Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule: A Parent's Guide

Dental care is an essential part of your child's overall health, and the Australian Government's Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) helps make it more affordable for eligible families. At Shine Dental in Newington, we accept the CDBS and want to help parents understand how to make the most of this benefit.

What Is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

The CDBS is a Medicare program that provides eligible children aged 0-17 with up to $1,095 in dental benefits over a two-calendar-year period (this amount is reviewed periodically by the government — check the Services Australia website for the current cap). The program covers a range of basic dental services, helping to reduce out-of-pocket costs for families.

Who Is Eligible?

Your child may be eligible for the CDBS if they:

• Are aged 0-17 years at any point during the calendar year
• Are eligible for Medicare
• Are part of a family receiving certain government payments such as Family Tax Benefit Part A, or the child receives a relevant government payment

Eligibility is assessed by Services Australia (formerly Centrelink) at the beginning of each calendar year. If your child qualifies, you will receive a letter confirming their eligibility.

What Services Are Covered?

The CDBS covers a range of basic dental services including:

• Examinations and assessments — routine check-ups and oral health assessments
• X-rays — diagnostic imaging
• Cleaning and polishing — professional teeth cleaning
• Fissure sealing — protective coatings on children's molars to prevent decay
• Fillings — treating cavities and tooth decay
• Root canal treatment — on primary (baby) teeth
• Extractions — removal of teeth when necessary

Services NOT Covered

The CDBS does not cover:

• Orthodontic treatment (braces)
• Cosmetic dental procedures
• Hospital or surgical services

How to Use the CDBS at Shine Dental

Using the CDBS at our Newington clinic is straightforward:

1. Check eligibility: Confirm your child's eligibility through your MyGov account or by calling Services Australia.
2. Book an appointment: Call Shine Dental on (02) 9748 4822 or visit our contact page.
3. Bring your child's Medicare card: We will verify eligibility and process the claim.
4. Bulk billing: We bulk bill eligible CDBS services, meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost for covered treatments up to the benefit cap.

Why Early Dental Care Matters

The CDBS exists because early dental care has lasting benefits:

• Prevention: Regular check-ups and cleans help prevent decay before it starts
• Early detection: Identifying problems early means simpler, less costly treatment
• Healthy habits: Children who visit the dentist regularly are more likely to maintain good oral hygiene into adulthood
• Comfort: Regular visits help children become comfortable in the dental environment

At Shine Dental, our team creates a welcoming, friendly atmosphere for young patients. We explain everything in age-appropriate language and ensure your child feels safe and comfortable throughout their visit.

Tips for Parents

Here are some ways to maximise your child's CDBS benefits and oral health:

• Schedule regular check-ups every 6 months to stay on top of any developing issues
• Use the full benefit period — the two-year cap resets, so do not let benefits go unused
• Start early — the sooner children begin dental visits, the better their long-term outcomes
• Ask about fissure sealants — these are particularly beneficial for children's newly erupted adult molars

Serving Families Across Western Sydney

Shine Dental in Newington is conveniently located for families from Auburn, Lidcombe, Homebush, Wentworth Point, Sydney Olympic Park, Silverwater, Strathfield, Rhodes, Concord, and surrounding suburbs.

Clinic Hours

• Monday to Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Thursday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my child is eligible for the CDBS?
Check your MyGov account or contact Services Australia. You will also receive a notification letter if your child qualifies.

Does Shine Dental bulk bill under the CDBS?
Yes, we bulk bill eligible CDBS services, so there is no out-of-pocket cost for covered treatments within the benefit cap.

What happens if my child needs treatment not covered by the CDBS?
We will discuss any additional costs with you before proceeding with treatment that falls outside the CDBS coverage.

Can I use private health insurance alongside the CDBS?
The CDBS is a Medicare benefit and operates separately from private health insurance. We can help you understand how both may apply to your child's treatment.

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Book your child's dental check-up today. Call Shine Dental at (02) 9748 4822 or visit our contact page. We make dental care easy and affordable for families across Western Sydney.