The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a federal program that helps families pay for basic dental services for eligible children and teens.
Instead of giving cash to parents, it provides a benefit cap that dentists claim against after treatment.
2025 Amount & How The Cap Works
From 1 January 2025, the CDBS cap is $1,132.
This is a total limit across two consecutive calendar years (for example, if your child’s first eligible visit is in 2025, the two-year period runs 2025–2026).
The cap resets only when a new two-year cycle starts and your child remains eligible.
Eligibility Criteria
Your child generally qualifies if:
- They are aged 0–17 for at least one day in the calendar year.
- They are eligible for Medicare on the day of service.
- You (or the child) receive a qualifying Australian Government payment at least once in the year, commonly Family Tax Benefit Part A (other payments may also qualify).
Tip: Eligibility is assessed each 1 January. If you qualify later in the year, CDBS usually applies to the entire calendar year.
What’s Covered (And What’s Not)
Covered basic services typically include exams, X-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals, extractions, and partial dentures.
Not covered: orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, or services performed in hospital.
“Payment Dates” Explained (No Fixed Payday)
There are no fixed payment dates. CDBS is not a fortnightly or monthly payout; it’s a usable balance you draw on whenever your child receives eligible treatment:
- If a clinic bulk bills, you usually pay nothing upfront—the clinic claims the benefit directly.
- If a clinic doesn’t bulk bill, you may pay first and then claim the Medicare benefit (often processed at the clinic or later via myGov).
- You can check your remaining CDBS balance in your Medicare online account in myGov.
2025 Snapshot (At A Glance)
| Item | Details (2025) |
|---|---|
| Total Cap | $1,132 across two consecutive calendar years |
| When the 2-Year Period Starts | From your child’s first eligible service (e.g., first visit in 2025 → period is 2025–2026) |
| Age | 0–17 (for at least one day in the calendar year) |
| Core Eligibility | Medicare-eligible child and family receives a qualifying payment (e.g., Family Tax Benefit Part A) |
| Covered | Exams, X-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals, extractions, partial dentures |
| Not Covered | Orthodontics, cosmetic dental, services in hospital |
| How You Pay | Bulk-billed (no upfront cost) or pay and claim via Medicare/myGov |
| Balance Check | myGov → Medicare → History & statements → Child Dental Benefits Schedule |
How To Use & Maximise Your CDBS
- Call the dentist and confirm they accept CDBS.
- Ask for item codes and costs beforehand to confirm what’s covered.
- Check your balance in myGov so you can plan treatments within the $1,132 cap.
- Prefer bulk billing where possible to avoid upfront costs.
- Spread preventive visits (check-ups, cleans, fissure seals) across the two-year window to get the most value.
The Australia Child Dental Benefits Schedule 2025 keeps essential dental care within reach with a $1,132 cap over two calendar years.
By understanding eligibility, what’s covered, and how “payment dates” really work, families can plan smartly—choosing bulk-billing, checking myGov for balances, and scheduling preventive care to stretch every dollar.
Done right, CDBS turns routine visits into long-term oral health gains for your child.
FAQs
Is the $1,132 paid directly to me?
No. It’s a benefit limit, not a cash payment. The clinic either bulk bills Medicare or you claim the benefit after paying.
Can I use the full $1,132 in one visit?
Yes—if treatment is eligible and the cap covers it. But many families pace preventive care across the two-year period.
What if my child becomes ineligible next year?
You can still use any remaining balance for services in the current calendar year while eligible; future access depends on renewed eligibility.
