If you have young children in Brisbane, you have probably heard of the Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS) and wondered whether it really means free dental care. The short answer: for eligible families, it can cover the full cost of many everyday dental treatments, but there are a few limits worth understanding before you book. Here is a plain-English guide.
So, is the CDBS actually free?
The CDBS is a Medicare scheme that pays for a set list of basic dental services for eligible children. When a dental practice bulk bills your CDBS benefit, Medicare pays the practice directly and you pay nothing out of pocket for those covered services. So yes, it can be genuinely free, up to a capped total amount spread over two consecutive calendar years. If your child needs treatment beyond that cap, or a service the scheme does not cover, normal fees apply. The cap amount is set by Medicare and can change, so it is worth checking the current figure (more on that below).
Who is eligible for the CDBS?
To qualify, a child generally needs to:
- Be aged between 2 and 17 for at least one day of the calendar year
- Be eligible for Medicare
- Have the family (or the child) receiving an eligible government payment, such as Family Tax Benefit Part A, for at least part of the year
Eligibility is assessed at the start of each calendar year, and Services Australia notifies families who qualify. You do not need to submit a separate application.
What does the CDBS cover?
The scheme covers common, clinically necessary treatments, including:
- Examinations and check-ups
- X-rays
- Cleaning (scale and clean)
- Fissure sealants
- Fillings
- Root canal treatment
- Tooth extractions
A routine general check-up and clean is usually the best place to start, so your dentist can see what, if anything, your child needs.
What it does not cover
The CDBS does not cover orthodontic treatment such as braces, cosmetic dental work, or any services provided in a hospital or under general anaesthetic. For treatment that falls outside the scheme, you may be able to claim a rebate through your private health fund. Many practices, including ours, process on-the-spot health fund claims via HICAPS, so you only pay any gap on the day. You can read more about our everyday general dental services if you want to see what a visit involves.
What “bulk billing” actually means
Bulk billing simply means the practice charges Medicare directly for the benefit rather than asking you to pay and claim it back yourself. For the CDBS, that means no gap and no paperwork for covered services within the cap. It is always worth confirming that a clinic bulk bills the CDBS before your appointment, as not every practice does.
How to check if your child is eligible
The easiest ways to confirm eligibility and see how much of the cap remains are:
- Sign in to your myGov account linked to Medicare
- Use the Medicare app on your phone
- Call the Medicare line at Services Australia
You can also ask us to check your child’s available balance when you book, using their Medicare details. For more detail, see our Child Dental Benefit Schedule page.
Book with Southside Dental Group
Not sure whether your child qualifies, or ready to book their next visit? Our friendly team in Richlands can check your child’s CDBS balance and help you make the most of the benefit. Call us on (07) 3279 8811 or get in touch through our contact page. We are open Monday to Thursday 8am to 8pm, Friday 8am to 5pm, and Saturday 9am to 2pm.
