Child Dental Benefits Schedule
Learn how the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) covers essential treatments at our Macquarie practice.
Book a visit today and keep your child’s oral health on the right track.
What is the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?
How does the dental benefits schedule CDBS work?
The program provides benefits for basic dental services like preventive and diagnostic work. Most families find out if they can access these dental services through a letter sent by the department (Services Australia), but you can also check your Medicare online account to see if your child is eligible.
If you’ve misplaced that letter, don’t worry about it. You can call the Human Services team to find out, or our staff can check your child’s eligibility online for you when you visit our Macquarie practice.
Is my child eligible for these benefits?
To receive free dental care under this program, your child needs to meet a few requirements. Your child is eligible if they:
- Are aged between 2-17 years old (though we encourage dental habits for children aged 0 and up!) on at least one day of the calendar year.
- Are eligible for Medicare.
- Have a parent, guardian, or carer who receives a government payment like the Family Tax Benefit Part A.
What can my child claim?
Under the Medicare child dental benefits schedule, general dental services are capped at $1,000 per child over a period of two calendar years. If you don’t spend the full $1,000 in the first year, you can still use the remaining benefits in the second year, provided the child remains eligible. But the money doesn’t roll over indefinitely, so it’s a good idea to stay on top of those appointments.
The coverage mainly includes the must-have dental services.
- Routine checkup and clean, x-rays, and oral examinations.
- Professional cleans and fissure sealants.
- Fillings and tooth extractions.
- Root canal treatment.
And just to keep things clear, these benefits won’t cover things like cosmetic dental work or orthodontic treatment. You also can’t claim a benefit from both the government and your private health fund for the same dental appointment.
How do I claim CDBS?
When you arrive for your visit, just show your Medicare card to our receptionist. We can check the child’s eligibility on the spot and, in many cases, we can bulk bill the treatment so you aren’t charged out of pocket.
Alternatively, you can pay for the appointment at the clinic and then claim the payment back from Medicare yourself. To submit your claim, you can sign into your myGov account linked to Medicare, use the app, or visit a service centre. It’s a lot easier than it used to be.
CDBS Dentist in Macquarie
If you’ve been searching for a reliable family dentist near you, or you’re ready to get the kids in for their first check-up, we’re here to help. Whether you’re in Macquarie or the surrounding Belconnen area, our team is ready to provide top-tier care in a comfortable environment.
Contact us at Macquarie Dental Care today and discover how we can help you keep in good oral health.
