Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
Eligible children can receive up to $1,158 in dental benefits over two calendar years. Looking for a CDBS dentist? Avenue Dental bulk bills eligible CDBS services at every practice across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide, so there’s no out-of-pocket cost for covered treatment up to your child’s benefit cap.
What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a Medicare program that helps eligible families with the cost of their children’s dental care.
It covers a range of basic dental services, like check-ups, cleans, fillings and extractions, up to a set benefit cap over two calendar years.
There’s nothing to apply for. If your child is eligible, Medicare sends you a letter, and you can use the CDBS at any Avenue Dental practice. See our children’s dentistry.
The CDBS at a glance
- Run by
- The Australian Government, through Medicare
- Ages
- 0 to 17
- Benefit
- Up to $1,158 per child
- Period
- Two calendar years
- At Avenue Dental
- Bulk billed for eligible families
Updated January 2026
Is my child eligible for CDBS?
Your child can use the CDBS in a calendar year if all three of these apply.
- 01
Aged 0 to 17
For at least one day of the calendar year.
- 02
Eligible for Medicare
Your child must be eligible for Medicare.
- 03
An eligible payment
You or your child receive Family Tax Benefit Part A or another eligible payment at least once that calendar year.
How to check
If your child is eligible, Medicare sends you a letter. You can also check any time.
-
Medicare online account
Log in through myGov to see your child’s eligibility.
-
Express Plus Medicare app
Check eligibility on your phone.
-
Our reception team
Bring your child’s Medicare card and we can check for you.
Eligibility is set by the Australian Government and may change. See the full eligibility rules on Services Australia.
How much is the CDBS benefit?
$1,158
Per eligible child, over two calendar years
Eligible children can receive up to $1,158 in dental benefits over two calendar years, for two-year periods starting in 2026. The cap is indexed each January.
We bulk bill eligible CDBS services, so there’s no out-of-pocket cost for covered treatment up to your child’s benefit cap.
Updated January 2026
How the two calendar years work
- The two calendar years start on 1 January of the year your child first uses the CDBS while eligible.
- Any unused benefit carries into the second year, as long as your child is still eligible.
- Unused benefit ends after two calendar years, and a new period can then start.
How to check your child’s balance
- Your Medicare online account, through myGov
- The Express Plus Medicare app
CDBS dentists near you
We accept the CDBS and bulk bill eligible children at every Avenue Dental practice across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide.
Sunshine Coast
CDBS dentists at Caloundra, Maroochydore, Bli Bli, Kawana, Baringa, Sippy Downs, Tewantin and Beerwah.Avenue Dental Sunshine Coast →
Brisbane
CDBS dentists at North Lakes, Murrumba Downs and Woolloongabba.Avenue Dental Brisbane →
Melbourne
CDBS dentists at Brunswick.Avenue Dental Melbourne →
Adelaide
CDBS dentists at Fulham Gardens.Avenue Dental Adelaide →
Our Children’s Dentistry Services Include
What’s covered under CDBS?
The CDBS covers a range of basic dental services for eligible children. Some item limits apply, and your dentist talks you through what’s covered before starting.
- 01
Check-ups
A full exam of your child’s teeth and gums.
Learn more →
-
02
X-rays
To check for decay and see how adult teeth are developing.
- 03
Cleans
A professional clean to remove plaque and tartar.
Learn more →
- 04
Fissure sealants
A protective coating on the back teeth.
Learn more →
- 05
Fillings
Tooth-coloured fillings to repair decay.
Learn more →
-
06
Pulpotomies
Treatment to help save a baby tooth with an infected or damaged nerve.
-
07
Stainless steel crowns
A strong cap to protect a badly decayed baby tooth.
- 08
Extractions
Removal of a tooth that can’t be saved.
Learn more →
Benefits are set by the Australian Government and may change. See what’s covered on Services Australia.
How CDBS works at Avenue Dental
Using the CDBS at any of our practices takes three simple steps.
- 01
Check eligibility
Use your Medicare online account or the Express Plus Medicare app, or ask our reception team to check with your child’s Medicare card.
