What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is an Australian Government program, run through Medicare, that pays benefits for basic dental services for eligible children and teenagers. Services Australia describes it as covering part or the full cost of some basic dental services for children aged 0 to 17.
The CDBS is one of the few ways Medicare contributes to dental care. It does not cover all dental care for every child: eligibility depends on your family’s circumstances, and benefits are capped. This guide explains how it works as at September 2026. Program details can change, so always check the Services Australia links for the current information.
Who is eligible for the CDBS?
A child is eligible for the CDBS in a calendar year if they meet all three of these conditions, according to Services Australia:
- They are aged 0 to 17 for at least one day of that calendar year.
- They are eligible for Medicare.
- They, or their parent, carer or guardian, receive an eligible government payment at least once that year.
Eligible payments include Family Tax Benefit Part A, which is the most common way families qualify. Services Australia and the Australian Dental Association list other qualifying payments, including Parenting Payment, Double Orphan Pension, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, Special Benefit and some Department of Veterans’ Affairs payments. Some payments count when received by the parent, and others when received by the child, so check the Services Australia website for your situation.
Eligibility is checked each calendar year. Services Australia checks eligibility each January and throughout the year, and sends a letter to families whose child is eligible.
How much is the CDBS benefit cap?
The CDBS benefit cap is the maximum amount Medicare will pay for your child’s dental services over two consecutive calendar years. The cap is indexed on 1 January each year, and the amount that applies depends on the year your child’s two-year period started.
According to the Australian Dental Association, the cap is $1,158 for children whose two-year period begins in 2026, and $1,132 for children whose period began in 2025. Check the current amount on the Services Australia website.
The two-year period starts at the beginning of the calendar year in which your child is both eligible and receives their first CDBS service. For example, if your child is eligible and has their first CDBS check-up in March 2026, their period runs from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2027.
What does the CDBS cover?
The CDBS covers basic dental services. Services Australia lists services including:
- check-ups (examinations)
- X-rays
- cleaning
- fissure sealants
- fillings
- root canals
- extractions
| Covered by the CDBS | Not covered by the CDBS |
|---|---|
| Check-ups and examinations | Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners |
| X-rays | Cosmetic dental work, such as whitening |
| Cleaning | Any dental services in a hospital |
| Fissure sealants | Treatment once the two-year cap has been used |
| Fillings, root canals and extractions |
If your child needs treatment that is not covered, your dentist will explain the options and costs. Families with health fund extras cover may be able to claim part of the cost of those services through their fund.
How do I check my child’s eligibility and balance?
You can check your child’s CDBS eligibility and remaining balance in three ways:
- Online through myGov. If your Medicare online account is linked to myGov, sign in and select History and statements, then Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
- By phone. Call the Medicare program line on 132 011.
- Through your dental practice. Your dentist can check your child’s available benefit amount at the appointment.
Services Australia suggests checking how close you are to the cap before your appointment, so there are no surprises.
What happens at a CDBS appointment?
At a CDBS appointment, your dentist examines your child and explains what treatment is recommended. Services Australia says you should ask what each service will cost and whether the CDBS covers it.
Before treatment, the dental practice must give you a treatment plan and a consent form that sets out the services and what they cost, and ask you to sign it. If the dentist bulk bills, you do not need to pay or claim for covered services. If they do not bulk bill, you may pay a gap between the fee and the Medicare benefit.
What should I bring to a CDBS appointment?
Bring the following to your child’s appointment:
- your child’s Medicare card, or the Medicare card they are listed on
- any letter from Services Australia confirming CDBS eligibility, if you have it
- your health fund card, if you have extras cover, for any services not covered by the CDBS
- a list of any medicines your child takes and any medical conditions
Using the CDBS at AMK Dental Clinic
If your child may be eligible, please ask us about using the CDBS at AMK Dental Clinic when you book. Before treatment, we will explain what each service costs and whether the CDBS covers it, and ask for your signed consent.
To book, call (02) 9739 6525 or book online, and let us know you would like to use the CDBS. Read more about how we care for children on our children’s dentistry page, or see fees and health funds for other payment options.
Common questions
Does the CDBS cover the full cost of my child's dental care?
Not always. The CDBS pays Medicare benefits for basic dental services for eligible children, up to a capped amount over two calendar years. If the dentist bulk bills, you do not pay for covered services. If they do not, or if fees are higher than the benefit or treatment goes over the cap, you may have out-of-pocket costs. Your dentist must explain costs before treatment.
How do I know if my child is eligible for the CDBS?
Services Australia checks eligibility each January and during the year, and sends a letter if your child is eligible. If your Medicare and myGov accounts are linked, you can sign in to myGov and go to History and statements, then Child Dental Benefits Schedule. You can also call the Medicare program line on 132 011, or ask your dental practice to check.
What happens when the CDBS cap runs out?
Once the cap has been used, the CDBS will not pay for more dental services until your child's next two-year period begins, if they are still eligible. You can still have treatment, but you will need to pay for it yourself or claim on your health fund extras cover, if you have it. Ask your dentist for a cost estimate first.
Does the CDBS cover braces or Invisalign?
No. The CDBS does not cover orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners. It also does not cover cosmetic dental work, such as whitening, or any dental services provided in a hospital. It is designed for basic services, including check-ups, X-rays, cleaning, fissure sealants, fillings, root canals and extractions.
Can I use the CDBS at a private dental practice?
Yes. Services Australia says you can get child dental benefits for services at most dentists, and both public and private dental services can take part. Before booking, ask the practice whether they accept the CDBS and whether they bulk bill. At AMK Dental Clinic, we will explain what each service costs and whether it is covered before treatment starts.
Sources
- Child Dental Benefits Schedule – Services Australia
- What's covered by the Child Dental Benefits Schedule – Services Australia
- Eligibility checks for Child Dental Benefits Schedule – Services Australia
- CDBS benefits cap to increase to $1,158 for 2026–2027 – Australian Dental Association
- Child Dental Benefits Schedule – Australian Dental Association (teeth.org.au)