Is your child eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)? Great news for Glen Iris families: our practice provides bulk billed treatments for eligible children, meaning there are no out-of-pocket costs for covered dental services.
Understanding the CDBS and how bulk billing works ensures your child receives essential dental care without financial barriers.
What Is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?
Government-Funded Dental Care
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is an Australian Government initiative providing eligible children with access to basic dental services worth up to $1,095 over two consecutive calendar years.
Covered Services Include:
- Dental examinations and check-ups
- X-rays and diagnostic imaging
- Teeth cleaning (scaling and prophylaxis)
- Fissure sealing (preventive sealants on molars)
- Fillings (restorations for cavities)
- Root canal treatment (when necessary)
- Tooth extractions
- Partial dentures (if required)
Not Covered:
- Orthodontic treatment (braces)
- Cosmetic dental work
- Treatment in hospital settings
Who Is Eligible?
Your child qualifies for CDBS if they:
- Are aged 2-17 years during the calendar year
- Receive Family Tax Benefit Part A, or
- Are covered under certain government payment programs (including some veterans’ children)
Eligibility is determined by Services Australia, not dental practices. You’ll receive notification if your child is eligible.
Our Commitment: Bulk Billing for CDBS
In Order to Enable Eligible Children Under the CDBS to Enjoy Our High Standard of Care, We Decided to Provide Bulk Billed Treatments
What Is Bulk Billing?
Bulk billing means:
- We bill the government directly for covered services
- You pay nothing out-of-pocket for CDBS-covered treatments
- No gap fees for eligible services within the benefit cap
- No upfront payment required from families
- Complete transparency about what’s covered
Why We Bulk Bill CDBS
Removing Financial Barriers: We believe every eligible child deserves access to quality dental care regardless of their family’s financial situation. By bulk billing CDBS:
- Families don’t delay necessary treatment due to cost concerns
- Children receive preventive care maintaining lifelong oral health
- Early intervention prevents more serious, costly problems later
- Parents have peace of mind knowing care is affordable
Maintaining High Standards: Our commitment to bulk billing doesn’t mean compromising on quality:
- Same experienced dentists treating all patients
- Identical materials and techniques used
- Comprehensive, thorough examinations
- Child-friendly, gentle approach
- Modern equipment and technology
- Time and care invested in each appointment
Supporting Glen Iris Families: As part of the local community, we understand the financial pressures families face. Bulk billing CDBS is our way of:
- Supporting children’s health and development
- Reducing stress for parents
- Contributing to community wellbeing
- Ensuring equitable access to dental care
How CDBS Works at Our Glen Iris Practice
Simple Process for Families
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Services Australia notifies families of eligibility
- You can verify eligibility by calling Medicare or Services Australia
- Bring your child’s Medicare card to your appointment
Step 2: Book an Appointment
- Contact our Glen Iris practice
- Mention your child is CDBS eligible
- Schedule convenient appointment time
Step 3: Attend the Appointment
- Bring your child’s Medicare card
- Provide consent for treatment
- We verify eligibility and process bulk billing
- Your child receives comprehensive dental care
Step 4: We Handle the Billing
- We claim payment directly from Medicare
- No invoices sent to you for covered services
- You receive statement showing services provided and amounts claimed
- Track remaining benefit balance
What Happens at Your Child’s Appointment
Comprehensive Care:
- Friendly welcome from our child-focused team
- Thorough dental examination
- Necessary X-rays (if required)
- Professional cleaning
- Fluoride treatment (if beneficial)
- Fissure sealing on molars (preventing cavities)
- Treatment of any cavities or issues
- Education for parents and children about home care
Transparent Communication:
- Discussion of any issues found
- Explanation of recommended treatments
- Information about what’s covered under CDBS
- Clear notification if any treatment exceeds the cap or isn’t covered
Understanding Your CDBS Benefit
Benefit Cap and Tracking
Two-Year Benefit Period:
- Total benefit: $1,095 over two consecutive calendar years
