Let's check if your child is eligible
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a Medicare program that helps eligible families pay for basic dental care for children aged 0 to 17. As a Toorak clinic that accepts the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, Toorak Village Dental Care can check your child's eligibility for you. Fill in the form and we'll let you know.
We use Health Professional Online Services (HPOS) to check eligibility securely. By submitting the form, you give the clinic permission to check whether your child is eligible for the CDBS.
Who is eligible for CDBS?
Your child may be eligible if, for at least one day of the calendar year, they are:
- aged 0 to 17
- eligible for Medicare
- receiving, or have a parent, guardian or carer receiving, an eligible government payment such as Family Tax Benefit Part A
Eligibility is assessed each calendar year.
"*" indicates required fields
What does CDBS cover?
CDBS contributes towards basic dental services, including:
- examinations and check-ups
- x-rays
- cleaning
- fissure sealants
- fillings
- root canal treatment
- extractions
It doesn't cover orthodontics (braces), cosmetic treatment or treatment in hospital. Benefits are capped over two consecutive calendar years. Services Australia publishes the current cap.
How CDBS works at our clinic
Before treatment, we'll check your child's eligibility and remaining balance, explain what's covered and ask you to sign a consent form.
Related: Children's dentistry, Check-up and clean, Tooth-coloured fillings, and preparing your child for their first dental visit.
What to expect at your child's visit
Using the Child Dental Benefits Schedule does not change how we look after your child. Your child's dentist will talk with you both, check their teeth and gums, and explain what treatment, if any, is needed.
Most children's visits begin with a check-up and, if needed, a clean. We may take x-rays if your child's dentist thinks they are needed.
If your child feels nervous, tell us when you book. We can take things at a gentle pace and explain each step in plain language.
Child Dental Benefits Schedule questions
How often does the CDBS benefit reset?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule cap covers two consecutive calendar years, starting in the year your child first uses it. If your child is still eligible after that two-year period, a new cap starts. Unused benefits can't be carried forward, and Services Australia publishes the current cap amount, which is indexed each 1 January.
Does the Child Dental Benefits Schedule cover all treatment?
No. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule covers basic services such as check-ups, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealants, fillings, root canal treatment and extractions. It doesn't cover orthodontics such as braces, cosmetic dental work or treatment in hospital. If your child needs something that isn't covered, we'll explain the options and costs before going ahead.
What if my child is not eligible?
You are still welcome to book a visit for your child. We will explain the cost before we start. You can read more about our children's dentistry services.
Do I need to apply for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
No. You don't need to apply or register. Services Australia checks eligibility each calendar year and lets you know by letter or through myGov if your child is eligible. You don't need to bring the letter to your appointment, because Toorak Village Dental Care can check your child's eligibility and balance for you.
Helping your child look after their teeth
Good habits at home make a big difference. Children should brush twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, with an adult helping younger children. Limiting sugary drinks and snacks also helps protect teeth.
Regular check-ups let us spot problems early. If your family qualifies for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, it may help with the cost of those visits.
Book a visit in Toorak
To ask about the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, call Toorak Village Dental Care on (03) 9827 5633 or visit us at 137 Canterbury Road, Toorak VIC 3142.
5 essential facts about the Child Dental Benefits Schedule
- Children aged 0 to 17 may be eligible if they're eligible for Medicare and they, or their parent, carer or guardian, receive an eligible government payment, such as Family Tax Benefit Part A, at some point in the calendar year.
- You don't need to apply. Services Australia checks eligibility each calendar year and lets you know, by post or through myGov, if your child is eligible.
- The benefit is capped over two calendar years in a row. The two-year period starts in the year your child first receives a service under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, and the cap is indexed each year on 1 January. Services Australia publishes the current amount.
- It covers basic services such as examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealants, fillings, root canal treatment and extractions. It doesn't cover orthodontics, cosmetic dental work or treatment in hospital.
- Unused benefits can't be carried forward. Anything left at the end of the two-year period, or once your child is no longer eligible, can't be used.
Checking your child's balance
You can check how much of the benefit your child has used through your Medicare online account in myGov or the Express Plus Medicare app. You can also ask us, and we'll check before treatment.
If treatment costs more than the benefit
If your child needs treatment that isn't covered, or the cost goes over the remaining balance, we'll explain the costs and give you a quote before going ahead.