What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a federal fund guaranteeing access to basic dental care for children aged between 2 and 17 years. Funding is capped at $1,000 over two consecutive calendar years – the clock starts ticking with the first eligible dental service. The rolling two-year funding period means that we may be able to set the timing of your child’s dental treatment in order to obtain maximum benefit from the scheme.

The CDBS doesn’t cover orthodontic, cosmetic dental work, or dental services provided in hospital, but it does cover:

• Examinations
• Cleaning
• Extractions
• Fissure sealing
• Fillings
• X-rays
• Root canal work
• Partial dentures

How can I keep track of my child’s CDBS fund?

KIDS is proud to be able to offer our clients services applicable for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule programme, but not every dentist does – it’s always worth checking in advance.

Before starting treatment, your KIDS dentist will explain all likely costs and get your consent in writing. If any additional work is subsequently identified, this will be discussed and agreed with you before any work begins. There’ll never be any nasty surprises and you can decide how quickly to use your child’s $1,000 allocation; using it all at once or spreading it out over two years.

What are my options for keeping my family’s teeth healthy?

The Australian Dental Association recommends that your child first sees a dentist when his/her first tooth erupts, and continues every six months thereafter (unless your dentist advises otherwise). Starting good oral hygiene habits early gives your child the best chance of having lifelong healthy teeth, and will prevent any anxieties about visiting the dentist developing.

Brushing and flossing twice daily and visiting KIDS for an exam and clean every six months is a good place to start. The cost of your child’s examinations and cleaning is covered for those eligible for the CDBS, but if the two-year allowance is not used it cannot be transferred to other family members or rolled into the next period. It really is a case of use it or lose it – so why not book the family in for an exam and clean today?

The friendly, professional team at KIDS are always happy to answer any questions related to the Child Dental Benefits Schedule that you may have, and will discuss treatment options tailored exactly to the needs of you and your family.

Want to see what KIDS looks like? Watch as Brit and Amy walk you through the KIDS practice.