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The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is an Australian government program that provides eligible families with financial assistance for dental care for their children.
If your child is eligible for the CDBS, you can receive up to $1000 over a two year calendar period for a range of essential and restorative dental services.
At TL Dental Port Macquarie dental clinic, we gladly participate in this scheme and support its aim to improve children’s dental health.
Regularly visiting the dentist from a young age will not only help to keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong, but it will also help them develop good dental care habits for life. Regular dental check-ups are extremely important for preventing tooth decay and other dental diseases that may lead to more costly problems as your child grows older.
Your child may be eligible if:
Eligible families may have received information electronically or by post about the scheme.
If you’re unsure if your child qualifies for the scheme, speak to Medicare who can confirm.
At TL Dental, we are glad to participate in the CDBS and also bulk bill eligible children under the scheme for your convenience. This will save you the extra step of lodging a refund claim with Medicare. Just remember to bring your Medicare card to your child’s appointment.
The scheme covers ‘basic’ dental services up to the value of $1000 over two years. The most common dental procedures covered under the program include:
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule does not cover orthodontic (teeth straightening), cosmetic dental procedures or any work that might need to be done in a hospital. If you aren’t sure what’s covered, simply ask your dentist.
The $1000 allowance will more than cover the cost of regular 6-monthly checkups and dental cleans so it’s worthwhile to take this preventative approach for your child’s oral health.
Under the CDBS, you can claim up to $1000 for each child over two consecutive calendar years.
When your child comes in for their dental check-up, your dentist will provide you with a treatment plan outlining any work they may need and the cost. Depending on the care required, you may use your allocation all at once or spread it out over time.
You can use the full $1000 amount in the first year but keep in mind that this will leave you with no funds for the second year. If you do not use the full $1000 allocation in the first year, you can use it in the second year as long as your child remains eligible.
The two year period begins at the start of the calendar year in which your child both:
It’s easy to check your child’s remaining balance under the CDBS. Simply access your Medicare account online or at my.gov.au or call the Medicare General Enquiries line on 132 011.
Do keep in mind that any remaining funds at the end of the two-year calendar period cannot be carried over. You also won’t be able to use any remaining funds once your child is no longer eligible for the CDBS. Only the eligible child may use the benefit cap and funds cannot be transferred to another child or family member.
If you have used all your funds, you will have to wait for a new two year period to start.
If your child requires a dental procedure that isn’t covered by the CDBS, such as orthodontic treatment, there’s no need to worry!
At TL Dental, we offer a range of flexible and affordable dental payment plans so your child can get the dental care they need now without breaking the bank.
You can pay for your child’s treatment in manageable instalments at a pace that’s comfortable for you. With no upfront costs and a quick and easy online application process, setting up your child’s dental repayment plan is completely pay-nless!
Research shows that starting dental visits early in life will help your child have healthier adult teeth and less dental problems.
When it comes to teeth, small issues can turn into big problems over time. Taking your child for regular dentist visits is essential for ensuring good oral health. Plus, it will also ensure you have the best chance of catching and treating any dental issues before they evolve into more complex problems that require invasive treatments.
Many parents are shocked to learn that decay can occur at any age, even in toddlers. Although your child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out, special care is needed to avoid decay — this includes daily brushing.
We know that going to the dentist can sometimes seem scary — especially for little ones. But at TL Dental, our family-run practice is dedicated to making kids smile (with strong, healthy teeth, of course!)
Any anxiety your child may be feeling about their dentist visit is sure to be eased when they find themselves in their very own kid’s play area, complete with plenty of toys and fun shows to watch on TV. This comfy, child-friendly space is bound to beat the waiting room blues! Plus, after their visit, they'll have a chance to choose a toy from the treasure box.
We’re fully equipped to give your child the gentle dental care they need with a specialist children’s surgery and an Oral Health Therapist for kids.
To learn more about the Child Dental Benefits Scheme or to check if you’re eligible, call our friendly team on (02) 6583 4055 who will be more than happy to assist.
Ready to book your child in for an appointment? Great! Simply call us at 02-6583-4055 or book an appointment online.