What Is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a federal government programme administered through Medicare that provides eligible children with access to basic dental services at no cost or reduced cost. In 2026 the benefit cap sits at $1,095 per child over two consecutive calendar years.
To be eligible, a child must be aged between 2 and 17 years at some point during the calendar year, be eligible for Medicare, and be in a family that receives at least one qualifying Centrelink payment. Qualifying payments include Family Tax Benefit Part A, Carer Payment, Abstudy, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, and several others.
How to Check Your Child’s CDBS Eligibility
The most reliable way to confirm eligibility is through myGov. Once logged in, navigate to the Medicare section and look for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule tab. It will show the child’s current balance, benefit period, and any services already claimed. Alternatively, call Medicare on 132 011.
Eligibility is assessed by Services Australia in July of each year. Families who become eligible mid-year may still access the benefit for that calendar year.
What CDBS Covers — and What It Does Not
| Covered Under CDBS | Not Covered Under CDBS |
|---|---|
| Examinations and consultations | Orthodontic treatment (braces, aligners) |
| Diagnostic x-rays | Cosmetic procedures (whitening, veneers) |
| Scale and clean (prophylaxis) | Hospital-based dental treatment |
| Fluoride applications | Implants |
| Fissure sealants | Dentures |
| Fillings (amalgam and composite) | Crown and bridge work |
| Extractions | Mouthguards (in most circumstances) |
| Root canal treatment | |
| Emergency examinations and temporary restorations |
If a dentist recommends a treatment that sits outside the schedule — such as a crown following a root canal — that component will need to be paid out of pocket or via private health insurance.
Finding a Bulk-Billing CDBS Clinic on the Gold Coast
Not every dental practice that accepts CDBS will bulk-bill every service. Some practices charge a gap fee, particularly for more complex restorative work. When contacting a practice, ask two distinct questions: does the practice participate in CDBS, and does it bulk-bill all CDBS-covered items with no gap?
For families looking for a bulk-billing dentist on the Gold Coast, the Gold Coast Dental Directory provides a regularly updated list of practices accepting CDBS patients. Parents looking for child-focused care may also find the directory’s guide to the best children’s dentists on the Gold Coast useful when shortlisting practices.
When booking, bring your Medicare card, the child’s Medicare card, and your Centrelink confirmation if it is your first time claiming CDBS at that practice.
Northern Corridor Families: Coomera, Pimpama, and Helensvale
The northern growth corridor of the Gold Coast — encompassing suburbs such as Coomera, Pimpama, and Helensvale — has seen significant population growth, and demand for family dental services in these areas is high. Families in these suburbs should consider booking CDBS appointments well in advance, particularly at the start of a new benefit period when practices often see a surge in enquiries.
For families based in this corridor, the directory’s dedicated guide to family dentists in Coomera lists practices in the area along with information on CDBS participation.
When Your Child Exceeds the CDBS Cap
Once a child reaches the $1,095 threshold, Medicare will not contribute further to treatment costs until the benefit period renews. At that point families have several options: defer non-urgent treatment until the new period begins, use private health insurance dental extras to cover the remainder, or pay out of pocket.
The cost of a dental check-up and clean on the Gold Coast provides a useful reference point for what to expect once CDBS funds are exhausted.
CDBS Versus Private Health Insurance
CDBS and private health insurance are not mutually exclusive. When a child with both Medicare CDBS entitlement and private dental extras cover attends an appointment, the practice claims CDBS first. If a gap remains, the private health fund can then be claimed for that gap. This means families with both forms of cover can, in practice, receive a broader range of services at little or no cost during the two-year benefit period.
For families weighing up overall dental costs and provider choice, the directory’s overview of the best dentists on the Gold Coast in 2026 covers a range of practices across price points and service profiles.
The Gold Coast Dental Directory helps families identify CDBS-participating practices, compare bulk-billing policies, and plan treatment across benefit periods. Browse the directory to find a CDBS-eligible clinic near you, check current patient reviews, and confirm bulk-billing status before booking.
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Frequently asked questions
How much is the CDBS benefit for my child in 2026?
Eligible children receive up to $1,095 over two consecutive calendar years. The cap resets across the two-year benefit period, not per year.
Which Gold Coast clinics bulk-bill under CDBS?
Many Gold Coast practices that accept CDBS will bulk-bill for standard preventive treatments such as examinations, x-rays, and scale-and-cleans. It is worth confirming in advance whether the clinic bulk-bills all services or charges a gap for certain items.
Can I combine CDBS with private health insurance?
Yes. CDBS is billed first, and if a gap remains after the Medicare benefit is applied, your private health fund's dental extras cover can then be claimed for the same appointment.
What happens if my child's CDBS cap is exhausted before the two-year period ends?
Once the $1,095 cap is reached, no further Medicare benefits are payable until the next benefit period begins. Out-of-pocket costs or private health insurance cover the remaining treatment costs.
Does CDBS cover orthodontic braces or Invisalign?
No. Orthodontic treatment, cosmetic procedures, and any treatment performed in a hospital are excluded from the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. CDBS covers preventive and restorative dental care only.
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