🦷 Free Kids’ Dental with Medicare? Yes, It’s Real!
Everything You Need to Know About the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
Did you know that your child might be eligible for up to $1,095 of free dental care through Medicare? Thanks to the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), millions of Australian families can access essential dental services without paying out of pocket.
Here’s everything you need to know — in an easy FAQ style — to help you get started.
❓ What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?
The CDBS is a government program that provides Medicare-funded dental services for eligible children aged 0–17 years. It covers a wide range of basic dental treatments up to a total benefit cap of $1,095 over two calendar years.
✅ It’s not a loan
✅ You don’t need private health insurance
✅ Services are bulk billed — no gap fees at participating clinics
🧒 Who is eligible for free dental under Medicare?
To be eligible for CDBS, your child must:
👶 Be aged 0–17 years at any time in the calendar year
💳 Be eligible for Medicare
💰 Receive (or their family/carer receives) a qualifying Centrelink 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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Youth Allowance
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Disability Support Pension
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Special Benefit
📢 You don’t need to apply. Services Australia will notify you by letter if your child is eligible.
💰 What dental services are covered under the CDBS?
Here’s what’s included:
🦷 Examinations & check-ups
🪥 Teeth cleaning
📸 X-rays
👶 Fissure sealants
🪛 Fillings
🦷 Extractions (if needed)
🛠 Root canals
❗ Orthodontic and cosmetic dental services are not covered.
The goal is to ensure kids receive preventive and essential treatment for healthy development.
📅 How often can my child use the CDBS?
You can claim up to $1,095 over two consecutive calendar years (not financial years). Any unused funds do not roll over beyond that period.
For example:
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If your child uses $500 in 2025, they have $595 left to use until the end of 2026.
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If nothing is used in that period, the benefit resets when the child is re-assessed and eligible again.
🏥 Where can my child get CDBS dental care?
🦷 At participating dental practices, like Star Dental Care Port Macquarie, who offer bulk billing for CDBS.
You can use your benefits with public or private dental clinics, as long as they accept and bulk bill under the CDBS.
📍 Find a clinic near you or call your preferred practice to ask if they offer CDBS-covered services.
👨⚕️ Does Star Dental Care offer CDBS bulk billing?
✅ Yes! At Star Dental Care in Port Macquarie, we proudly provide bulk billed services for eligible CDBS patients. That means:
🧾 No gap fees
📅 Easy appointments
🦷 Professional care from an experienced family dental team
👶 A calm and supportive environment for young patients
We make accessing free dental care through Medicare simple and stress-free for families.
🧾 How do I claim the free dental benefits?
You don’t need to deal with forms or wait for reimbursements. If your dental clinic bulk bills under the CDBS:
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✅ They will check your child’s eligibility
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✅ You’ll sign a consent form
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✅ They’ll process the claim on the spot via Medicare
You just walk out — no bills, no fuss.
🪥 How can I use the $1,095 benefit wisely?
Here’s how to stretch your benefit:
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✅ Prioritise regular 6-monthly check-ups
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✅ Get cleaning and fluoride treatments early
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✅ Treat issues like cavities before they become costly
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✅ Use preventive treatments like fissure sealants
Good oral care from a young age helps reduce future dental issues and costs.
⌛ What if I don’t use the full amount in two years?
⏳ The unused portion will expire at the end of the two-year benefit period unless your child becomes eligible again. That’s why it’s important to:
🗓 Book regular appointments
👩⚕ Address issues early
💡 Ask your dental team how best to use the benefit
👩⚕️ Why is the CDBS important for children’s health?
Dental problems can affect:
😬 Eating
🗣 Speaking
🎓 Learning
🧠 Confidence
🛏 Sleep
The CDBS encourages early intervention, helping kids grow up with healthy teeth and good habits. It reduces dental anxiety and prevents long-term complications.
🧒 Can I bring my child even if they’re nervous?
Absolutely! At Star Dental Care, we love working with children. Our team provides:
🧸 A warm and friendly environment
🎨 Distraction techniques
🧠 Clear communication
👨👩👧 Parental involvement and support
Our goal is to create positive dental experiences from the very first visit.
🛑 What services are not covered by the CDBS?
It’s important to know what’s not included:
❌ Orthodontics (braces)
❌ Cosmetic dentistry (e.g., whitening or veneers)
❌ Major surgical treatments outside of general dental care
However, we’re always happy to discuss private options if these are needed and provide detailed quotes.
🔎 How can I check my child’s eligibility?
You can:
📞 Call Medicare on 132 011
💻 Log in to MyGov > Medicare > Child Dental Benefits
🦷 Ask your dental clinic to check electronically
At Star Dental Care, we can confirm your child’s eligibility at the time of booking.
🧒 What age should I bring my child to the dentist?
👶 The Australian Dental Association recommends a child’s first dental visit by 12 months of age or when their first tooth appears — whichever comes first.
Starting early helps build trust, monitor growth, and detect potential issues before they become serious.
🧭 What makes Star Dental Care different?
Located in beautiful Port Macquarie, Star Dental Care is led by Dr Jeremy Rourke, a family and cosmetic dentist with a passion for gentle, quality care.
We offer:
✨ CDBS bulk billing
🧒 Child-friendly care
📅 Convenient online bookings
💬 Honest advice
🧠 Education-focused visits
⭐ A focus on long-term dental health
Your child’s comfort, trust, and well-being are our top priorities.
📞 How do I book a free dental visit for my child?
Booking is easy!
📍 Star Dental Care
61 Lord Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
📞 (02) 6583 6111
🌐 Contact Us
We’ll check your child’s CDBS eligibility, explain the process, and get their oral health on track.
🚀 Give Your Child the Best Start in Oral Health
Healthy teeth start early — and with the CDBS, there’s no reason to delay. Take advantage of free, high-quality dental care through Medicare and give your child the smile they deserve.
🦷 Prevention is better than cure.
🧒 And the best time to start? Now.
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