Child Dental Benefits
Schedule (CDBS)

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is an Australian government initiative that provides financial support for basic dental services for eligible children. It covers a defined range of treatments, including examinations, cleaning, X-rays, fillings and extractions where clinically necessary. The benefit is provided over a two-year period, rather than annually. This structure encourages ongoing care rather than one-off treatment. The intention of CDBS is not only to treat problems, but to detect and manage them early.

Eligibility is determined through Services Australia. Generally, a child may qualify if they are aged between 2 and 17 years and receive, or are part of a family receiving, certain government benefits. However, eligibility is not always obvious. Some families assume they are not eligible when they actually are. At Melbourne Dental Family Care, we can assist in checking eligibility through Medicare prior to your visit, so there is clarity before any treatment begins.

CDBS provides a capped amount over two consecutive calendar years. This total is shared across all eligible services during that period. It is not reset annually, and any unused portion may expire at the end of the cycle. This means timing matters. Rather than using the benefit all at once, it is often more effective to spread care across regular visits — allowing for monitoring and early intervention. We help track your child’s remaining balance to ensure it is used appropriately.

No. CDBS is designed to cover basic and preventive care. It does not include orthodontic treatment, cosmetic procedures, or complex restorative work. If additional treatment is required outside the scope of the program, we will explain this clearly and discuss options before proceeding. The focus is always on what is clinically appropriate, not simply what is covered.

This is a common misunderstanding. CDBS is most effective when used before problems become obvious. Many dental issues in children develop without pain or visible signs. Early-stage decay, for example, can progress silently. Using the benefit for regular check-ups allows us to identify these changes early, when treatment is simpler and less invasive. Waiting for symptoms often leads to more complex care.

In many cases, eligible services can be fully covered under CDBS. However, this depends on: the type of treatment required how much of the benefit has already been used Before any treatment begins, we provide clear information about what is covered and whether any additional cost may apply. There are no unexpected decisions during the appointment.

Frequency depends on individual risk. For many children, a check-up every 6 to 12 months is appropriate. However, some may benefit from more frequent monitoring if there is a higher risk of decay or developmental concerns. Dr Sin Ting Chui determines recall intervals based on your child’s oral health profile rather than a fixed schedule. This ensures care is tailored rather than standardised.

If treatment exceeds the available benefit, we will explain the situation clearly. In some cases, treatment can be staged over time. In others, priority is given to the most urgent concerns first. The goal is to make the process manageable and transparent, rather than overwhelming. Dr Chui focuses on planning treatment in a way that balances clinical need with practicality for families.