the news broke that under the Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS) eligible Australian families can access up to $1132 in free dental support per child over a two year period. This boost aims to ease financial pressure on households and encourage early preventive dental care.
Details About Child Dental Benefit
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Child Dental Benefit Schedule 2025 |
| Support Amount | Up to $1132 per child |
| Period | Two calendar years |
| Eligible Age | 0 to 17 years |
| Requirement | Must be eligible for Medicare and receive a government payment such as Family Tax Benefit Part A |
| Covered Services | Checkups X rays cleaning fillings root canal extractions partial dentures |
| Not Covered | Braces whitening cosmetic dental hospital treatments |
| How to Claim | Through bulk billing dentist or Medicare online myGov mobile app mail or service centre |
What Is the Child Dental Benefit (CDBS)
The Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS) is an Australian government program that helps cover basic dental treatment for children who meet certain criteria. In 2025 the benefit cap is $1132. This means over two consecutive calendar years eligible children can receive dental services worth up to that amount.
This is not a cash payment to families. Instead the benefit is used to pay participating dental providers directly often by bulk billing.
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Who Is Eligible
To receive the benefit all of the following must apply
- The child must be aged 0 to 17 years during at least one day of that year
- The child must be eligible for Medicare
- The child or their parent or guardian must receive a relevant Australian government payment such as Family Tax Benefit Part A during the calendar year
Eligibility is checked at the start of each year. If a child meets the criteria Services Australia may notify the parent or guardian. Even if the child turns 18 later in the year they can still use the benefit if they were eligible earlier in that year.
Understanding the Benefit Cap and Two Year Period
The $1132 cap applies over a two year period. The two year period begins in the calendar year when the child first uses a dental service under the scheme.
- If a child has not used all of the benefit in year one the unused balance may be used in year two
- After two years any remaining balance cannot be carried further. A new cap is assigned if the child is still eligible
- If treatment costs go over the cap the scheme will only cover the remaining balance. Any extra cost becomes an out of pocket expense
What Dental Services Are Covered
The scheme covers a wide range of necessary dental services including
- Checkups and examinations
- X rays and diagnostic tests
- Professional cleaning
- Fissure sealants
- Fillings
- Root canal therapy
- Tooth extractions
- Partial dentures in some cases
Not covered are
- Orthodontic treatment such as braces
- Cosmetic dental procedures such as whitening
- Treatments performed in hospitals
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How to Check Eligibility and Balance
Before booking an appointment families should confirm eligibility and available balance. This can be done by
- Logging into Medicare or myGov account
- Using the Express Plus Medicare mobile app
- Asking the dental clinic to check before treatment
- Calling Services Australia for details
Step by Step Claim Process
1. Choose a Dentist
Not all dentists participate in the scheme. When booking ask if they accept the Child Dental Benefit Schedule and if they bulk bill.
2. Confirm and Consent
At the appointment staff will check eligibility explain covered services and ask you to sign consent forms.
3. Treatment and Billing
If the dentist bulk bills you pay nothing. The dentist will submit the claim directly.
If the dentist does not bulk bill you pay the cost first then claim it back yourself using Medicare online myGov the mobile app mail or at a service centre.
4. Benefit Payment
Once processed the benefit is paid to your bank account or directly to the dentist if bulk billed.
5. Monitor Balance
Keep track of your balance. Ask the clinic or check online to avoid extra costs.
Tips to Maximise the Benefit
- Book treatments early in the two year period
- Use preventive services first such as cleaning and sealants
- Always confirm any extra costs before treatment
- Spread out larger treatments if possible
- Keep your Medicare and Centrelink details updated
- Request a written quote before the dentist starts work
Conclusion
In 2025 Australian families can claim up to $1132 per child in dental support over two calendar years through the Child Dental Benefit Schedule. The program covers many necessary services such as checkups cleaning fillings and extractions. Orthodontic and cosmetic services are excluded.
To use the benefit families must confirm eligibility choose a participating dentist and follow the claim process. By planning early and checking balances regularly parents can avoid unexpected costs.
The scheme is not just financial support. It is also an opportunity for families to protect their children’s dental health and ensure strong healthy smiles for the future.