Table of Contents
As a parent, keeping up with your child’s dental health is important—but the cost of regular check-ups, fillings, or x-rays can quickly add up. That’s exactly why the Child Dental Benefits Schedule exists.
If you’ve heard of CDBS but aren’t quite sure how it works, what it covers, or whether your child is eligible, this guide is for you. Below, we break everything down in simple, clear terms so you can make confident decisions about your child’s dental care in 2026 and beyond.
What Is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
It is an Australian Government program designed to help families access essential dental care for their children.
Under the child dental benefits scheme, eligible children can receive basic dental services that are either fully bulk billed or partially subsidised, reducing or completely removing out-of-pocket costs for parents.
The goal is simple: to encourage early, regular dental visits and prevent small dental issues from turning into bigger, more expensive problems later in life.
How Does the Child Dental Benefits Schedule Work?
It provides eligible children with a capped amount of dental benefits over a two‑year period. Parents can use this amount across multiple visits, depending on their child’s dental needs.
Here’s how it works in practice:
- Your child becomes eligible based on age and family benefit criteria
- A CDBS dentist provides approved dental services
- Services are bulk billed or claimed directly through Medicare
- The cost is deducted from your child’s available CDBS balance
Once the cap is reached, any further treatment would need to be paid privately until the next benefit period begins.
What Is the CDBS Benefit Amount in 2026?
As of 2026, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule provides up to $1,158 per eligible child over a two-year calendar period.
This amount does not reset every year—it runs across two full years, giving families flexibility to plan dental visits based on their child’s needs rather than rushing appointments.
Unused benefits do not roll over beyond the two-year period, so it’s a good idea to use the entitlement wisely.
Who Is Eligible for CDBS?
Your child may be eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule if:
- They are aged 0 to 17 years at any point during the calendar year
- They are eligible for Medicare
- You receive certain Australian Government payments (such as Family Tax Benefit Part A)
Eligibility is assessed automatically by Services Australia, so you don’t need to apply separately. If your child is eligible, Medicare is notified.
How Do I Check If My Child Is Eligible?
You can check your child’s CDBS eligibility by:
- Logging into your Medicare account via myGov
- Using the Express Plus Medicare mobile app
- Asking your CDBS dentist to check on your behalf
Many parents don’t realise their child is eligible until they ask—so it’s always worth checking.
What Dental Services Are Covered Under CDBS?
The scheme focuses on essential and preventative dental care.
Covered services include:
- Dental check up and clean
- X-rays
- Fissure sealants
- Dental Fillings
- Root canal treatment (where clinically necessary)
- Tooth extraction
These services form the foundation of good children’s dental care and help prevent long-term oral health problems.
What Is Not Covered by the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
While CDBS covers many essential services, it does not include:
- Orthodontic treatment (including braces)
- Cosmetic dental procedures
- Hospital-based dental services
Understanding what’s included helps parents plan ahead and avoid unexpected costs.
Why Early Dental Care Matters for Children
Regular dental visits from an early age help:
- Detect cavities before they worsen
- Monitor jaw and tooth development
- Build positive dental habits
- Reduce dental anxiety
A trusted kids dentist can make dental visits comfortable and stress-free, setting your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
How Often Should Children Visit the Dentist?
Most children should visit a childrens dentist Nundah or a nearby clinic every 6 to 12 months, depending on their oral health.
Using the Child Dental Benefits Schedule makes these regular visits affordable, helping parents stay proactive rather than reactive.
Choosing the Right CDBS Dentist
Not all dental clinics offer bulk-billed CDBS services, so choosing the right CDBS dentist matters.
When searching for a kids dentist, parents often look for:
- Experience with children of all ages
- Clear communication and gentle care
- Bulk billing under the child dental benefits scheme
- A convenient local location
Many parents search online for children’s dental care near me to find a clinic that understands family needs and offers flexible appointment times.
Looking for Bulk Billed CDBS Dental Care?
If you are looking for a reliable CDBS dentist who offers gentle, child-friendly care, the team at Nundah Dental is here to help you navigate the process with ease.
To make things simple, we can check your child’s balance using their Medicare card details. If they have a sufficient balance and the treatment is within the CDBS scope, the visit will be fully bulk billed.
We warmly welcome families looking for a trusted kids dentist, so contact us today to book online and make the most of your child’s dental benefits.
