For 2025, Australia has developed the Child Dental Benefit, which is now $1,134, and will help make dentistry affordable and accessible to countless children around the country. This piece will help families understand the essential eligibility of the benefit, the dental services included, and provide an easy, quick guide to claiming the benefit to help families enhance their children’s dental care.
The Child Dental Benefit Explained
The Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS) is a government dental care initiative that gives children who are eligible the opportunity to accumulate $1,134 over two calendar years and for two years running, to access essential dental care services. This benefit has a new cap and is indexed, meaning and ensuring that families will always have appropriate support for the necessary dental services. This benefit is designed to address the routine dental services to avoid children suffering from severe oral health problems during childhood.
Main Eligibility Criteria
- Eligibility is assessed annually and is based on a number of criteria.
- The child must be 0–17 for at least one calendar year day during the year.
- The child must be eligible for Medicare.
- The family is receiving at least one of the government support payments, for instance, Family Tax Benefit Part A or Parenting Payment or an equivalent financial support.
- Families will automatically receive a notification of eligibility from Services Australia, and if unsure, families can check eligibility through their Medicare online account, the Express Plus Medicare app or by calling Medicare.
Dental Services Covered
The CDBS funds basic dental services which covers:
- Examinations and consultations
- X-rays
- Professional teeth cleaning
- Fissure sealing
- Fillings
- Root canals
- Extractions
- Partial dentures
The following services are excluded: Orthodontics (braces) and other cosmetic dental procedures and treatments provided in a hospital.
How to Claim the CDBS Benefit
Claiming CDBS is simple and designed to minimize hassles:
- Check eligibility through the prescribed channels before making an appointment.
- Pick any participating dental provider (public is also an option).
- Make sure you inform the provider that you are claiming through CDBS. They will check eligibility and complete the necessary documents.
- There will be a consent form prior to treatment which will spell out costs and also the claim itself.
- Most clinics will bulk bill which means they will bill Medicare directly and you will not have any out-of-pocket expenses.
- If a family is required to make an upfront payment, they will be able to claim the rebate in the Medicare app, portal, or at a service center.
Quick Data Table: CDBS 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit Amount | $1,134 per child (2 yrs) |
| Age Range | 0–17 years |
| Key Services | Exams, cleaning, fillings |
| Excludes | Braces, cosmetics, hospital |
| Claim Method | Clinic bulk bill/Medicare app |
FAQs
Q1: What government payments would make my child eligible for CDBS?
A: CDBS eligibility will be triggered by any form of Family Tax Benefit Part A or a similar Centrelink payment.
Q2: Can I attend a private dental surgery and still use my benefit?
A: Yes, provided that the private dental surgery participates in CDBS bulk billing or is claiming for you.
Q3: What if my child needs more expensive dental work?
A: The cap applies only to standard services. Braces and cosmetic treatments are excluded.
