Children’s Dental Benefits Schedule Explained ($1,132 Free Dental Care)

Making sure children have access to regular dental care is one of the best ways to protect their long-term health. In Australia, many families are eligible for government support through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). This program provides up to $1,132 worth of dental care over two calendar years for eligible children, helping ease the cost of essential treatment. But how does the program work, and what exactly does it cover?

What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

The CDBS is a government initiative that helps cover the cost of basic dental care for children aged 0 to 17 years. It is designed to make routine and preventive dental care more accessible, reducing the risk of untreated problems becoming more serious and expensive later on.

Eligible families do not need to apply separately for the program. If your child qualifies, Services Australia will notify you, usually through Medicare. You can then access the benefits directly through participating dental practices.

Who is eligible?

To qualify for the CDBS, children must:

• Be aged 0–17 years for at least one day in the calendar year
• Be eligible for Medicare
• Receive, or be part of a family receiving, an eligible government payment such as Family Tax Benefit Part A

If these conditions are met, your child is automatically entitled to the scheme. The benefit is capped at $1,132 per child over two consecutive calendar years, and any unused balance cannot be carried over into the next cycle.

What treatments are covered?

The CDBS covers a wide range of basic dental services. These include:

• Examinations and check-ups
• X-rays
• Professional cleans
• Fissure sealants and fluoride treatments
• Fillings
• Extractions
• Root canals

The program is designed to cover essential treatments that maintain oral health, but it does not extend to cosmetic procedures, orthodontics (such as braces), or hospital-based services.

How the two-year cap works

The $1,132 cap is available over a two-calendar-year period. For example, if a child uses $500 in the first year, they will have $632 available for the second. If the full amount isn’t used within that time, the balance expires and a new cap may start if the child remains eligible.

This rolling structure ensures children can access care when they need it most, rather than having to fit treatment into a strict yearly limit.

Why regular dental care matters for children

Children’s teeth are constantly changing. Baby teeth pave the way for adult teeth, and problems in early years can affect the health and alignment of the permanent set. Regular check-ups help monitor development and catch issues early.

Dental visits also teach children healthy habits and reduce the likelihood of dental anxiety later in life. Preventive care such as fluoride applications and fissure sealants can protect against decay, while education about brushing, diet, and oral hygiene sets the foundation for lifelong habits.

How to use the CDBS

Accessing the CDBS is straightforward. Families should:

1. Confirm eligibility through Services Australia or by checking online with Medicare.
2. Book an appointment with a participating dental practice.
3. Inform the practice you wish to use the CDBS before treatment begins.
4. Sign a consent form so the services can be bulk-billed to Medicare.

Many dental practices offer CDBS as bulk-billing, which means there are no out-of-pocket expenses unless the cost of treatment exceeds the available balance.

Common questions about the CDBS

• Can I choose which treatments to use it for? Yes, as long as the treatment is covered under the scheme. Your dental team can help prioritise the most important care within the cap.
• What if my child needs treatment that isn’t covered? You may choose to pay privately for those services, while still using CDBS for the eligible items.
• Can siblings share the balance? No, the cap is applied individually to each child.

Taking the next step

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a valuable program that helps families access affordable dental care for their children. By making use of the available benefits, parents can give their children the best possible start to lifelong oral health.

Book an appointment today to use your child’s CDBS benefits and ensure their smile is protected for the future.