Your child's CDBS benefit is here to help!

It's called the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), and for a lot of parents, it's one of the most under-utilised entitlements out there.

Here's what it actually covers, how it works, and how to make sure your family isn't leaving money on the table.

What is the CDBS?

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a government-funded scheme that helps eligible families cover the cost of basic dental care for their kids. It's designed to make sure cost isn't the reason a child misses out on check-ups, cleans or early treatment.

For 2026, eligible children can access up to $1,158* in benefits, which resets over a rolling two-calendar-year period. If you don't use the full amount in year one, the remaining balance carries over into year two, as long as your child is still eligible.

*Benefit cap may increase each year.

How does it work?

The benefit covers a range of basic dental services, including:

• Check-ups and examinations
• X-rays
• Cleaning and fluoride treatments
• Fillings
• Some extractions and root canals

It doesn't cover orthodontic treatment (like braces), cosmetic work, or anything requiring a hospital stay.

At participating practices, the benefit is claimed directly through Medicare, so there's often no upfront cost and no paperwork for you to chase up. It's worth asking your dental team to confirm what's been used and what's left in your child's balance, since it's easy to lose track over a two-year window.

Who can access it?

To be eligible, a child generally needs to:

• Be aged 0 to 17 for at least one day of the calendar year
• Have a family that receives Family Tax Benefit Part A, or another relevant Australian Government payment, at some point during the year
• Be enrolled in Medicare

Eligibility is checked automatically through Medicare, so if your family qualifies, you shouldn't need to apply separately. It's still worth double-checking your child's eligibility and remaining balance before booking, particularly if it's been a while since their last visit.

Making the most of it

Many families don't realise how much of this benefit goes unused each year. A single check-up, clean and set of x-rays often uses only a fraction of the total available, which leaves plenty of room for further preventive care, or a filling if one's needed, without any extra cost to you. We'll always let you know upfront if any recommended treatment falls outside the scheme, so there are no surprises.

Staying on top of it each year means your child gets the preventive care that keeps small issues from becoming bigger, more expensive ones later on, and you get the full value of a benefit you're already entitled to.