- 02
Book your child’s appointment
Book online or call your nearest practice, and let us know you’d like to use the CDBS.
- 03
We bulk bill eligible treatment
Your dentist talks you through your child’s treatment and confirms costs before starting.
What services are covered?
What Services are Covered Under CDBS?
The CDBS provides access to a variety of essential dental services, including:
- Comprehensive dental examinations
- X-rays
- Cleanings and preventive care
- Fillings
- Fissure sealants
- Tooth extractions
- Stainless steel crowns
Cosmetic or orthodontic treatments are not included under the CDBS.
Book Your Child’s Appointment Today
If your child is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, we’re here to help you make the most of it. Get in touch to book an appointment, and our friendly team is happy to answer any questions about eligibility, benefits, or how the CDBS works.
Flexible payment plans
At Avenue Dental on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne, we understand that dental treatment can be difficult to fit into your budget, which is why we offer a range of different dental payment plan options.
CDBS FAQs
This is general information only. Eligibility and benefits are set by the Australian Government and may change. Updated January 2026.
Do you bulk bill CDBS?
Yes. We bulk bill eligible CDBS services at every Avenue Dental practice, so there’s no out-of-pocket cost for covered treatment up to your child’s benefit cap. Your dentist talks you through your child’s treatment and confirms costs before starting.
Is my child eligible for CDBS?
Your child can use the CDBS in a calendar year if they’re aged 0 to 17 for at least one day of that year, they’re eligible for Medicare, and you or they receive Family Tax Benefit Part A or another eligible payment at least once that year. Eligibility is set by the Australian Government and may change. See the full rules on Services Australia.
How much is the CDBS benefit in 2026?
Eligible children can receive up to $1,158 in dental benefits over two calendar years, for two-year periods starting in 2026. The cap is indexed each January, so the amount can change from year to year. Children whose two-year period started in 2025 have a cap of $1,132.
How do I check my child’s CDBS balance?
You can check your child’s remaining CDBS balance through your Medicare online account in myGov, or in the Express Plus Medicare app. You can also call Medicare.
How do I check if my child is eligible?
If your child is eligible, Medicare sends you a letter. You can also check through your Medicare online account or the Express Plus Medicare app, or bring your child’s Medicare card to your appointment and our reception team can check for you.
Do I need to apply for the CDBS?
No. There’s nothing to apply for or register. If your child is eligible, you can use the CDBS at any Avenue Dental practice.
When does the CDBS reset?
Your child’s two calendar years start on 1 January of the year they first use the CDBS while eligible. At the end of the two calendar years, any unused benefit ends, and a new two-year period can start the next time your child uses the CDBS while eligible.
Does the benefit carry over if we don’t use it?
Any unused benefit from the first year carries into the second year, as long as your child is still eligible. It doesn’t carry over past the end of the two calendar years.
Can my teenager use CDBS?
Yes, if they’re eligible. Children can use the CDBS in any calendar year they’re aged 0 to 17 for at least one day. That means a teenager who turns 18 during the year can still use it that year, as long as they meet the other criteria.
Why is my child not eligible for CDBS?
Eligibility is set by Medicare, based on your child’s age, their Medicare eligibility and whether you or they received an eligible payment that year. Our reception team can check whether your child is eligible, but can’t see the reason if they’re not. For that, contact Medicare or check your Medicare online account.
What’s covered under the CDBS?
The CDBS covers basic dental services, including check-ups, X-rays, cleans, fissure sealants, fillings, pulpotomies, stainless steel crowns and extractions. Some item limits apply. Orthodontics, cosmetic treatment and dental services in a hospital aren’t covered. See our children’s dentistry.
Does the CDBS cover braces?
No. Orthodontic treatment, including braces, isn’t covered under the CDBS. If your child needs orthodontic treatment, your dentist can talk you through the options and costs. Learn about Invisalign for teens.
Do I need to bring anything to the appointment?
Just your child’s Medicare card. Our team uses it to check your child’s eligibility.
Can we book siblings together?
Yes. Each eligible child has their own benefit, and our reception team can book siblings back to back so you only make one trip. Learn about family dentistry.
