As a parent in Medowie, you know that keeping your children healthy is a top priority. From Saturday morning sports at Ferodale Park to ensuring they are thriving at Medowie Public or Wirreanda, there is always a “to-do” list. Often, however, one of the most critical aspects of health—dental care—can fall to the bottom of the list due to costs or the sheer busyness of family life.
The good news? Many families in the Port Stephens region are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), a federal government initiative that provides up to $1,095 in free dental services for eligible children.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything Medowie parents need to know about the CDBS in 2025, from eligibility and covered treatments to finding a local bulk billing dentist in Medowie.
What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a Medicare-funded program designed to ensure that Australian children have access to essential dental services. The goal is simple: to catch dental issues early and build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Starting from January 1, 2025, the benefit cap has been indexed to $1,095 per child. This amount is available to be used over a two-calendar-year period.
How the Two-Year Period Works
It is important to understand how the funding cycle operates:
- Year 1: The two-year period starts the first time your child receives a dental service under the CDBS.
- Year 2: Any remaining funds from the first year carry over into the second year, provided your child remains eligible.
- Expiry: If you don’t use the full $1,095 by the end of the second year, the remaining balance does not carry over to a third year. A new cap and a new two-year period will begin if they are still eligible.
Is My Child Eligible?
Eligibility for the CDBS is assessed at the beginning of each calendar year by Services Australia. Generally, your child is eligible if:
- They are aged between 0 and 17 years (for at least one day of the calendar year).
- They are eligible for Medicare.
- You (or the child) receive a qualifying Australian Government payment at least once during the year.
Qualifying Government Payments
The most common payment that triggers eligibility is Family Tax Benefit Part A. However, other qualifying payments include:
- Parenting Payment
- Youth Allowance
- Disability Support Pension
- Carer Payment
- Special Benefit
Pro Tip for Medowie Parents: You don’t need to “apply” for the CDBS. Services Australia usually sends a letter to eligible families. However, if you’ve moved recently or haven’t received a letter, the fastest way to check is via your myGov account linked to Medicare.
What Dental Services are Covered?
The CDBS covers “basic” dental services. This includes almost everything a child needs to maintain a healthy mouth and prevent decay. For families in Medowie, this means you can access the following at little to no out-of-pocket cost:
- Comprehensive Examinations: Routine check-ups to monitor growth and health.
- Professional Cleaning: Removal of plaque and tartar (Scale and Clean).
- Fissure Sealants: A protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities.
- Digital X-rays: Essential for spotting issues between teeth or under the gumline.
- Fillings: Repairing cavities with tooth-colored composite resin.
- Root Canals: Treatment to save a tooth that has become deeply infected.
- Extractions: If a tooth is too damaged to be saved or is causing crowding.
What is NOT Covered?
It is important to note that the CDBS does not cover:
- Orthodontics: Braces or Invisalign.
- Cosmetic Dentistry: Teeth whitening or veneers.
- Hospital Costs: Services provided under general anaesthetic in a hospital setting.
Why Early Dental Care Matters for Port Stephens Families
Living in a beautiful regional area like Medowie is wonderful, but it can sometimes feel like a trek to access specialist services if things go wrong. Preventative care is the best way to avoid emergency dental trips to Newcastle or Maitland.
- Preventing Tooth Decay: Dental caries (cavities) is one of the most common chronic diseases in Australian children. Regular CDBS check-ups catch decay before it becomes painful.
- Monitoring Jaw Development: Dentists don’t just look at teeth; they look at how the jaw is growing. Early intervention can sometimes reduce the need for complex orthodontics later.
- Building Confidence: Children who visit the dentist regularly from a young age are far less likely to develop “dental anxiety” as adults.
How to Use the CDBS in Medowie
Using the benefit is straightforward, but there are a few steps you should follow to ensure you aren’t hit with unexpected costs.
1. Check Your Balance
Before booking, confirm how much of the $1,095 cap you have remaining. You can do this through the Express Plus Medicare app, your myGov portal, or by calling Medicare on 132 011.
2. Find a Participating Dentist
Not every dentist accepts the CDBS, and not every clinic “bulk bills” the service.
- Bulk Billing: The dentist bills Medicare directly. You pay $0 out of pocket.
- Private Billing: You pay the dentist’s standard fee and then claim the rebate back from Medicare. This might leave you with a “gap” to pay.
Medowie Dental Clinic and other local providers in the Port Stephens area often offer bulk billing for CDBS-eligible patients. Always ask: “Do you bulk bill for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?” when booking.
3. The Appointment
At the start of the appointment, the dentist must discuss the proposed treatment and the likely costs. You will be asked to sign a consent form. This ensures you are fully aware of how much of your $1,095 benefit is being used.
Top Tips for Your Child’s First Visit
If your little one is heading to a Medowie dentist for the first time, here is how to make it a breeze:
- Start Early: The Australian Dental Association recommends the first visit happen when the first tooth appears or by the age of one.
- Keep it Positive: Avoid using words like “needles,” “pain,” or “drill.” Use “happy gas” or “sleepy juice” if the dentist suggests it, but generally, a check-up is just a “tooth count and polish.”
- Schedule Wisely: Book appointments for times when your child is well-rested—usually morning is best for toddlers.
Role Play: “Play dentist” at home. Let them count your teeth with a small mirror.
Conclusion: Don’t Leave Money on the Table
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a fantastic resource for families in Medowie. It removes the financial barrier to quality oral healthcare, ensuring that your kids can grow up with healthy, pain-free smiles. With the 2025 cap now at $1,095, there has never been a better time to book that routine check-up.
Whether your child is a toddler getting their first “tooth count” or a teenager needing a more complex filling, the CDBS has you covered.