If you’re concerned about the cost of starting a family or keeping the household going, you should be aware of the Australian Government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Under this scheme, you could be eligible to cover the expense of general dental services for children between the ages of 0 and 17, up to a set amount. Read on to discover the child dental benefits scheme eligibility criteria.
What Is the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
Often referred to as the CDBS, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule was introduced in order to help Australian families find preventative care and basic dental services for their children. Early intervention and treatment of dental problems is critical to maintaining lifelong dental health. However, according to the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care, 1 in 4 children between the ages of 5 and 10 have untreated tooth decay. As many as 1 in 25 young adults over the age of 15 have no natural teeth left. It’s hoped that this child dental benefits scheme will offer easier access to dental treatments for young families that may need financial support.
What Does the CDBS Cover?
The CDBS scheme provides financial aid to a set amount every two calendar years, which resets in January. The allowance can cover up to $1,026 of basic dental service treatments. This includes services that fall under the following categories:
- Cleaning
- Fillings
- Fissure sealing
- Root canals
- Routine check-ups
- Tooth extractions
- X-rays
Who Is Eligible for the CDBS Dental Benefits?
Child dental benefits scheme eligibility depends on several factors. However, bear in mind that the Australian Government should notify you automatically if your child is eligible, so you shouldn’t need to apply yourself. This notification may come electronically or via the post.
Eligibility for the scheme requires that a child meet the following criteria:
1. While receiving dental treatment, they are eligible for Medicare.
2. They are under the age of 18 for at least 1 day within the same calendar year as the treatment.
3. They or their family have received at least one eligible payment from Services Australia.
Which Dentists Accept CDBS?
Every public dental clinic in Australia should accept child dental benefits payments under CDBS. You’ll be bulk-invoiced so that you don’t have to pay anything that falls under the limit.
You can also claim up to the $1,026 limit for treatment under a private dentist, either as a single payment or spread over two years. However, bear in mind that you’ll probably need to pay for some of the treatment yourself if you’re using a private dentist. Costs are typically higher, so be sure that you understand how much the treatment is likely to cost.
How to Find a Public Dentist in Australia
The Australian Government has a service that lets you search for nearby public dentists. To find a public dentist that accepts CDBS payments, you can use the Service Finder on healthdirect. Input your postcode or town, and select “Dentists” to search for local kids dental Medicare providers near you.