- Cap applies across the two-year period, not per year
- Unused benefits don’t roll over after the two-year period
Example:
- Child becomes eligible January 2024
- Benefit period: 2024-2025 (two calendar years)
- Can use up to $1,095 total during this period
- New benefit period begins in 2026 if still eligible
Tracking Usage:
- Each visit, we inform you of services provided and cost claimed
- You can check balance through Medicare online or app
- We help monitor to ensure optimal use of benefits
Maximizing Your CDBS Benefits
Prevention-Focused Approach
Regular Check-Ups:
- Schedule appointments every 6 months
- Early detection prevents major problems
- Uses minimal benefit allowance for maximum protection
Preventive Treatments:
- Fissure sealants prevent cavities (covered under CDBS)
- Fluoride treatments strengthen enamel
- Professional cleaning removes plaque buildup
- Education prevents future issues
Smart Scheduling:
- Spread appointments across two-year period
- Address most urgent needs first
- Plan treatments strategically within benefit cap
Home Care Education
We Teach Families:
- Proper brushing techniques for children
- Age-appropriate flossing
- Healthy dietary choices protecting teeth
- Warning signs requiring dental attention
- Building positive attitudes about dental care
Beyond CDBS: Comprehensive Family Dental Care
Services for All Family Members
While We Bulk Bill CDBS for Eligible Children:
We Also Offer:
- Dental care for adults
- Treatment for non-CDBS-eligible children
- Private health insurance claims processing
- Payment plans for extensive treatment
- Competitive fees for all services
Family-Focused Practice:
- Convenient appointment scheduling for multiple family members
- Comfortable environment for all ages
- Relationship-based care knowing your family’s history
- Preventive focus for everyone
Common Questions About CDBS Bulk Billing
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to do anything special to access bulk billing? A: Just bring your child’s Medicare card to appointments. We handle the rest.
Q: Are there any hidden fees? A: No. Bulk billing means zero out-of-pocket costs for covered services within your benefit cap.
Q: What if my child needs treatment that’s not covered? A: We’ll discuss this with you before proceeding, explaining costs and options.
Q: Can I still use CDBS if I have private health insurance? A: Yes. CDBS is separate from private insurance. Some families use both.
Q: How do I know if my child is eligible? A: Services Australia sends notification. You can also call Medicare to verify.
Q: What happens if we move to Glen Iris from another area? A: Your child’s CDBS eligibility and benefit balance transfer with you. Just register with our practice.
Q: Do you bulk bill for dental emergencies? A: Yes, emergency treatments covered under CDBS are bulk billed when your child is eligible.
Q: Is there a limit on how many visits we can have? A: No visit limit, only the $1,095 benefit cap over two years. We maximize this through preventive care.
Schedule Your Child’s CDBS Appointment
Take Advantage of This Valuable Benefit:
If Your Child Is CDBS Eligible:
- Locate your child’s Medicare card
- Contact our Glen Iris practice
- Mention CDBS eligibility when booking
- Attend your appointment
- Receive quality dental care at no cost
Even If You’re Unsure About Eligibility:
- Call us with questions
- We can help you check eligibility
- Provide information about other payment options if not eligible
Our Glen Iris dental practice is committed to providing accessible, high-quality dental care for children in our community. By bulk billing CDBS-eligible children, we remove financial barriers that might prevent families from seeking essential dental care. We believe every child deserves a healthy smile, and we’re proud to support Glen Iris families through this important government initiative while maintaining the excellent standard of care we’re known for.
Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 to Book Your Child’s Bulk-Billed CDBS Appointment Today – Contact our Glen Iris practice to schedule comprehensive dental care for your CDBS-eligible child. There are no out-of-pocket costs for covered services, and we’ll ensure your child receives gentle, thorough treatment in a welcoming environment. Don’t let your child’s benefits go unused—preventive care now prevents problems later.
Questions About CDBS or Your Child’s Eligibility? – Call our Glen Iris dental clinic now or book online. Our friendly team is happy to explain how bulk billing works, verify your child’s eligibility, and schedule appointments that fit your family’s needs.