Did you know your child may already have dental benefits available through Medicare right now?
Many Australian families are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS scheme) and don’t even realise it.
It’s a government-funded program that covers essential dental care for kids at little to no cost.
With so much on the plate of a busy parent, it’s easy for these benefits to slip through the cracks.
But missing out could mean missing important check-ups, early treatment,
and preventive care that makes a big difference to your child’s oral health long term.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the CDBS scheme,
from eligibility and what’s covered to how to claim and find the right dentist for your child.
What Is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?
What CDBS Stands For and Its Purpose
CDBS stands for Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
It is an Australian Government initiative delivered through Medicare that provides eligible children with access to basic dental services.
The program was introduced to reduce the financial barriers that prevent families from seeking routine dental care. This is care that is essential for long-term oral health.
Good dental health in childhood sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
Without access to regular check-ups, small problems like early cavities or gum issues can develop into much more serious and expensive concerns down the track.
Why Many Families Miss Out on Benefits
Despite being a well-established program, a significant number of eligible families across Australia never claim their CDBS benefits. The most common reasons include:
Not knowing they’re eligible. Many parents simply aren’t aware the scheme exists or assume their child doesn’t qualify.
Missing the Medicare notification. Medicare notifies families via letter or MyGov, but these can easily be overlooked.
Not knowing which dentists accept CDBS. Some parents assume all clinics participate, while others assume none near them do.
Letting the benefit expire. Unused CDBS amounts do not roll over to the following year.
Understanding the scheme is the first step to making sure your child doesn’t miss out.
Who Is Eligible for the CDBS Scheme and How Can You Check It?
Age and Medicare Requirements
To be eligible for the CDBS scheme, a child must meet the following criteria:
Be aged 0 to 17 years at any time during the calendar year
Be eligible for Medicare
Be receiving, or be a dependant of someone receiving, an eligible government payment such as Family Tax Benefit Part A or a range of other Centrelink payments
Eligibility can change from year to year depending on a family’s payment status.
Just because a child received benefits one year doesn’t automatically mean they’ll receive them the next.
How to Check Your Child’s Eligibility
There are a few simple ways to check whether your child is eligible:
Log in to MyGov. Check your child’s CDBS entitlement under the Medicare section.
Call Medicare on 132 011. A Medicare representative can confirm eligibility over the phone.
Ask at the dental clinic. Reception teams can often check eligibility on your behalf using your Medicare card details.
Use the Medicare app. The Express Plus Medicare app allows you to view CDBS entitlements quickly.
At The Peninsula Medical and Dental Clinic in Mornington,
our friendly reception team is happy to assist families in confirming their child’s eligibility before their appointment.
What Dental Treatments Are Covered by the CDBS?
Included Dental Services (Check-ups, X-rays, Fillings)
The CDBS covers a wide range of basic dental services, including:
Examinations and consultations: routine dental check-ups to monitor your child’s oral health
Diagnostic services: dental X-rays to identify problems not visible to the naked eye
Preventive treatments: professional cleaning, fissure sealants, and fluoride treatments
Restorative treatments: fillings to treat tooth decay
Root canals for eligible teeth
Extractions when tooth removal is necessary
These services cover the most common dental needs for children and can make a significant difference to their long-term oral health.
Exclusions (Braces, Cosmetic Treatments)
It’s equally important to understand what the CDBS does not cover:
Orthodontic treatment including braces and aligners
Cosmetic dental procedures including teeth whitening
Hospital-based dental services, as treatments must be delivered in a private dental setting
Dental prosthetics such as dentures
If your child requires any of these excluded treatments, your dentist will discuss separate payment options with you.
Benefit Limits and Timeframes
The CDBS currently provides eligible children with up to $1,095 in benefits over a two-calendar-year period.
This is a cumulative cap, meaning the benefit can be used across multiple appointments and services as long as the total doesn’t exceed the limit within the two-year period.
Unused balances do not carry over, so it’s important to use these benefits while they’re available.
How Does the CDBS Scheme Work?
Using CDBS at a Dentist
Once your child’s eligibility is confirmed, using the CDBS is straightforward:
Book an appointment at a participating dental clinic
Bring your Medicare card
Inform the receptionist that you wish to use your child’s CDBS entitlement
The dentist submits the claim directly to Medicare on your behalf
At The Peninsula Medical and Dental Clinic, our dental team led by Dr Natasha Nichols and Dental Director Dr Aziz Baluch are experienced in working with CDBS patients.
They make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for both parents and children.
Bulk Billing and Costs Explained
Many families ask whether CDBS is the same as bulk billing.
Not exactly, but there is an important connection.
When a dental clinic bulk bills CDBS services, it means they accept the Medicare benefit as full payment and you pay nothing out of pocket.
However, not all clinics bulk bill for CDBS. Some may charge a gap fee, which is the difference
between what Medicare covers and the clinic’s standard fee. It’s always worth asking upfront whether your chosen dentist bulk bills for CDBS.
Speak to our team about CDBS pricing and available options when you book at The Peninsula Medical and Dental Clinic.
How Do You Claim CDBS Dental Benefits?
Booking an Appointment and What to Bring
Booking a CDBS dental appointment is simple:
Book online via our dental booking portal at thepeninsulamdc.com.au
Call us on (03) 5925 9293
Visit us at HomeCo, T7, 75 Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Mornington, VIC 3931
When attending the appointment, make sure to bring:
Your Medicare card
Any referral letters if applicable
Your child’s health history including any known dental conditions or allergies
How Claims and Payments Work
When a CDBS-eligible child receives dental treatment at a participating clinic, the dentist submits the claim electronically to Medicare.
