Dental bills can add up quickly when you have children. Checkups, cleans and the odd filling all come with a cost. Many Australian families do not realise they may already have help available. The Australian Government runs a scheme that pays for basic dental care for eligible children and teenagers.
That scheme is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, often shortened to CDBS. It sits within Medicare and is managed by Services Australia. This guide explains who can use it, what it pays for and what it leaves out. It also covers a few practical points that help families get the most from it.
What the Child Dental Benefits Schedule is
The CDBS pays benefits for a set of basic dental services. It does not cover every kind of dental work. The idea is to help children and teenagers get regular care so small problems are picked up early. The benefit is a capped amount spread over two calendar years.
Eligible children can be seen at public dental clinics and at participating private dental clinics. Not every private practice offers CDBS services. The Department of Health advises families to check with the practice before booking. A quick question at the front desk can save confusion later.
Who is eligible
According to the Department of Health Child Dental Benefits Schedule fact sheet, a child must be under 18 years of age. They must also be eligible for Medicare. On top of that, a government support payment needs to be received at least once in the year. That payment can go to the child or to a parent, carer or guardian.
Family Tax Benefit Part A is one of the payments that counts. It qualifies when it is paid to a parent, carer or guardian, to the child or to a teenager’s partner. Other payments can also qualify, so it is worth checking the full list if your family receives a different benefit. Eligibility is worked out each year rather than once for life.
You do not need to fill in an application. Services Australia sends a letter when a child is eligible. The letter comes by post or through myGov. You can also check eligibility yourself in your myGov account at any time.
How much the scheme pays
The benefit cap is indexed on 1 January each year. For a two year period that starts in 2026, Services Australia lists the cap as up to $1,158 per eligible child. Children whose period started in 2025 keep the 2025 cap of $1,132 until that period ends. The amount applies over two consecutive calendar years.
The two year period starts on 1 January of the year the child is eligible and receives their first dental service. A yearly increase to the cap only applies to a child who received their first eligible service in that calendar year. So a child partway through an existing period keeps the cap that applied when it began. This detail matters if you are trying to plan treatment across two years.
Unused money can carry into the second year as long as the child is still eligible. Anything left at the end of the two years is lost. A new two year period then has to start. Services Australia also notes that unused funds cannot be used once a child stops being eligible.
What the CDBS covers
The scheme focuses on general dental care rather than specialist work. It is meant to cover the everyday treatment most children need. The services listed by Services Australia for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule include the following:
- checkups
- X rays
- cleaning
- fissure sealing
- fillings
- root canals
- extractions
Some items have limits on how often they can be claimed. Services Australia suggests checking with your dentist about item or time restrictions before a service starts. A dentist can explain which parts of a treatment plan the scheme will pay for. Asking early helps you avoid a surprise bill at the end of an appointment.
What the CDBS does not cover
Orthodontic work is not covered. That means braces and similar treatment sit outside the scheme. Cosmetic dental work is also excluded, so options like those in our guide to popular cosmetic dental treatments would need to be paid for another way. Dental services provided in a hospital are not covered either.
These exclusions are worth keeping in mind as children grow older. Teenagers in particular may start talking about straightening or whitening. The CDBS is there for basic care, not appearance. Families who want other work done may look at private health insurance extras or a payment plan with their dentist.
Getting the most from the scheme
Regular checkups are the simplest way to use the benefit well. Small issues found early are usually easier to treat than problems left for years. The two year period starts on 1 January of the year of the first visit, so booking early in that year gives you the most time to use the benefit. That gives you a clear window to plan any follow up care.
Daily habits at home matter just as much as the visit itself. Brushing, cleaning between teeth and limiting sugary drinks all help. Some families are curious about traditional options such as miswak for teeth and gum health. Your dentist can talk through what suits your child alongside normal brushing.
Healthy baby and adult teeth also set children up for later life. Adults who lose teeth often face more involved and costly treatment. Our article on why dental implants are so popular shows how much work can go into replacing a tooth. Looking after children’s teeth now is a simpler path.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to apply for the CDBS?
No application is needed. Services Australia sends a letter by post or through myGov when a child is eligible. You can also check your child’s status in your myGov account. If you are unsure, your dental clinic may be able to help.
Can my child see a private dentist under the scheme?
Yes, as long as the practice takes part. Eligible children can use public dental clinics and participating private clinics. Not every private practice offers CDBS services. Ask the clinic before you book.
Does the CDBS pay for braces?
No, orthodontic work is not covered. Cosmetic dental work and dental services in a hospital are also excluded. The scheme is limited to basic services such as checkups, cleaning and fillings. Your dentist can explain other options if your child needs orthodontic care.
What happens to money we do not use?
Unused funds can carry into the second year if your child is still eligible. Anything left at the end of the two year period is lost. A new period then starts with the next eligible service. Patients often ask similar planning questions after adult treatment too, as covered in common questions after dental implant treatment.
This article is general information only and is not medical or dental advice. Scheme rules and amounts change, so check the latest details with Services Australia. Speak with your dentist or a qualified health professional about your child’s needs.