The Child Dental Benefits Schedule—What It Is and How It Affects You

Dental health is an essential aspect of kids’ overall wellness and happiness. Oral pain can negatively impact their diet
and sleep schedule and even their performance at school.

What if your family doesn’t have the coverage or funds to afford the dental care your child needs to stay healthy?

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule can help!

In 2014, the Australian Government set up a plan to ensure that all children in the country have access to the dental care
they need. This program is called the Child Dental Benefits Schedule or CDBS, for short. At one point it was uncertain
whether the CDBS would be continued, but to date it remains available for qualifying families.

What’s Covered Under the CDBS?

The CDBS covers the typical basic preventative and restorative treatments that general/family dentists provide.

These can include:

● Dental cleanings
● Dental exams
● X-rays
● Sealants
● Fillings
● Root canals
● Extractions

Each qualifying child is entitled to a total of $1,000 in benefits that can be used towards such procedures over a given
two-year period. These benefits can be spread out over the course of the two years or used up at once on urgent necessary
treatment.

You’ll notice that what isn’t covered are cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening and implants. Your child can still
receive any treatments you want them to have, but you’ll have to pay the gap yourself for procedures that exceed or are not
covered by the $1,000 allowance.

Who’s Covered Under the CDBS?

Children ages 2-17 can qualify for the CDBS as long as they are within that age range for at least one day in a given year.

Consider, for example, a 17-year-old who turns 18 on second day of January. They are still entitled to their benefits
throughout the rest of that year.

Additionally, qualifying kids need to be a part of a family that is already receiving Medicare payments and other benefits
from the Australian Government such as Family Tax Benefit A. Dentists who accept Medicare are qualified to provide your
child with services under the CDBS.

Does Your Child Qualify for the CDBS?

Your child should qualify for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule as long as he or she is receiving government benefits and
is in the acceptable age bracket.

Are you not sure about which other government assistance qualifies your child for the CDBS? Do you have any other questions
about the program? You can contact Medicare directly to learn more or for help enrolling.

Otherwise, head to a dental office that accepts Medicare payments and ask for their help in determining which services your
child qualifies for.

Make the Most of the CDBS!

The Australian Government instituted the Child Dental Benefits Schedule on the basis of the understanding that dental care
is a basic human need. You owe it to your family to make the most of this provision and ensure your child has access to
dental treatment when they need it.

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is one potential way for your child to access the dental care that is so vital to their
health and happiness. As long as your child qualifies, we urge you to take full advantage of the program! Call your
family’s dentist to find out more.