Is your family in Medowie? Are you a parent or guardian juggling the costs of raising children while trying to ensure their bright, healthy smiles are taken care of? We have fantastic news that can take the financial stress out of vital children’s dental care: the Australian Government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).

At Medowie Dental, we are passionately committed to the oral health of our community’s youngest residents. We are proud participants in the CDBS, allowing eligible families to access up to $1,095 in free dental care over a two-calendar-year period. This means top-quality, bulk-billed dental services right here in your local Port Stephens clinic, with no out-of-pocket costs for covered treatments.

This comprehensive guide is designed to be your one-stop resource. We’ll demystify the CDBS eligibility, explain exactly what’s covered, and outline the simple steps to claim your child’s free dental benefits with your trusted Medowie family dentist.

🌟 The Importance of Early and Regular Children’s Dental Care

The foundation for a lifetime of good oral health is laid during childhood. Regular dental check-ups are not just about fixing problems; they are crucial for preventative dentistry and instilling positive habits.

Why is Early Dental Care Essential?

• Preventing Tooth Decay: Childhood tooth decay (caries) is one of the most common chronic diseases, yet it is almost entirely preventable. Regular check-ups and cleanings, covered under the CDBS, are your first line of defence.
• Early Detection of Issues: Catching problems like cavities, gum issues, or developmental concerns (such as crowded teeth or alignment issues) early allows for simpler, less invasive, and often more cost-effective treatment.
• Fostering Positive Habits: Introducing children to the dentist in a warm, friendly environment helps them become comfortable, reducing the risk of dental anxiety later in life. Our team at Medowie Dental specialises in making these visits fun and stress-free.
• Guiding Oral Development: A children’s dentist monitors the eruption of both primary (baby) and permanent teeth, ensuring proper bite alignment and overall jaw development.

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule removes the financial barrier, ensuring that all eligible Medowie children have access to this essential, life-long foundation of health.

✅ Decoding the CDBS: Is My Child Eligible for Free Dental Care?

The CDBS is an Australian Government initiative administered by Medicare. It is a targeted, means-tested program designed to support families in accessing vital dental services.

Key CDBS Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the free dental care benefits, your child must meet three simple criteria for at least one day in the calendar year:

1. Age: The child must be aged 0 to 17 years old.
2. Medicare Eligibility: The child must be eligible for Medicare (an Australian resident or permanent citizen).
3. Government Payments: The child, or their parent/guardian, must receive an Australian Government payment from a specific list, such as:
   • Family Tax Benefit Part A (FTB-A)
   • Parenting Payment
   • Youth Allowance
   • Disability Support Pension
   • Special Benefit
   • Carer Payment
   • Double Orphan Pension
   • Veteran’s Children Education Scheme (VCES) if the child is 16 years or older.

💡 Good to Know: You do not need to register for the CDBS. Services Australia (Medicare) automatically assesses eligibility at the start of each calendar year and will typically notify eligible families.

Checking Your Child’s CDBS Balance

The maximum benefit cap is $1,095 per eligible child over a two-calendar-year period. This period begins the day your child receives their first eligible dental service.

• Check Online: The easiest way to check your child’s eligibility and remaining balance is through your MyGov account, linked to Medicare. Go to ‘History and statements’ then ‘Child Dental Benefits Schedule’.
• Check by Phone: You can also call Services Australia (Medicare) directly on 132 011.
• Ask Medowie Dental: As a participating provider, our friendly team at Medowie Dental can often check your child’s eligibility and available balance on the spot when you book their appointment.

📋 What is Covered: Services Under the CDBS

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is designed to cover a comprehensive range of basic dental services necessary for maintaining good oral health. These are the treatments that ensure your child avoids more complex issues down the track.

