Free Kids Dental
The CDBS scheme covers up to $1,026 of dental costs over 2 calendar years for children from eligible families.
3 minute read
We know that many families worry about the cost of their dental visits, and this shouldn’t stop your children from accessing the high-quality care they need. That’s why Kelmscott Dental participates in the Australian government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).
The CDBS program covers the cost of kids’ dentistry and other basic dental services for children and teenagers under 18 whose parents receive eligible Medicare payments. If you’re claiming free kids’ dental treatments in Kelmscott, our staff can process your claim on the spot so you won’t be out of pocket.
Is my child eligible for free dental care?
Around 3 million Australian children, infants and teenagers currently benefit from the CDBS scheme. Your child may be eligible for free dentistry services through CDBS if:
- they are aged between 0 and 17 years for at least one day of the calendar year
- you or your child receive certain Medicare payments at least once per calendar year
Eligible Medicare payments include:
- Family Tax Benefit Part A
- Parenting Payment
- Carer Payment
- Double Orphan Pension
- ABSTUDY
- Disability Support Pension
- Special Benefit
- Youth Allowance
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs education allowances
You can check if your child is eligible by accessing your Medicare online account or contacting Medicare. You will usually receive a letter through the post letting you know whether your child is eligible in the current year.
The CDBS is available for children living with parents, guardians or approved care organisations, as well as teenagers under 18 living with a partner who receives an eligible payment.
What dental costs are covered?
The CDBS scheme is designed to cover general dental services and preventive care that kids may need to maintain good oral health. This includes:
- check-ups
- x-rays
- dental cleaning
- fillings
- fissure sealants (similar to fillings)
- root canal therapy
- tooth removal
CDBS does not cover more complex or elective procedures such as orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry or hospitalisations. Your child’s dentist will let you know whether all or part of their treatment is covered.
As of 2024, CDBS covers up to $1,095 of dental costs over 2 calendar years for each eligible child. This period starts in the year when your child receives their first eligible service and the allowance is reset at the end of the 2-year period, as long as your child is still eligible.
How do I make a claim through CDBS?
If you want to claim your child’s dental costs through CDBS, let our staff know when you book your appointment. We’ll check your child’s available balance and let you know whether their treatment is covered. You can also check your CDBS balance online.
On the day of your child’s appointment, we’ll give you a consent form to sign along with a quote that details the treatment costs. We will then be able to bulk bill your payment directly with Medicare so the amount will be deducted from your child’s CDBS account automatically and you won’t have to make a claim yourself.
Can I claim kids’ dental costs on my health insurance?
You can claim eligible dental costs for a child dependent if your private health fund includes dental cover, whether or not you qualify for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. However, you cannot claim for the same treatment using both CDBS and private health insurance.
As with the CDBS, general dental cover is for basic services only and does not include hospital treatments, orthodontics or other, more complex procedures. More advanced plans may offer a wider range of benefits.
At Kelmscott Dental, we accept all health funds. We are a Bupa Platinum Members First provider and a HBF Members Plus dentist, and we offer HICAPS processing for on-the-spot claims so you won’t be out of pocket.
What other support is available?
If your child is not eligible for CDBS, their treatment is not covered or they have used up their allowance, you may still be able to access financial support to help make your dental costs more affordable and so your child doesn’t have to miss out on important dental care.
At Kelmscott Dental, we offer a choice of flexible payment plans from major providers to help you break down your child’s dental bill into a number of regular instalments, including interest-free options.
We are also a Supercare partner and can help you to access your superannuation fund early to help pay for dental treatments for yourself and eligible family members.
When should kids go to the dentist?
Free dental care for kids makes it possible for families from all backgrounds to give their children’s teeth the care they need from a young age, without having to worry about the cost of dental check-ups and basic treatments.
Regular dental visits from a young age can help children to avoid problems such as tooth decay and dental fear that could have a lifelong impact on their oral health. The CDBS was expanded in 2022 to include young children under 2 years of age for the first time to encourage early visits.
A check-up and clean is recommended twice a year for children so their dentist can monitor the development of their teeth and to improve the chance of problems being identified and treated early, before they become more serious.
Dentists may also recommend preventive treatments such as fissure sealants and offer advice about caring for your child’s teeth and diet to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease before it starts.
Free kids’ dental care in Kelmscott
If you want to access free children’s dental services in Kelmscott, or want to know whether your family is eligible, contact Kelmscott Dental today.
Our experienced kids’ dental team are skilled at treating children and teenagers of all ages. Many of us have kids of our own, so we understand the unique challenges of kids’ dental care and we are committed to helping your children get the highest standard of care they can.
To make an appointment, call our family dental clinic on (08) 9495 7999 or book online. We also welcome patients from Armadale, Gosnells and all nearby suburbs.
References
