Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is an Australian government program that helps eligible children access quality dental care. At Happy Tooth, we’re a registered CDBS provider and can help your family access these valuable benefits.
What is CDBS?
The CDBS provides Australian children with access to basic dental services. Eligible children can receive up to $1,132 in benefits over two calendar years for essential dental care.
Who is Eligible?
Your child is eligible for CDBS if:
- They’re aged 2-17 years old
- Their parents receive Family Tax Benefit A (FTB A), OR
- The child or their parents hold a concession card (Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, etc.), OR
- The parents meet specific income tests
Important: Your child must be registered with Medicare to access CDBS.
What Services are Covered?
CDBS covers basic dental services including:
- Check-ups and examinations — Regular dental assessment
- Professional cleans — Removal of tartar and plaque
- X-rays — Diagnostic imaging
- Fillings — Treatment of tooth decay
- Extractions — Removal of teeth if necessary
- Other basic treatment — As deemed necessary by your dentist
The scheme is designed to cover preventive and essential treatment, not cosmetic work.
Services NOT Covered
CDBS does not typically cover:
- Orthodontics (braces, Invisalign)
- Cosmetic treatments (whitening, veneers)
- Implants
- Crowns (though some may be covered as essential treatment)
- Root canal therapy (though we can sometimes claim part costs)
- Advanced or elective treatments
If your child needs treatment beyond CDBS cover, we’ll discuss costs and payment options upfront.
How Much Do I Pay?
With CDBS cover: You pay the gap amount (the difference between our fee and CDBS benefit). For preventive care, this is often minimal or nothing.
Without CDBS cover: You pay our full fee. We can discuss payment plans if needed.
We’ll provide an estimate before treatment so you know what to expect.
How to Access CDBS
- Check eligibility — Contact the Department of Health or visit their website to confirm your eligibility
- Find a provider — Locate a participating dentist (like Happy Tooth)
- Book appointment — Call us on 02 4936 2011 and mention CDBS
- Bring Medicare card — At your child’s first appointment, bring their Medicare card
- Claim processing — We’ll verify eligibility and claim directly to CDBS, so you only pay the gap
Your Child’s First Visit
When your child first visits Happy Tooth:
- Bring Medicare card — Essential for CDBS verification
- Allow extra time — We’ll ask questions about your child’s dental history and health
- Expect a positive experience — We make dental visits fun and comfortable for children
- Discuss treatment — We’ll outline any recommended treatment and explain costs upfront
Maximising Your CDBS Benefits
Preventive Care is Key
Regular check-ups and cleans prevent most dental problems. Use your CDBS benefits for preventive care—it’s far better than treating advanced problems later.
Six-Monthly Visits
We recommend check-ups every six months. With CDBS benefits over two years, you can afford regular visits.
Address Problems Early
If your child has tooth pain, sensitivity, or visible decay, don’t wait. Early treatment prevents expensive complications.
Good Home Care
Teach your child to brush twice daily, floss, and limit sugary foods. Good habits prevent decay and maximise the benefit of dental visits.
Questions About CDBS?
“How many benefits can my child use per year?”
There’s no annual limit—just a two-year total of $1,132. Once reached, you’ll need private payment until the next benefits period.
“What if my child needs orthodontics?”
CDBS doesn’t cover braces or Invisalign. You’d pay privately, though some health funds provide orthodontic cover. Discuss options with us.
“Can I use my child’s CDBS benefits for cosmetic treatment?”
Typically no, unless deemed clinically necessary. CDBS is designed for essential health care, not cosmetics.
“What happens when my child turns 18?”
CDBS eligibility ends at 17 years old. At 18, they can access private dental care or check if they’re eligible for other schemes.
Beyond CDBS
If your child needs treatment beyond CDBS coverage, discuss options with us:
- Payment plans — Zip, Afterpay, or Denticare
- Health fund cover — Some funds cover dental treatment for children
- Out-of-pocket — We can provide an estimate so you know costs
Your child deserves quality dental care. Use CDBS benefits at Happy Tooth to establish good oral health habits that last a lifetime. Call us on 02 4936 2011 to book your child’s first appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is an Australian government program that provides free or subsidised basic dental services for eligible children. Eligible children receive up to $1,132 in benefits over two calendar years.
Children aged 2-17 years are eligible if they (or their parents) receive Family Tax Benefit A, or if the child or parents hold certain concession cards. The child must be registered with Medicare.
CDBS covers basic dental services including check-ups, professional cleans, X-rays, fillings, and tooth extractions. It does not cover cosmetic treatments, orthodontics, or advanced treatments like implants or root canals (though we can often claim part costs).
Contact your local CDBS provider (like Happy Tooth) and bring your child's Medicare card. Your child must be registered with Medicare. We'll check your eligibility and can claim directly to the scheme, so you only pay any gap amount.
Yes, we're a registered CDBS provider. Bring your child's Medicare card to their first appointment, and we'll verify eligibility and explain your benefits.
Ready to Get Started?
Book your appointment today or call our friendly team.