Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
Eligible children aged 0–17 can receive up to $1,158 in Medicare benefits for basic dental care over two calendar years.
What is the CDBS?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a Medicare program that pays benefits towards basic dental services for eligible children, including check-ups, X-rays, cleans, fillings and extractions.
For a child whose first CDBS service is in 2026, the benefit cap is $1,158 across 2026 and 2027, as long as they stay eligible. Let us know your child may be eligible when you book, and we'll check before treatment begins.
Is my child eligible?
Aged 0–17
Your child is aged 0 to 17 at any point during the calendar year.
Eligible for Medicare
Your child is eligible for Medicare, including on the day of each dental visit.
Government payment
Your family receives a relevant Australian Government payment, such as Family Tax Benefit Part A, at any point in the year.
Once eligible, your child stays eligible for the rest of that calendar year, even if they turn 18 or the payment stops. Services Australia sends a letter (by post or to myGov) when a child is eligible. You can also check eligibility and the remaining balance by calling Services Australia on 132 150.
Basic dental services
- Check-ups and examinations
- X-rays
- Scale and clean
- Fissure sealing
- Fillings
- Root canal treatment
- Extractions
- Partial dentures
What CDBS doesn't pay for
- Orthodontics, such as braces
- Cosmetic dental work
- Dental treatment provided in a hospital
Some items have limits on how often they can be claimed. We'll let you know if any part of your child's treatment falls outside the CDBS.
How a CDBS visit works
We confirm your child's eligibility with Medicare, examine their teeth and explain any treatment they need before anything is done.
Tell us when you book
Mention that your child may be eligible for the CDBS, and bring your child's Medicare card to the appointment.
Treatment plan and costs
We explain the proposed treatment, the cost and whether there is anything to pay, before treatment begins.
Sign the consent form
Medicare requires a parent or guardian to sign a CDBS consent form at the appointment.
We claim from Medicare
We lodge the claim with Medicare, and the benefit comes off your child's CDBS balance.
Common questions
How much is the CDBS benefit cap?
For a child whose first CDBS service is in 2026, the cap is $1,158 over two calendar years (2026 and 2027), as long as the child stays eligible. Children whose two-year period started in 2025 keep the cap that applied then.
Does the balance reset every year?
No. The cap covers a two-year period. Any unused balance carries into the second year if your child is still eligible, but it can't be used once the two-year period ends.
How do I check my child's CDBS balance?
Call Services Australia on 132 150. We can also check your child's eligibility with Medicare at the appointment.
What if treatment costs more than the cap?
Anything above your child's remaining CDBS balance, or any service the CDBS doesn't cover, is paid by you. We'll explain the costs and any out-of-pocket amount before treatment begins.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
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Ready to book your visit?
Book online in a minute, or call us on (03) 6200 8800. We're at 1 Warneford St, Hobart.
Hobart
1 Warneford St, Hobart TAS 7000
Get directions
(03) 6200 8800
reception@hobartimplant.com.au
| Monday – Friday | 10:30am – 4:30pm |
| Saturday | 11:00am – 3:00pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
All appointments are by booking only — sorry, no walk-ins.
Parking on Warneford St or at the rear of the practice.