Ensuring your child’s dental health is a top priority for any parent. The good news is that the Australian Government offers financial support through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), making dental care more accessible and affordable for eligible families.
Many parents, however, find the process of claiming the CDBS benefits confusing or overwhelming. This guide aims to simplify the claiming process, explaining how you can access these benefits directly through your dental clinic without unnecessary paperwork or complications.
What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a government initiative in Australia aimed at providing eligible children with access to basic dental services. This comprehensive program covers essential dental services for children aged 0-17 years, helping families manage the costs associated with maintaining good oral health. Through this initiative, eligible children are entitled to receive benefits up to $1,132 over a two-year period for a range of dental services, including:
- Examinations
- X-rays
- Cleaning
- Fissure sealing
- Fillings
- Root canals
- Extractions
It’s important to note that the CDBS does not cover orthodontic treatments (such as braces), cosmetic dental work, or dental services provided in a hospital operating theatre.
Eligibility for CDBS
Before attempting to claim through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, it’s essential to confirm eligibility. Eligibility for the CDBS may apply to your child when:
- They are between 0 and 17 years for at least one day of the calendar year.
- They are eligible for Medicare.
- You or your child receives certain Australian Government payments such as Family Tax Benefit Part A, Parenting Payment, or other qualifying payments for at least part of the calendar year.
Services Australia automatically assesses eligibility at the beginning of each calendar year and sends a notification to eligible families. Eligibility can also be confirmed using:
- Your Medicare online account through myGov
- The Express Plus Medicare mobile app
- Get in touch with Medicare’s general enquiries team on 132 011.
How to Claim CDBS Through Your Dental Clinic
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility Before Your Appointment
Before scheduling a dental appointment, verify your child’s eligibility for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. This can save you from unexpected costs and confusion during the appointment.
Step 2: Choose a Dental Provider
You can visit any dental provider of your choice—whether public or private—who accepts CDBS claims. Most dental clinics across Australia participate in the program, but it’s always best to confirm this when booking your appointment.
Step 3: Inform the Dental Clinic About CDBS
When booking your child’s appointment, inform the dental clinic that you wish to claim through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. This allows them to verify your child’s eligibility and prepare the necessary paperwork in advance.
Step 4: Understand the Consent Process
Before providing any dental services under the CDBS, your dental provider must:
- Inform you about the treatment and associated costs.
- Get your consent for the treatment.
- Get your consent to claim the cost through the CDBS.
This consent process is crucial and legally required. Your dental provider will typically ask you to sign a consent form acknowledging that you understand the treatment plan and costs.
Step 5: The Claiming Process
The actual claiming process is straightforward and happens at your dental clinic:
- Bulk billing
Most dental providers will bulk bill the services directly to Medicare. This means you won’t have to pay anything out-of-pocket for services covered by your child’s CDBS balance.
- If bulk billing isn’t available
You might find that certain dental practices will request upfront payment for treatments. In this case, the provider can submit a claim on your behalf electronically, and the benefit amount will be paid directly into your nominated bank account.
- Alternative claiming methods
If the dental provider cannot process the claim electronically, you can:
- Claim in person at a Services Australia service centre.
- Claim online through your Medicare online account via myGov.
- Use the Express Plus Medicare mobile app.
- Mail a completed claim form to Services Australia.
Step 6: Tracking Your CDBS Balance
It’s important to keep track of your child’s CDBS balance to ensure you maximise the available benefits. You can check the remaining balance through:
- Your Medicare online account via myGov
- The Express Plus Medicare mobile app
- Calling the Medicare general enquiries line
- Asking your dental provider to check before providing services
Tips for a Smooth CDBS Claiming Experience
Plan Dental Visits Strategically
Since the Child Dental Benefits Schedule provides benefits over two years, plan your child’s dental visits strategically. Regular check-ups every six months are generally recommended for maintaining good oral health.
Understand What’s Covered
Before agreeing to any treatment, make sure you understand which services are covered under the CDBS and which may require out-of-pocket payments. Before any treatment starts, your dentist will clearly explain what’s covered.
Ask for Quotes
For more extensive treatments, ask your dental provider for a detailed quote. Knowing this helps you understand what it might cost and make smart choices about your child’s dental treatment.
Keep Records
Keep thorough records of all CDBS-related dental visits, treatments, and claims. This can help track benefits and resolve any discrepancies that might arise.
What to Do If There Are Issues with Your Claim
If you face any trouble with your CDBS claim:
- First, speak with your dental provider to ensure all information was correctly submitted.
- Contact Services Australia through your Medicare online account or by calling the Medicare general enquiries line.
- If needed, lodge a formal complaint through the appropriate channels.
Unlock Your Child’s Healthy Smile with CDBS at Parkmore Family Dental!
Parkmore Family Dental proudly supports the health and wellbeing of your children by making quality dental care accessible through the CDBS. Our friendly team is experienced in handling CDBS claims seamlessly, so you can focus on your child’s smile while we take care of the paperwork.
If you’re eligible for the CDBS, don’t wait—contact Parkmore Family Dental to schedule your child’s next appointment.
