Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)

The most recent Queensland Health data has revealed that 28% of parents aren’t taking their children to the dentist because they can’t afford to.

Parents are unaware of free child dental care in Australia

However, this statistic – reflecting the affordability of dental treatment for cash-strapped Australian families – is not what it seems. According to the same survey, 30% of parents are simply not aware of the free dental services for children that are available via the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).

The CDBS covers part or the full cost of general dental services for children. If your family is eligible for Medicare and/or receiving certain Centrelink payments at least once a year, then your children are eligible for the CDBS.

Don’t let your child’s oral health lapse for no reason

55% of children 5-14 year olds in Queensland had tooth decay while 24% experienced tooth decay on four or more teeth. Hundreds of children and toddlers with severe decay have had to undergo traumatic dental operations for multiple baby teeth removal. Some children even need to have all their baby teeth removed which can impact significantly on their oral development, eating, sleeping and speech.

What is even more distressing is that most of these serious dental issues are entirely preventable by ensuring children maintain a diet low in sugar, brush their teeth twice daily and make regular visits to the dentist for a check up and clean.

Who can receive Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?

 Your child is eligible for CDBS if:

  • you have a Medicare card
  • they are aged 0 to 17 years of age
  • they or you get at least one Centrelink payment in a calendar year including Family Tax Benefit Part A, Parenting Payment, ABSTUDY, Carer payment, Disability Support Payment, Special Benefit and Youth Allowance

TCdental-cdbs-child-dental-benefits-schedule

What free child dental benefits and services can your child access?

In 2025, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) covers up to $1,132 of basic dental services over 2 calendar years.

Dental services that are covered by the CDBS include:

  • Check-ups and dental cleaning
  • Fissure sealants
  • Teeth fillings
  • X-rays
  • Tooth extractions
  • Root canal treatment

Dental services that are NOT covered by the CDBS include:

  • Orthodontics including braces, Invisalign and clear aligners
  • Cosmetic dentistry including teeth whitening
  • Hospital-provided dental services

How to use and claim the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?

Before you book a dental appointment for your child that you want to be covered by the CDBS, check your online Medicare account or call Medicare on 132 011. You will be able to check your child’s CDBS balance.

Your dentist can also check your child’s available benefit amount; and discuss service costs and what the CDBS can cover. If your dentist bulk bills, you should not have to pay anything. Otherwise, you pay upfront and claim directly from Medicare straight after your visit. Once Medicare processes your claim, they will pay the CDBS benefit straight into your bank account.

TC Dental Group welcomes CDBS patients

We welcome all little patients eligible under the Children Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) from Upper Mt Gravatt, Eight Mile Plains, Annerley and surrounding Brisbane suburbs. You will receive personalised dental care for your child to ensure their oral health and development is the best it can be.

Call TC Dental Group’s helpful reception on (07) 3349 9334 or book online today.

Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)