Everything You Need to Know About the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS): $1,132 in Free Dental Care for Your Child
As parents, we want the very best for our children—from a good education and a loving home to something just as essential: a healthy smile. Dental health plays a crucial role in a child’s overall well-being, yet for many families, accessing regular dental care can be challenging due to cost or lack of information.
Fortunately, the Australian Government has a powerful initiative in place to help families stay on top of their children's dental health. It’s called the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), and it provides eligible children and teenagers with access to $1,132 worth of free dental care over a two-year period.
In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the CDBS—who it covers, what services it includes, how to access it, and why it’s such an important opportunity for every eligible family.
What Is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a government-funded program run through Medicare. It provides eligible children aged 0–17 access to basic dental services at no cost to families, up to a benefit cap of $1,132 over two consecutive calendar years.
This initiative is designed to make dental care more accessible and affordable, especially for families who receive certain government payments.
Why Is the CDBS So Important?
Dental issues can start early and affect children long into adulthood. Without proper care, untreated dental problems can lead to infections, speech issues, eating difficulties, poor self-esteem, and even missed school days.
CDBS is not just about saving money—it’s about empowering families to prevent long-term oral health problems and build a foundation for lifelong dental hygiene.
By taking advantage of the scheme, parents can ensure their children receive the care they need before minor issues become major health concerns.
Who Is Eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
Eligibility for the CDBS is assessed each year. Your child may be eligible if they:
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Are aged between 0 and 17 years for at least one day of the calendar year
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Receive (or are part of a family receiving) an eligible government payment, such as:
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Family Tax Benefit Part A
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Parenting Payment
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Carer Payment
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Disability Support Pension
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Youth Allowance
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Special Benefit
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Are eligible for Medicare
Importantly, you do not need to apply for the CDBS separately. If your child qualifies, you’ll receive a letter or notification from Medicare confirming their eligibility.
What Does the $1,132 Cover?
The $1,132 cap applies over a two-year period and covers a wide range of basic dental services, including:
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Examinations
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X-rays
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Cleanings and fluoride treatments
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Fissure sealing
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Fillings
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Root canals
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Tooth extractions
These services are designed to provide essential and preventive dental care. However, the scheme does not cover orthodontic work (like braces), cosmetic dental procedures, or treatments that are not considered medically necessary.
If your child doesn’t use the full $1,132 within the first calendar year, the remaining balance can be used in the second year—provided they’re still eligible.
How to Check Your Child’s Eligibility
To find out if your child is eligible for the CDBS:
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Log in to your Medicare online account through myGov.
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Call Medicare on 132 011.
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VAsk the friendly staff at Star Dental to check your child's eligibility using their Medicare number.
Once confirmed, you’ll be able to access the benefits immediately with participating dental providers.
Where Can You Use the CDBS?
You can use the CDBS at most public and private dental clinics that accept Medicare. However, not all dentists participate in the scheme, so it’s always best to call your dental clinic in advance to confirm they offer CDBS-covered services.
Many family-friendly clinics around Australia now proudly promote their participation in the CDBS, making it easier than ever to find quality care for your child close to home.
How to Book an Appointment
Booking a CDBS-covered dental appointment is straightforward:
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Contact Star Dental Phone 65836111.
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Mention the CDBS when booking.
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Bring your Medicare card to the appointment.
The dentist will usually have you sign a consent form outlining what services will be provided and how much of the CDBS benefit will be used. There are no out-of-pocket costs for covered services, as long as the total stays within the $1,132 cap.
What Happens If You Go Over the $1,132 Limit?
If your child exceeds the $1,132 cap within the two-year period, you’ll need to pay out of pocket for any additional treatments until the new benefit period begins. Dentists are required to let you know how much of your child’s benefit remains, so there should be no surprises.
The two-year cycle starts from the calendar year when your child first receives a dental service using the CDBS. If they don't use any of the benefit during the two years, the amount does not carry over—you’ll need to recheck eligibility in the next cycle.
How to Maximise the CDBS Benefit
To get the most value from the Child Dental Benefits Schedule:
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Schedule regular check-ups and cleanings to maintain oral health and catch issues early.
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Use preventive services, such as fluoride treatments and fissure sealing, to help avoid more costly procedures later.
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Stay informed about your child’s benefit balance by asking your dentist or checking through Medicare.
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Combine services when appropriate, like having a cleaning, exam, and fillings done in one visit to reduce multiple appointments and maximise each trip.
Being proactive ensures your child receives essential care—and gives you peace of mind knowing they’re protected.
Real-Life Impact: How the CDBS Helps Families
Here’s a look at how this program is making a difference:
Case Study 1: Saving on Unexpected Dental Work
Jessica, a single mother of two in Sydney, noticed her 12-year-old daughter had tooth pain. After visiting a CDBS-participating clinic, the dentist performed a full check-up, x-rays, and a filling—all covered under the scheme. Without CDBS, the visit would have cost over $400. Instead, Jessica paid nothing out of pocket.
Case Study 2: Building Healthy Habits Early
Liam and Sarah from Melbourne started taking their 3-year-old son for routine check-ups as soon as he was eligible. With fluoride treatments and regular cleanings every 6 months, their child has remained cavity-free for years—and they haven’t spent a cent thanks to the CDBS.
Why Early Dental Care Matters
The earlier children begin seeing a dentist, the better. Dental fear, cavities, and oral hygiene issues often begin during childhood. That’s why the CDBS is so valuable—it helps parents:
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Establish positive dental habits early
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Prevent decay and gum disease
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Reduce the need for invasive dental treatments later
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Reinforce the message that oral health is a lifelong priority
When dental care is easy to access and free, more families can prioritise it.
FAQs About the Child Dental Benefits Schedule
1. Is there a waitlist to use the CDBS?
No. Once your child is confirmed as eligible, you can book an appointment right away at a participating provider.
2. Can I use the CDBS at any dental clinic?
Only clinics that participate in the CDBS and bulk bill through Medicare. Always ask the clinic when booking.
3. What if I have private health insurance?
You can still use the CDBS. It won’t affect your insurance, but you can’t claim the same service under both schemes.
4. Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed. You can go straight to a CDBS-approved dentist.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Out on This Valuable Benefit
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is one of the most generous public health initiatives in Australia when it comes to children’s dental care. With up to $1,132 in free dental services, eligible families have everything they need to ensure their children grow up with strong, healthy smiles.
Don’t let cost or confusion be a barrier—check your child’s eligibility today and start making the most of this powerful program. A few simple steps now can prevent years of dental issues down the track.
✅ Ready to Get Started?
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Check eligibility via myGov or call Medicare on 132 011
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🦷 Star Dental Care
📍 61 Lord Street, Port Macquarie, NSW
📞 02 6583 6111
Bring your Medicare card and enjoy peace of mind
Let’s give every child the healthy, confident smile they deserve.
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