Does My Child Qualify for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?
If you’ve heard of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) but aren’t sure whether your child actually qualifies, or what it really pays for, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most misunderstood government benefits we get asked about at Comfort Dental. Here’s a straight answer.
Who actually qualifies for CDBS?
Your child is eligible for CDBS if all three of these apply:
- They’re aged 0 to 17 for at least one day in the calendar year.
- They’re eligible for Medicare.
- They, or a parent, carer, or guardian, receive an eligible Australian Government payment (such as certain family or income support payments) at least once during that year.
That third condition trips a lot of parents up, because eligibility is tied to your family’s payment situation, not your child’s age alone. If you’re already receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A or a similar payment, there’s a good chance your child qualifies. If you’re not sure, the fastest way to check is through your family’s Medicare online account via myGov, or you can ask our front desk to help you check when you book.
Eligibility is also reassessed regularly. If your circumstances change (a new payment starts, or an existing one stops), it’s worth checking again rather than assuming your child’s status from last year still applies.
What CDBS actually covers, and what it doesn't
This is the part that catches people out: CDBS is not “free, unlimited dental care.” It’s a capped government benefit that goes toward basic dental services.
Generally covered:
- Dental check-ups
- X-rays
- Cleaning
- Fissure sealing
- Fillings
- Root canal treatment
- Extractions
Not covered:
- Orthodontic treatment (like braces or Invisalign)
- Cosmetic dental work
- Any dental treatment provided in a hospital
There are also some item and time restrictions on basic services, so it’s worth checking with our team before you assume a specific treatment is fully covered.
How much can my child get?
CDBS provides a set benefit amount of $1,158 per eligible child, covering a two-calendar-year period. We’re happy to talk you through exactly what that means for your child’s care.
Does the benefit reset every year?
Not quite. It works on a rolling two-year period tied to when your child first becomes eligible and has their first eligible service, not the calendar year alone. If you don’t use the full benefit within that two-year window, the unused portion isn’t carried forward. If your child is still eligible once that period ends, a new two-year period begins. This is genuinely one of the more confusing parts of the scheme, so if you’re trying to plan treatment around it, it’s worth asking our team directly rather than guessing.
Using CDBS at Comfort Dental
We accept CDBS for eligible children, and our team can help you check eligibility, explain what’s covered for your child’s specific treatment, and let you know upfront if anything falls outside the benefit so there are no surprises. If your child is due for a check-up and you think they might be eligible, mention CDBS when you book and we’ll take care of the rest.
Not sure if your child has had their first dental visit yet, or when they should? That’s a good place to start, CDBS or not.
Book a CDBS check-up
Ready to find out if your child qualifies? Contact our children’s dentistry team in Buderim on (07) 5370 8865, or book online, and we’ll check eligibility and coverage with you before any treatment goes ahead.
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