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Child Dental Benefits Schedule Explained: Medicare Dental for Children in Australia

Learn how the Child Dental Benefits Schedule works, who is eligible, what's covered and how eligible families can use Medicare dental benefits for children.

September 2026 • 12 min read
Little boy sits in dental chair, smiling happily as doctor and nurse hold a mirror to show his teeth, demonstrating joyful pediatric dental care in a modern clinic.

Dental check-ups during childhood can help identify problems early and encourage healthy habits that continue into adulthood.

For eligible Australian families, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) can help with the cost of basic dental care for children and teenagers.

But terms such as "Medicare dental for children" and "free kids dental Australia" can sometimes make the program sound simpler than it actually is.

The CDBS has specific eligibility requirements, treatment limits and covered services.

This guide explains how the Child Dental Benefits Schedule works, what treatments may be covered and what parents should check before booking a dental appointment.

What Is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule, commonly called CDBS, is an Australian Government program that helps eligible children and teenagers access basic dental services.

For children whose two-year benefit period begins in 2026, the CDBS provides access to up to $1,158 in benefits over two consecutive calendar years.

The benefit cap is indexed, so the applicable amount can depend on when your child's two-year benefit period began.

The program is administered through Medicare and is intended to improve access to essential preventive and basic dental care.

Is CDBS the Same as Free Kids Dental in Australia?

Not exactly.

Parents commonly search for "free kids dental Australia", but the more accurate description is that the CDBS can cover part or all of the cost of eligible basic dental services, subject to your child's eligibility, remaining benefit balance and the applicable CDBS rules.

Whether you have an out-of-pocket cost can also depend on how the dental practice bills for the service.

For this reason, it is worth confirming:

  • whether your child is currently eligible
  • how much CDBS balance remains
  • whether the proposed treatment is covered
  • the cost of the treatment
  • whether there will be any amount for you to pay

before treatment begins.

Who Is Eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

CDBS eligibility is determined by the Australian Government.

Generally, a child or teenager must:

  • be aged from 0 to 17 for at least one day during the calendar year
  • be eligible for Medicare on the day treatment is provided
  • receive, or be part of a family receiving, an eligible Australian Government payment

Family Tax Benefit Part A is one of the payments that can qualify a family, but other eligible government payments may also apply.

Services Australia assesses eligibility.

Because family circumstances can change, parents should check their child's current status rather than assuming previous eligibility automatically applies.

How Do I Check Whether My Child Is Eligible?

There are several ways to check CDBS eligibility.

If your Medicare account is linked to myGov, you can check online through your Medicare account.

Navigate to:

Medicare → History and statements → Child Dental Benefits Schedule

This can show your child's eligibility and available CDBS information.

You can also contact Medicare for assistance.

Your dental practice may be able to check eligibility and the available benefit balance before treatment.

How Much Does the Child Dental Benefits Schedule Cover?

For a child whose two-year benefit period begins in 2026, the benefit cap is up to $1,158 over two consecutive calendar years.

The two-year period starts when the child first receives an eligible CDBS dental service.

An important point is that the CDBS cap is indexed annually. This means a child whose benefit period started in an earlier year may have a different cap.

For example, the 2025 starting cap was different from the 2026 starting cap.

Parents should therefore check their child's actual CDBS balance rather than relying on an amount seen in an older article or advertisement.

What Dental Treatments Does CDBS Cover?

The CDBS focuses on basic dental services.

Eligible services can include:

Dental Examinations

Regular examinations allow a dentist to assess the teeth, gums, bite and developing mouth.

Dental X-Rays

X-rays may be used when clinically required to identify issues that cannot be seen during a visual examination.

Professional Cleaning

Eligible professional cleaning may help remove plaque and calculus that regular brushing cannot completely remove.

Fissure Sealants

Sealants can be applied to suitable teeth to help protect vulnerable grooves from decay.

Fillings

When tooth decay has created a cavity, eligible restorative treatment may be covered under the schedule.

Root Canal Treatment

Certain root canal services may be covered where clinically appropriate and within CDBS requirements.

Tooth Extractions

Necessary dental extractions can be included.

Partial Dentures

Certain partial denture services are also included under the CDBS.

Individual services are subject to CDBS rules and restrictions, so your dentist should discuss the recommended treatment and costs with you.

What Isn't Covered by the CDBS?

The CDBS is designed for basic dental care rather than every type of dental treatment.

It does not cover:

  • orthodontic treatment
  • cosmetic dentistry
  • cosmetic teeth whitening
  • dental services provided in hospital

This distinction is particularly important for parents considering braces or other orthodontic treatment for their child.

Even when a child is eligible for CDBS, that does not mean every dental procedure will be funded through Medicare.

Does CDBS Cover Braces?

No. Orthodontic treatment is not covered by the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.

That means treatments designed specifically to correct tooth or jaw alignment, such as orthodontic braces, are outside the CDBS program.

If your dentist identifies an orthodontic concern during a child's routine examination, they can discuss appropriate next steps and treatment options with you.

Does CDBS Cover Children's Dental Check-Ups?

Dental examinations are among the basic services covered by the CDBS for eligible children, subject to the program's requirements and benefit limits.

