CDBS dentists: eligibility, bulk billing and finding care

Check your child's eligibility first

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule helps cover basic dental services for eligible children. Services Australia says the child must be aged 0 to 17 for at least one day in the calendar year, be eligible for Medicare, and meet its qualifying-payment rules. Check the official eligibility page before arranging treatment.

Check the balance, not just eligibility

CDBS has a benefit cap over two calendar years. The applicable cap depends on when that period started. Check the remaining balance through Medicare linked to myGov, or ask the dentist to check it. Previous treatment can reduce what remains; eligibility does not mean every proposed service will be paid in full.

CDBS participation and bulk billing are different

Some dentists ask you to pay and then claim the benefit. If the dentist bulk bills an eligible CDBS service, you do not pay or claim for that service. Before consenting, ask which services are covered, whether each will be bulk billed, and what you would owe. A health-fund gap-free offer is a separate arrangement.

Finding a CDBS dentist near you

Ask for CDBS when booking. Confirm that this location sees eligible children, the services proposed and the billing arrangement. For Graceville or Cannon Hill, begin with nearby practices in the Queensland directory; city boundaries in the directory may differ from suburb names. A general directory entry alone does not establish participation.

Official resources

• Services Australia: Child Dental Benefits Schedule
• Services Australia: using CDBS and checking the balance

Find local dental practices

Scheme directories list practice-reported participation. General directories include practices whose participation is unknown. Confirm coverage, billing and appointments directly.

• BrisbaneGeneral directory — participation must be checked
• GeelongGeneral directory — participation must be checked
• BendigoGeneral directory — participation must be checked

Common questions

Is CDBS free dental care for all children?

No. Eligibility, the remaining benefit balance and the proposed services matter. Ask the practice about bulk billing and any out-of-pocket cost before treatment.

Does Medicare cover adult dental care through CDBS?

CDBS is a children's program. It does not establish eligibility for adult dental treatment. Ask about the relevant public dental service or other payment options.

What should I ask a CDBS dentist?

Ask whether they accept CDBS, can check your child's eligibility and balance, bulk bill the proposed services, and are accepting new child patients. Ask for the costs before signing consent.