Understanding Your Child’s Dental Benefits
Dentists @ Canning Vale sees eligible children under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). This Medicare-funded program provides capped dental benefits for eligible children aged 0 to 17, with no private health insurance needed.
No Fund Required
CDBS is a Medicare program, no private health insurance needed
Ages 0 to 17
Eligible children receive capped benefits over two calendar years
Up to $1,158
For eligible two-year benefit periods starting in 2026
Using CDBS Benefits at Our Clinic
Yes. Dentists @ Canning Vale sees eligible children under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) at our Canning Vale clinic. The CDBS is an Australian Government program that provides capped dental benefits for eligible children aged 0 to 17 years, administered through Medicare and Services Australia.
What Is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a Medicare-funded program that provides eligible children with access to basic dental services. Services Australia determines eligibility and administers the program. Eligible children receive capped benefits for dental services over two consecutive calendar years.
The CDBS is designed to support access to essential dental care for children and reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible families. It is separate to private health insurance and does not require a health fund membership.
What Does the CDBS Cover?
The CDBS covers a range of basic dental services for eligible children, including dental examinations, dental x-rays, professional cleaning, fissure sealants, fillings, root canal treatment on deciduous (baby) teeth, and simple tooth extractions.
The CDBS does not cover orthodontic treatment, cosmetic dental procedures, or hospital-based dental treatment. For an eligible two-calendar-year period starting in 2026, the cap is $1,158 per child; for a period starting in 2025, it is $1,132. Eligibility must continue in the second year. Check the remaining balance before treatment. Once the cap is reached, any further treatment costs are the responsibility of the patient or family.
See Services Australia’s current CDBS caps and balance-checking guidance. Amounts checked October 2026.
Who Is Eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
Eligibility for the CDBS is determined by Services Australia, not by the dental practice. In general, children aged 0 to 17 years may be eligible if they received relevant government payments, or were in a family receiving an eligible payment, during the relevant period.
Eligible children typically receive a letter from Services Australia confirming their CDBS entitlement. You can also check eligibility through your Medicare online account via myGov, or by calling Medicare directly. Confirm eligibility before your child’s appointment.
What Happens if Treatment Costs Exceed the CDBS Cap?
The applicable CDBS cap depends on when your child’s two-calendar-year benefit period started: $1,158 for a period starting in 2026, or $1,132 for a period starting in 2025. If treatment costs exceed the cap, any remaining costs become the patient’s responsibility. Our team will discuss treatment costs and options before proceeding. CDBS and private health insurance cannot both be claimed for the same dental service. Ask about costs and claiming arrangements before treatment.
Dental Visits for Children and Families
Dentists @ Canning Vale provides dental care for children, teenagers and adults. Our team is experienced in working with younger patients, including nervous children and those attending for their first dental visit. CDBS-eligible services at our clinic include dental examinations, professional cleaning, dental x-rays where clinically required, fissure sealants, fillings, and simple extractions. All treatment recommendations will be discussed with parents or guardians before proceeding.
Other Programs and Health Funds Accepted
In addition to the CDBS, Dentists @ Canning Vale is a preferred provider for BUPA Members First Platinum, Medibank Members’ Choice Advantage, HCF More For Teeth, HBF Member Plus, NIB First Choice and CBHS Choice Network. We accept most major private health funds and see eligible patients under DVA arrangements. View all accepted health funds and providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dentists @ Canning Vale accept the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
Yes. We see eligible children under the CDBS at our Canning Vale clinic.
How do I know if my child is eligible for the CDBS?
Eligibility is determined by Services Australia. Check your child’s eligibility through your Medicare online account via myGov, or call Medicare. Eligible children usually receive a letter from Services Australia confirming their entitlement.
What dental services does the CDBS cover?
The CDBS covers basic dental services including examinations, x-rays, professional cleaning, fissure sealants, fillings, root canals on baby teeth and simple extractions. It does not cover orthodontics or cosmetic dental treatment.
Is there a limit on how much the CDBS covers?
Yes. The applicable CDBS cap depends on when your child’s two-calendar-year benefit period started: $1,158 for a period starting in 2026, or $1,132 for a period starting in 2025. The cap is set by the Australian Government and may change. Services Australia can confirm the current amount applicable to your child.
Can I use the CDBS alongside private health insurance?
You cannot claim CDBS and private health insurance benefits for the same dental service. Ask us and your fund about separate services not claimed under CDBS before treatment.
What should I bring to my child’s CDBS appointment?
Bring your Medicare card and any CDBS confirmation from Services Australia. Our team will confirm your child’s eligibility and available benefit at the time of booking or at your appointment.
Book Your Child’s CDBS Appointment
Contact Dentists @ Canning Vale to book under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Our team will verify your child’s CDBS eligibility when you get in touch.