Examinations
Dental examinations and check-ups to assess your child's teeth, gums and oral health.
Children's dentistry
Medicare CDBS bulk billing for eligible children
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) helps eligible children and teenagers access basic dental services through Medicare. At Fresh Smile Dentistry, eligible CDBS services can be bulk billed where the service is covered, sufficient CDBS benefits remain and the treatment is clinically appropriate for your child.
About CDBS
Help with the cost of basic dental care
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is an Australian Government program that covers part or all of the cost of certain basic dental services for eligible children and teenagers.
Services Australia determines eligibility. A child generally needs to be aged 0 to 17 for at least one day during the calendar year, be eligible for Medicare, and either they or a parent, carer or guardian must receive an eligible Australian Government payment at least once during that year.
You do not need to separately register for CDBS. If your child is eligible, Services Australia may notify you, and eligibility and the available benefit amount can also be checked through Medicare.
What's covered
Basic dental services that may be covered
The services available under CDBS depend on your child's clinical needs, eligibility, available balance and the rules that apply to each CDBS item.
Dental X-rays
X-rays where clinically required to help assess areas that cannot be fully seen during an examination.
Cleaning
Eligible professional cleaning services when appropriate for your child's oral health needs.
Fissure sealants
Protective sealants for eligible teeth where they are clinically recommended.
Fillings
Eligible restorative treatment for teeth affected by decay or damage.
Root canal treatment
Some root canal services can be covered where the treatment and CDBS item requirements are met.
Extractions
Eligible tooth extractions when clinically required and covered under the Schedule.
Some other basic services
Partial dentures are also listed under CDBS, subject to eligibility and applicable item restrictions.
CDBS does not cover orthodontic treatment, cosmetic dental treatment or dental services provided
in hospital. Some covered services also have limits or item restrictions.
Using CDBS at Fresh Smile
How CDBS bulk billing works
We keep the process clear so you understand your child's eligibility, treatment options and CDBS coverage before treatment proceeds.
Tell us you would like to use CDBS
When arranging the appointment, let our team know you would like to use your child's Child Dental Benefits Schedule benefits.
We check eligibility and available benefits
Your child's CDBS eligibility and available benefit amount can be checked through Medicare. You can also check the balance through your Medicare online account linked to myGov.
We assess your child's dental needs
Treatment recommendations are based on your child's individual oral health and clinical needs, not on how much CDBS benefit remains.
We explain treatment and CDBS coverage
Before treatment, we will explain the proposed services, likely costs and whether the services can be claimed under CDBS. The required CDBS consent process will also be completed.
Important information
What happens if a service is not covered?
We discuss costs before treatment
Not every dental service is covered by CDBS. Some services have restrictions, and your child's remaining balance may not cover every service they require.
If a recommended service is not covered, does not meet the relevant CDBS item rules, or there is not enough CDBS benefit remaining, we will explain the applicable costs before treatment proceeds.
Bulk billed eligible services
If an eligible CDBS service is bulk billed and sufficient benefit remains, you do not need to pay for or separately claim that bulk billed service.
CDBS benefits are subject to the Australian Government's eligibility, benefit cap and Schedule requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about CDBS
How do I know if my child is eligible for CDBS?
Services Australia determines CDBS eligibility. Your child generally needs to be aged 0 to 17 for at least one day in the calendar year, be eligible for Medicare, and either they or a parent, carer or guardian must receive an eligible Australian Government payment at least once during that year. You do not need to separately register for CDBS.
How much can CDBS cover?
The CDBS benefit cap is indexed each year. For a two-year benefit period that begins in 2026, up to $1,158 is available over two consecutive calendar years, subject to continued eligibility and the CDBS rules. Your available balance can be checked through Medicare.
What dental services can CDBS cover?
Eligible services can include dental examinations, X-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canal treatment, extractions and partial dentures. CDBS does not cover orthodontic treatment, cosmetic dental treatment or dental services provided in hospital. Item restrictions may also apply.
Do I need to bring my CDBS eligibility letter?
No. Services Australia advises that you do not need to bring the eligibility letter to the dentist. Eligibility and the available benefit amount can be checked through Medicare.
Will I need to pay for a bulk billed CDBS service?
If an eligible CDBS service is bulk billed and sufficient benefit remains, you do not pay for or separately claim that bulk billed service. We will explain the proposed treatment, whether it is covered and the likely cost before treatment begins.
Can CDBS be used for orthodontics?
No. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule does not cover orthodontic treatment. If orthodontic assessment or referral is recommended, we will explain the next steps and any applicable costs.
CDBS appointments in Dandenong
Check your child's eligibility and arrange a visit
If your child is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, let us know when requesting their appointment. Our team can check the available CDBS benefit and explain what is covered before treatment begins.
CDBS bulk billing is available for eligible patients and eligible CDBS services, subject to Medicare eligibility, the available benefit balance, CDBS item requirements and clinical need. Services not covered by CDBS, or services provided after available benefits are exhausted, may involve out-of-pocket costs. These will be discussed before treatment.