Root canal treatment (on baby teeth):
If a baby tooth becomes severely infected, root canal therapy may be performed to relieve pain. This treatment helps preserve the tooth until it falls out naturally.
Are there any gap payments with CDBS?
In most cases, there are no out-of-pocket costs for CDBS-covered services within the available benefit limit at Beyond Smiles Dental. We bulk bill directly through Medicare, which means the treatment is covered up to the benefit limit if it falls within CDBS guidelines.
However, if a particular treatment isn’t covered, or your child has used up their benefit limit, you may incur a gap payment. Our team will inform you in advance if any additional costs apply.
How often can my child use CDBS?
Your child can access CDBS benefits at any time during the two-calendar-year period, as long as they remain eligible and have not exceeded the $1,095 cap. There is no set limit on the number of appointments, as long as the services are CDBS-covered and within the available benefit balance.
If your child doesn’t use the full amount in the first year, the balance carries over. After the two-year cycle ends, a new eligibility check is required to access another round of benefits.
Do I need to bring anything to claim CDBS?
Bringing the required details helps us process your child’s CDBS claim. Here’s what you’ll need for their appointment at Beyond Smiles Dental:
- Your child’s Medicare card:
We use this to verify eligibility and process the claim directly through Medicare on the day of the appointment. - Completed consent form (if applicable):
For new claims, you may be asked to sign a Medicare consent form. This form allows us to bill eligible services directly to Medicare. - Knowledge of previous dental visits (if any):
Let us know if your child has used any part of their CDBS balance at another dental clinic. This helps confirm remaining benefits and any potential costs.
If you’re uncertain about anything, our team can provide information before your visit.
What happens if we reach the benefit limit?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule provides up to $1,095 in dental services over a two-calendar-year period. Once this cap is reached, Medicare will not cover further treatments, even if those services are generally included under CDBS. Any further care during that period must be paid privately unless the child qualifies for a new benefit cycle in the future.
Families are encouraged to track usage to stay informed about potential out-of-pocket costs. Medicare does not automatically notify you when the limit is close. It’s helpful to check your balance through your MyGov account or by contacting Services Australia. Knowing your remaining balance helps you plan for your child’s dental care costs.
Does CDBS cover emergency dental appointments?
Yes, the CDBS can cover emergency dental appointments. This applies as long as the service is considered clinically necessary and falls within the list of eligible treatments. For example, procedures such as X-rays, fillings, extractions, or temporary pain relief may be claimed under the scheme. This applies if they’re required to manage an urgent dental issue.
However, not all emergency treatments are covered. Services that are cosmetic in nature are excluded from CDBS. Treatments that fall outside the basic care categories, such as crowns or hospital-based procedures, are also not covered. It’s important to confirm eligibility for specific emergency care before proceeding, especially if the full benefit cap has been used.
Can I combine CDBS with a health fund?
No, you can’t use a private health fund and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) to pay for the same treatment. Medicare regulations do not allow patients to claim from both CDBS and a health fund for a single dental service.
However, you may choose to use your health fund for treatments not covered by CDBS. You can also use it once the benefit cap has been reached. It’s important to decide which option offers the most value for your child’s care. The choice depends on the type of treatment and your remaining CDBS balance.
How do I check if my child is eligible?
Services Australia automatically assesses eligibility for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. You don’t need to apply—if your child qualifies, you’ll typically receive a letter or notification through your MyGov account.
You can also check eligibility by logging into your Medicare online account or contacting Services Australia directly. Alternatively, you can ask your dental provider to verify it for you. To be eligible, your child must be aged 0–17 and have a valid Medicare card. They must also be part of a family receiving an approved government payment, such as Family Tax Benefit Part A.
Is orthodontic treatment covered by CDBS?
No, orthodontic treatment—such as braces or aligners—is not covered by the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. The CDBS is designed to support basic dental care and does not include cosmetic treatments or more complex procedures like orthodontics.
This means treatments that address teeth alignment or jaw development, including early intervention orthodontics, are excluded from the program. If your child needs orthodontic care, it will need to be funded privately or through a health fund provider that covers it.
Can I use CDBS for multiple children in the family?
Yes, you can use CDBS for more than one child, provided each child meets the eligibility criteria. The benefit is allocated individually, so each eligible child receives their $1,095 limit over a two-calendar-year period.
Eligibility is assessed separately for each child by Services Australia. It’s possible for one child in a family to qualify while another does not. Eligibility depends on factors such as age, Medicare enrolment, and your family’s benefit status.
Does my child need to be present to claim CDBS?
Yes, your child must be present for the dental appointment to claim CDBS benefits. The scheme only provides cover for dental services that the eligible child actually receives on the day of treatment.
You cannot claim benefits in advance or on behalf of your child without their attendance. A signed Medicare consent form is also required prior to treatment, confirming approval for bulk billing under CDBS.
