As Easter approaches, families are preparing for festive activities, but it’s essential not to overlook children’s dental care during this indulgent season. The Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS) provides an excellent opportunity for families to access free dental treatment for children aged 17 and under. This program can significantly aid families in managing dental expenses, potentially saving them up to $1,158 every two years, which adds up to more than $9,800 in coverage by the time a child reaches 17.
Despite the vast number of eligible children—approximately 2 million—only half are taking advantage of this valuable support. This oversight is worrying, as neglecting oral health can lead to serious health issues, while families miss out on much-needed financial assistance.
Recently, a campaign reached out to over a million families, informing them about the CDBS and its benefits. If you’re a parent receiving certain government payments, your child is likely eligible. With the Easter festivities in full swing, it’s a fantastic time to ensure smiles are well-prepared for family photographs.
The CDBS is designed to improve children’s access to essential dental services, helping to alleviate the burden of costs associated with basic treatments. It’s crucial to remember that the coverage does not carry over—it’s a use-it-or-lose-it benefit. Many families might not realise that CDBS applies to services at private dentists as well as public dental providers, covering a range of necessary dental services while excluding orthodontic, cosmetic, and hospital dental services.
To qualify, a child must be aged between 0 and 17 for at least one day within the calendar year and must be eligible for Medicare. Additionally, they, or a parent or guardian, must receive a qualifying payment at least once a year. Eligible payments include Family Tax Benefit Part A, Parenting Payment, Disability Support Pension, Youth Allowance, and ABSTUDY.
Parents can easily find out if their child qualifies through their Medicare online account by selecting the CDBS option. There’s no paperwork involved; parents simply need to inform the dentist about using the CDBS when scheduling an appointment. Some dentists may request payment on the day of service, but they will sort out the claims on behalf of the families. For those who have bulk billing arrangements, no payment or claim is needed.
To locate a bulk billing dentist, families can use the services finder tool available on healthdirect.gov.au. It’s vital to take advantage of this programme to safeguard your child’s oral health and to leverage the financial assistance that’s available before the year’s end.