A healthy smile does far more than make for great family photos; it’s a crucial building block for your child’s overall growth and confidence. Primary teeth play a vital role in helping children speak clearly, chew comfortably, and guide permanent teeth into the right position. When early decay goes untreated, it can quickly lead to painful infections, missed school days, and emergency visits. Establishing good dental habits early in life prevents painful dental issues before they start.

However, between school runs along Mount Lindesay Highway, weekend sports, and keeping on top of household expenses, managing dental visits can feel tough on the family budget.

That’s where the Australian Government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) comes in. If your family qualifies, your child could access up to $1,158 in covered basic dental care over two consecutive calendar years, allowing you to prioritise your child’s oral health without worrying about the bill.

Here is everything Park Ridge parents need to know to take full advantage of the scheme this year.

What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

The CDBS is a Medicare program designed to give children a healthy foundation for lifelong oral health. Instead of waiting for a painful toothache to strike, the scheme covers routine check-ups, cleanings, and essential treatments so dental visits stay stress-free and budget-friendly.

 Up to $1,158 Benefit Cap*  ──────►  Valid over 2 Consecutive Calendar Years

  (For basic dental care)                                  (Per eligible child aged 0–17)

*Rate applies for 2-year cycles commencing in 2026.

Is the $1,158 Benefit Used Only Once?

No, you can use it across as many visits as your child needs!

Think of the $1,158 as a flexible dental balance, similar to a pre-funded account attached to your child’s Medicare card. You do not have to spend it all in one appointment.

• Multiple routine check-ups: You can bring your child in for their regular 6-monthly check-ups and cleans—the cost of each visit simply gets deducted from their total $1,158 balance until it is used up.
• Ongoing treatment plans: If your child needs a few visits to complete fillings or fissure sealants, the benefit covers those separate appointments over time.
• First year to second year rollover: If you only use $300 in Year 1, the remaining $858 carries over into Year 2 for future visits (as long as your child remains eligible).
• Per child allowance: Each eligible child in your family gets their own separate $1,158 allowance.

Important to remember: You can use the full $1,158 in Year 1 if needed, but that leaves no funds for Year 2. Once the two years end, any unused balance expires and does not carry over.

Is My Child Eligible?

Your child is eligible for the CDBS if they meet all three of these criteria at any point during the calendar year:

1. Age: Aged 0 to 17 years for at least one day of the year.
2. Medicare: Eligible for Medicare.
3. Government Support: You or your child receive an eligible Centrelink payment (most commonly Family Tax Benefit Part A) at least once during the year.

What Dental Treatments Are Covered?

The CDBS covers essential dental care aimed at preventing decay and catching small issues early:

Covered under CDBS ✓	NOT Covered under CDBS ✗
Dental Examinations & Routine Check-ups	Orthodontic work (Braces, aligners)
Scale, Clean & Polish	Cosmetic procedures (Teeth whitening)
Diagnostic X-rays	Hospital or General Anaesthetic services
Protective Fissure Sealants & Fillings	Specialised or elective prosthetics, complex procedures

How to Check Your Remaining Balance in 3 Easy Steps

Checking whether your child has active funds before booking takes under two minutes:

1. Log in to myGov: Access your linked Medicare online account.
2. Navigate to Statements: Select History and Statements, then click Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
3. Ask Your Local Practice: Call your local Park Ridge dental clinic with your Medicare card number, and reception can instantly verify your eligibility and remaining allowance.

Making the Most of Bulk Billing

To ensure zero out-of-pocket costs:

• Choose a bulk-billing clinic: Confirm when booking that the clinic bulk bills CDBS services directly to Medicare.
• Mention CDBS when booking: Always let the clinic know upfront that you intend to use the scheme so they can confirm your cap balance before treatment begins.

Ready to Book Your Child’s Visit?

Preventative dental care early in life sets children up for decades of strong, confident smiles. Don’t let your family’s government entitlements go to waste!

Have questions about your eligibility or ready to schedule a bulk-billed check-up? Get in touch with our friendly Park Ridge team today.