Regular dental visits during childhood can help dentists monitor:

  • tooth eruption
  • dental decay
  • gum health
  • oral hygiene
  • developing bite
  • dental injuries
  • other changes in the mouth

Preventive care can also help children become familiar with visiting the dentist before they develop pain or a dental emergency.

What Happens During a Child's Dental Appointment?

Every child's appointment will be different depending on their age and dental needs.

A typical visit may include:

1. A Dental Examination

The dentist examines the teeth, gums and mouth and asks about any concerns.

2. Oral Health Assessment

The dental team may assess brushing habits, diet and areas where plaque is accumulating.

3. X-Rays If Needed

X-rays aren't required at every visit. Your dentist will recommend them when clinically appropriate.

4. Preventive Treatment

Depending on your child's needs, this might include cleaning, fluoride treatment or fissure sealants.

5. Treatment Discussion

If a problem is identified, the dentist can explain the available treatment options.

When using CDBS, the proposed treatment and associated costs should be discussed before treatment is provided.

Why Are Regular Dental Visits Important for Children?

Children's mouths change quickly.

Baby teeth fall out, permanent teeth emerge and the jaw and bite continue developing throughout childhood and adolescence.

Regular dental care provides an opportunity to identify problems before they become more difficult to manage.

Dental visits can also reinforce important habits such as:

  • brushing twice each day
  • using fluoride toothpaste appropriate for the child's age
  • cleaning between teeth where appropriate
  • limiting frequent sugary snacks and drinks
  • drinking water regularly
  • wearing a mouthguard for suitable contact sports

A positive relationship with dental care early in life may also make future dental appointments feel more familiar.

What Should Parents Do Before Using CDBS?

A little preparation can make the process straightforward.

Check Eligibility

Confirm that your child is eligible for the current calendar year.

Check the Remaining Balance

Your child's available benefit may be lower if some CDBS services have already been claimed.

Tell the Dental Clinic You Want to Use CDBS

Mention CDBS when booking so the dental team can help check the relevant information.

Ask About Treatment Costs

Before treatment begins, make sure you understand the recommended services and their costs.

Ask Whether CDBS Covers the Treatment

Not every dental service is eligible, so confirm coverage before proceeding.

Can You Use Private Health Insurance With CDBS?

There are specific rules around claiming CDBS services and private health insurance.

Parents should not assume that the same treatment can simply be claimed from both Medicare under CDBS and their private health insurer.

Ask the dental practice how the proposed treatment will be billed and which payment or benefit arrangement applies before treatment begins.

What If My Child Is Nervous About the Dentist?

Dental anxiety can occur at any age, particularly if a child has not visited a dentist before.

Parents can help by keeping explanations simple and positive.

Avoid describing dental treatment using frightening language or telling children stories about unpleasant dental experiences.

A children's dental appointment can often begin with familiarisation, conversation and a gentle examination so the child can become comfortable with the environment.

At Galleon Way Dental, children's care focuses on creating a welcoming experience while helping young patients develop healthy oral habits.

Medicare Dental for Children in Currumbin Waters

Families searching for Medicare dental for children in Currumbin Waters may be able to access eligible treatment through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.

Galleon Way Dental provides children's dental care and participates in CDBS for eligible patients.

The clinic can help families understand their child's eligibility and available benefits before treatment.

Located at 7/174 Galleon Way, Currumbin Waters QLD 4223, the practice also welcomes families from nearby communities across the Southern Gold Coast.

Frequently Asked Questions About CDBS

Book Your Child's Dental Appointment in Currumbin Waters

If your child is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, their available Medicare benefits can help make important preventive and basic dental care more accessible.

Contact Galleon Way Dental to discuss your child's dental needs and CDBS eligibility before booking treatment.

For families across Currumbin Waters and the Southern Gold Coast, Galleon Way Dental provides caring, preventive children's dental care supported by the Child Dental Benefits Schedule for eligible patients.

CDBS Dentist Currumbin Waters

Galleon Way Dental is located at 7/174 Galleon Way, Currumbin Waters QLD 4223 and participates in the Child Dental Benefits Schedule for eligible patients.

Start Your Child's Preventive Dental Care Journey

If your child is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, the available Medicare benefits can help cover the cost of important preventive dental care.

From regular check-ups and professional cleaning to X-rays and fissure sealants, eligible children can receive vital basic dental care through the CDBS.

Galleon Way Dental helps families understand CDBS eligibility and available benefits before treatment, so you know what to expect.

Whether you're looking for a CDBS dentist in Currumbin Waters or a children's dentist on the Southern Gold Coast, the team at Galleon Way Dental is here to help.

Book your child's dental appointment today and take advantage of their available CDBS benefits.

Related Dental Services

Preventative Dentistry

Regular check-ups, professional cleaning, fluoride treatment and personalised preventive care.

CDBS Eligibility & Coverage

Understand which children are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule and what treatments are covered.

Emergency Dental Care

Same-day emergency appointments for urgent dental problems, subject to availability.

Children's Dentistry

Preventive dental care to help children develop healthy oral health habits from an early age.

Book Your Child's Dental Appointment in Currumbin Waters

Is your child eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

Let us help you understand their available Medicare dental benefits and what's covered before treatment.

Book a children's dental appointment with Galleon Way Dental today.

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