Keep Your Kids Smiling with the Child Dental Benefits Schedule

You do not need to apply or self-assess for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). The assessment is handled automatically, and you will be notified if your child qualifies. Here’s how eligibility is assessed:

• Medicare registration:
  Your child must be enrolled with Medicare.
• Age requirement:
  They should be between the ages of zero and 17 for at least one day of the current calendar year.
• Receiving benefits:
  Either you or your child must receive an eligible government payment at least once in the calendar year.

Additional considerations include:

• Relationship to child:
  Eligibility extends to parents, guardians, or approved care organisations.

If your child qualifies for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, this can significantly reduce your family’s dental care expenses annually. Always check your eligibility notification each year, as benefits and criteria might be updated.

CDBS provides a benefit cap of $1,095 for basic dental services over two calendar years. This cap is adjusted annually on January 1 to accommodate changes in costs. The updated cap amount only applies to children or teenagers who have started receiving eligible services in that calendar year. This is so the benefits are adjusted to reflect current economic conditions, helping families manage dental health costs more effectively.

You can check your child’s CDBS balance online through your Medicare online account. Here are the detailed steps to follow:

1. Log in to your account:
   Access the Medicare section via the myGov website.
2. Navigate to the services page:
   Select ‘Medicare’ and then ‘View statements’ from the options.
3. Access CDBS details:
   Click on ‘Child Dental Benefits Schedule’ to view the balance.
4. Review transactions:
   Examine the details of services used and remaining entitlements.

Monitoring your child’s CDBS balance through your Medicare account helps you manage their dental care effectively. Knowing the available funds facilitates the timely scheduling of necessary dental treatments.

The services included under CDBS are:

• Check-ups:
  Regular dental examinations to assess oral health and prevent issues.
• X-rays:
  Diagnostic imaging used to identify hidden dental problems that are not visible during a regular exam.
• Cleaning:
  Professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, which helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
• Fissure sealing:
  Application of a protective layer of resin to the grooves of the teeth to prevent decay.
• Fillings:
  Restoration of damaged or decayed teeth to their normal function and shape.
• Root canal treatment:
  Treatment of infected or diseased dental pulp to preserve the tooth.
• Extractions:
  Taking out teeth that are damaged beyond restoration or pose a health risk.

Understanding which services are included can help you plan your child’s dental care effectively. Making full use of these benefits helps your child maintain optimal oral health as they grow.

To claim CDBS benefits, bring your Medicare card and any official communication regarding your child’s eligibility for the CDBS. Here’s how you can claim these benefits:

• At the Dentist:
  You can claim the benefit on the spot when you make a payment if the dentist offers bulk billing.
• Directly from Medicare:
  If the dentist does not bulk bill, you can claim your benefits through your Medicare online account linked to myGov.

Check if your dentist supports bulk billing for CDBS claims, or be prepared to claim them online yourself. This allows you to manage your child’s dental benefits efficiently and without delay.