Promoting the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)

ADAQ is mobilizing community stakeholders to bridge the awareness gap, unlocking $1,158 in underutilized federal dental benefits for eligible families.

Recently ADAQ has written to local members and other community stakeholders including schools and kindy, asking for support in promoting the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).

The CDBS is an Australian Government funded program that supports access to a range of essential dental services for children aged 0–17 years who are Medicare eligible and whose parent, carer or guardian receives an eligible government payment.

Underutilisation of the CDBS remains a major concern. A recent ADA survey of 25,000 Australians found that only 38% of eligible families are currently using the benefit. Increasing awareness and access is important and everyone can do their share of advocacy.

Eligible children can receive general dental treatment at public and private dental clinics. Some private clinics will provide some services with no out-of-pocket cost to families, if covered by the CDBS. The scheme now provides up to $1,158 in dental benefits over a two-year period. Services Australia has also simplified the information available to patients and practitioners:

For patients

For dental professionals:

Local schools and community leaders play an important role in helping to change this by raising awareness, supporting referrals and ensuring children access the dental care they are entitled to.

As dental professional, you can engage directly with your existing patients networks and the wider community in your area to promote CDBS use and answer questions.

We’ve prepared some resources (printable posters and social tiles) that can be used in your website or social accounts to help promote the program to local families.

 

       

Social Tiles 

Social Tile Caption 

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) helps eligible children aged 0–17 access essential dental care, supporting healthy smiles from an early age.

Through the Services Australia CDBS, eligible families can access basic dental services at both private and public dental clinics. The scheme provides up to $1,158 in dental benefits over a two-year period.

Your child may be eligible if they are:

  • 0 to 17 years old for at least one day that calendar year
  • eligible for Medicare
  • getting a Services Australia payment at least once a year, or have a parent, carer or guardian who do.

To check eligibility, contact Medicare or ask your dentist and visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-dental-benefits-schedule for more information.

 

Services covered by the CDBS

It’s important that health consumers understand which services attract CDBS funding, and which won’t. Remember, you must advise the patient/parent/carer prior to treatment that  fees may be applicable to services that exceed or are partly outside of the CDBS.

In general, eligible children can receive benefits for a range of dental services, including:

  • Preventive care: examinations, X-rays, and professional cleaning
  • Interventive treatments: fissure sealants, fillings, extractions, and root canal treatments.

The CDBS does not cover orthodontic treatment, cosmetic dental procedures, or services provided in a hospital setting.

For further information and to check their eligibility, you can direct the public to contact Medicare, and visit Services Australia’s website: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-dental-benefits-schedule. There is also this page at ADA’s health consumer information website: Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) | teeth.org.au