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Home » Child Dental Benefit Schedule: helping children get the basic dental care they need

The Child Dental Benefit Schedule has replaced Teen Dental Vouchers

As of the start of 2014, the Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS) replaced the Teen Dental Vouchers. The CDBS provides eligible children with $1000 over two calendar years for basic dental care.

The benefits of being eligible for this service are:

$1000 of basic dental care over a two year calendar period.

Should your child be eligible for the CDBS, if you haven’t already done so,  you will receive an email or a letter from the Department of Human Services. The CDBS covers basic general dental services including:

  • Examinations
  • X-rays
  • Cleanings
  • Fissure sealants
  • Fillings
  • Root canals
  • Partial dentures

With the CDBS there is no restriction as to whether you elect to be treated in a private or public practice. So if you are eligible, you can acquire the services your child needs from Marriott & Hand.

What does the CDBS NOT cover?

The Child Dental Benefit Schedule is for basic general dental care, so it cannot be used for orthodontic or cosmetic dentistry, or for any services provided in a hospital.

There are strict protocols that we as practitioners must observe for services that you are able to claim under the CDBS; with this in mind please ensure we are aware that you are wishing to have your child treated under the scheme. Before any treatment other than a thorough examination is commenced, you will be given a comprehensive treatment plan; it is important that you fully comprehend and agree to this plan prior to any further work being commenced.

It should also be noted that the CDBS can’t be used in conjunction with a private health insurance claim or for other siblings. Essentially, if one child has money left over, and another has more work required than the allotted $1000 over two years, the excess is not transferable; likewise, you can only claim on your private health cover or CDBS, not both.

How do I know if I’m eligible to claim the CDBS?

To be eligible for the CDBS your child must be between two and seventeen years of age at any point in the calendar year. They will also need to be receiving the relevant Australian government payment, such as Family Tax Benefit Part A, at any point in the calendar. You will receive a notification in the form of an email or letter from the Department of Human Services if your child is eligible for the funding. For many children this notification will be sent at the start of the year, and reassessment will occur during the year.

How long does eligibility last?

Your child will be eligible during the full two calendar year period. No unused funds are rolled over after the 2 years. If your child is still eligible, your child will receive a second $1000 allowance for the following 2 years. This will only change if your child is deemed by DHS to be no longer eligible, and funding will be no longer available.

How do I make a CDBS claim?

At Marriott & Hand we are happy to bulk bill treatment provided on the day. So, if your limit has not been reached there’ll be no out of pocket expenses.

Other things about the CDBS you need to know

There are limits to the number of times certain treatments can be claimed. For example: only one filling per tooth per day, and children can have a maximum of 4 fissure sealants per visit.

If you are unsure as to what the CDBS covers, speak to one of our friendly dental receptionists prior to treatment. To find out how the team at Marriott & Hand in Melbourne can help you, or to book an appointment, contact us today.

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