If the service is bulk billed, you won’t receive an invoice. If there is a gap fee, you will be billed for the difference.
You can track how much of your child’s entitlement has been used at any time via myGov or the Medicare app.
Is Dental Care Free Under the CDBS Scheme?
When It’s Fully Covered
Yes. For eligible children, dental care can be completely free when:
The child meets the CDBS eligibility criteria
The dental clinic bulk bills CDBS services
The treatment is covered under the CDBS
The total cost doesn’t exceed the child’s remaining entitlement
This is a great opportunity to get on top of your child’s dental health without any financial stress.
When Out-of-Pocket Costs May Apply
Out-of-pocket costs may arise when:
The dental clinic charges a gap fee on top of the CDBS benefit
The cost of treatment exceeds the $1,158 benefit cap
The treatment required is not covered under the CDBS, such as braces or whitening
Always confirm costs with your dentist before treatment begins so there are no surprises.
How Do You Find a CDBS Dentist in Mornington?
Choosing a Child-Friendly, Bulk Billing Dentist
When choosing a dentist for your child’s CDBS appointment, look for a practice that:
Has experience working with children and young patients
Offers a welcoming, calm environment to help nervous kids feel at ease
Participates in the CDBS scheme and ideally bulk bills for eligible services
Has qualified, experienced dental practitioners
Offers convenient hours for busy families
A positive early dental experience can shape a child’s attitude towards oral health for life. It’s worth taking the time to find the right practice.
CDBS Dental Services in Mornington
If you’re looking for a CDBS dentist in Mornington, The Peninsula Medical and Dental Clinic is here to help.
Located conveniently at HomeCo Shopping Centre on Mornington-Tyabb Road,
our clinic is easy to access and offers a welcoming environment for children and families across the Mornington Peninsula.
Our dental team including Dr Natasha Nichols, a dedicated General Dental Practitioner,
and Dental Director Dr Aziz Baluch, co-founder of the Peninsula Dental Group, bring genuine care and expertise to every appointment.
We are open Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturday to Sunday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, making it easy to fit dental care around school, work, and family life.
Why the CDBS Scheme Is Important for Children’s Dental Health
Regular preventive care is also supported by guidance on pediatric check-ups for children, which highlights the importance of routine visits in maintaining long-term oral health.
The CDBS scheme is one of Australia’s most valuable health initiatives for families, and yet it remains one of the most underutilised.
If you have a child aged 0 to 17 who is eligible for Medicare and receives certain government payments, they may already have a dental benefit sitting there waiting to be used.
Don’t let it go to waste. Regular check-ups, X-rays, and preventive care make a real difference to your child’s long-term oral health. With the CDBS, that care can come at little or no cost to you.
At The Peninsula Medical and Dental Clinic in Mornington,
we’re passionate about helping local families access the dental care they’re entitled to.
Our friendly team is here to answer your questions, check your child’s eligibility, and book them in for a comfortable and thorough dental appointment.
About The Peninsula Medical & Dental Clinic
The Peninsula Medical & Dental Clinic is a multidisciplinary healthcare provider based in Mornington, offering integrated medical, dental,
and allied health services under one roof. The clinic is focused on delivering accessible, patient-centred care for individuals and families across the Mornington Peninsula.
With an experienced team of general practitioners, dentists, and allied health professionals,
the clinic supports a wide range of needs including preventive care, chronic condition management, and children’s health services such as CDBS dental care.
Patients benefit from coordinated treatment planning and a convenient, family-friendly environment designed to streamline healthcare in one location.
The Peninsula Medical and Dental Clinic also provides occupational health and safety services,
supporting individuals and businesses with workplace health assessments and preventive care alongside its medical and dental offerings.
FAQs
What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is an Australian Government program delivered through Medicare
that provides eligible children aged 0 to 17 with access to essential dental services, including check-ups, X-rays, fillings,
and extractions. It offers a capped benefit amount over a two-calendar-year period.
How much does the CDBS cover?
The CDBS provides eligible children with up to $1,095 in dental benefits over a two-calendar-year period.
This amount can be used for a range of approved dental services until the cap is reached.
Is dental treatment free under the CDBS scheme?
Dental treatment can be free under the CDBS when the dentist bulk bills the service and the treatment is covered within the available benefit cap.
Some clinics may charge a gap fee, so it is recommended to confirm costs before treatment.
Can I use the CDBS at any dentist?
No. The CDBS can only be used at dental clinics that are registered and accept Medicare CDBS claims.
It is important to confirm eligibility and participation with your chosen dental clinic before your appointment.
How do I check my child’s CDBS eligibility?
You can check eligibility through your myGov account (Medicare section), the Express Plus Medicare mobile app, or by calling Medicare directly on 132 011.
Dental clinics can also assist in checking eligibility during booking.
How long does the CDBS benefit last?
The CDBS benefit is available over a two-calendar-year period, with a total cap of $1,095.
Any unused balance does not roll over, so it is important to use the benefits while your child remains eligible.
References
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/child-dental-benefits-schedule
Services Australia. Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Available at: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-dental-benefits-schedule
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Oral health and dental care in Australia. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dental-oral-health/oral-health-and-dental-care-in-australia
Medicare Australia. Accessing Medicare Benefits for Dental Care. Available at: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare
Dental Health Services Victoria. Children’s Dental Health. Available at: https://www.dhsv.org.au