CDBS Covered Dental Services (Bulk-Billed at Medowie Dental)

When you visit us at Medowie Dental and are eligible for the CDBS, your child can receive the following services with no out-of-pocket expenses (up to the benefit cap):

What the CDBS Does NOT Cover

It is important to note that the CDBS does not cover all dental services. Excluded services typically include:

• Orthodontic dental work (braces, aligners, etc.)
• Cosmetic dental work (e.g., teeth whitening)
• Dental services provided in a hospital (such as those requiring a general anaesthetic)

💰 No Out-of-Pocket Costs: The Medowie Dental Difference

The goal of the CDBS is to make essential kids dental care affordable and accessible. At Medowie Dental, we facilitate this by offering CDBS bulk-billing.

What Does Bulk-Billed Mean for You?

When we say your child’s CDBS-covered treatment is bulk-billed, it means:

1. Direct Billing to Medicare: We bill Medicare directly for the cost of the covered services.
2. No Upfront Payment: You do not need to pay for the services and then wait to claim the money back.
3. Zero Out-of-Pocket Expense: As long as the treatment is covered by the CDBS item numbers and is within your child’s $1,095 cap, you pay nothing.

Our commitment to bulk-billed kids dental services under the CDBS is our way of ensuring that financial worries never stand between your child and a healthy, happy smile. We provide the highest standard of care without the financial burden.

3️⃣ Simple Steps to Claim Free Dental Care in Medowie

Accessing your child’s free dental care at Medowie Dental couldn’t be easier. Just follow these three simple steps:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

First, verify that your child is eligible and has a remaining balance under the $1,095 cap. You can do this via MyGov/Medicare, or simply call our reception team.

Action: Check eligibility online or call Medowie Dental to check for you.

Step 2: Book Your Child’s Appointment

Call our friendly Medowie Dental team to book a check-up, clean, or any other necessary treatment.

• Crucial Tip: When booking, make sure to let us know that you intend to use the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). This allows us to prepare the necessary forms and check the specifics of your child’s cap.

Action: Call Medowie Dental and state you are booking a CDBS appointment.

Step 3: Attend the Appointment and Consent to Bulk-Billing

When you arrive at our clinic, we will:

• Verify Eligibility: Re-confirm your child’s eligibility and remaining balance on the day of service.
• Discuss Treatment: The dentist will perform an examination and discuss any recommended treatment plan with you.
• Gain Your Consent: Before any CDBS-covered treatment begins, you will be required to sign a consent form, acknowledging the services, the cost, and agreeing to the bulk-billing of the CDBS benefit directly to Medicare.

Action: Bring your Medicare card, attend the appointment, and sign the bulk-billing consent form.

That’s it! Your child will receive their essential dental treatment, and you will leave knowing their oral health is in excellent hands, with no out-of-pocket expense.

🧡 Choose Your Trusted Medowie Family Dentist

Choosing the right dentist for your children is one of the most important decisions you will make for their long-term health. At Medowie Dental, we are more than just a dental practice; we are a dedicated part of the Medowie and Port Stephens community.

We pride ourselves on creating a caring, child-friendly atmosphere where young patients feel safe, heard, and excited to visit the dentist. Our experienced team uses modern techniques and preventative methods to ensure every smile we care for is as healthy as possible.

Don’t let your child’s CDBS benefit go unused! This valuable government funding is designed to make preventative care a reality for local families. The $1,095 benefit is generally more than enough to cover two years of essential check-ups, cleanings, and preventative treatments.

Book Your Child’s Free Dental Appointment Today!

Take the first step toward securing a healthy, bright future for your child’s smile.

Call Medowie Dental today to check your child’s eligibility and schedule their next bulk-billed dental visit under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.

Your child’s healthy smile is our priority.

Disclaimer: The information regarding the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is based on Australian Government guidelines. While Medowie Dental endeavours to keep all information up-to-date, benefit caps ($1,095) and eligibility criteria are subject to change by Services Australia. We strongly recommend confirming your child’s current eligibility and remaining balance before commencing treatment.