From the team at Breeze Dental Helensvale
As dentists and parents ourselves, we know that providing the best for your child’s health is always the top priority. We also understand that navigating government programs can be complex.
Many local families are unaware that they may be eligible for significant government support for their children’s dental care. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a fantastic initiative designed to help, and our goal with this guide is to provide clear, simple answers to the most common questions we hear from parents in our Helensvale clinic.
Of course, if you’re short on time or would simply prefer to speak with someone directly, our friendly team can check your child’s eligibility over the phone and answer any questions you may have.
You can call us on 1800 204 049 or book directly on line here
What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The CDBS is a federal government program that provides financial support for basic dental services for eligible children aged between 0 and 17.
The program provides a benefit cap, currently $1,095 per child, which can be used over two consecutive calendar years.
This cap can be used to cover the full cost of many essential dental treatments, meaning there are often no out-of-pocket expenses for families.
What Dental Services Are Covered by the CDBS?
The schedule is designed to cover a wide range of essential diagnostic, preventive, and restorative dental services. This typically includes:
- Comprehensive dental check-ups and examinations
- Professional teeth cleaning
- Protective fissure sealants
- Standard X-rays
- Fillings to treat cavities
- Tooth extractions
- Partial dentures
It’s important to note that the CDBS does not cover orthodontic treatment (braces), cosmetic procedures (like teeth whitening), or any dental services performed in a hospital.
How Do I Know if My Child is Eligible?
Eligibility for the CDBS is assessed by Services Australia. Generally, a child is eligible if they are:
- Aged between 0 and 17 for at least one day of the calendar year.
- Eligible for Medicare.
- Part of a family that receives a relevant government payment, most commonly Family Tax Benefit Part A.
Many families who are eligible receive a letter in the post, but if you are unsure, the simplest way to confirm is to check with us. Our reception team can verify your child’s eligibility on the spot in just a few moments.
How to Use the CDBS at Our Helensvale Clinic
We aim to make this process as simple and seamless as possible for parents.
- Let Us Know: When you book your child’s appointment, simply inform our team that you would like to use the CDBS.
- We Check For You: We will ask for your Medicare details and can check your child’s eligibility and remaining benefit balance for you right away.
- No-Gap, Bulk-Billed Treatment: Breeze Dental bulk bills all eligible services under the CDBS. This means we bill Medicare directly, and you have no out-of-pocket expenses for any covered treatment up to the $1,095 cap. There are no claim forms for you to fill out.
A Healthy Start for a Lifetime Smile
Preventative dental care during childhood is fundamental to lifelong oral health. The CDBS provides a wonderful opportunity to ensure your child receives regular, professional dental care without the financial stress.
If you have any questions about the Child Dental Benefits Schedule or would like to book a gap-free appointment for your child, please contact our friendly team at Breeze Dental Helensvale today by call ing 1800 204 049 or book your childs appointment online here.