CHILD DENTAL BENEFIT SCHEME (CDBS)
Affordable Dental Care for Your Child
The Child Dental Benefit Scheme (CDBS) is an Australian Government program that helps eligible children access essential dental care. If your child qualifies, Medicare provides a benefit that can be used for a wide range of dental services at our clinic.
We’re happy to help you check eligibility.
FAQ
We understand that paying for dental treatment can raise a few questions. Below are some of the most common questions our Horsham patients ask about payment options and health fund claims.
In many cases, eligible treatments can be fully covered by your child’s CDBS balance. If a service falls outside the scheme or your child’s benefit has been used, we’ll always let you know the cost before treatment.
No. Each eligible child has their own individual CDBS benefit cap. One child’s balance cannot be transferred to another.
No. The benefit is available only within the two-year period set by Medicare. Unused funds do not carry over into the next period.
Our team can check your child’s remaining CDBS balance for you before treatment, so you always know where things stand.
If the treatment needed is one of the approved CDBS services (such as an extraction or filling), it can usually be claimed under the scheme. We’ll guide you through this if urgent care is required.
Welcome to Wimmera Family Dental — your trusted local dentist in Horsham. We provide gentle, affordable care for the whole family, including check-ups & cleans, cosmetic dentistry, and emergency treatments. Healthy smiles start here.
Availability
Mon - Fri : 8:30am - 5:30pm
Sat : 9:00am - 1:00pm
Sun : Closed
WHAT IS CDBS
The CDBS provides up to a set Medicare benefit cap over a two-year period for basic dental services for eligible children. The benefit is designed to support good oral health during childhood and adolescence — when healthy habits matter most.
Who is Eligible?
Your child may be eligible for the CDBS if they:
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Are aged 0–17 years
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Are eligible for Medicare
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You or your family receive certain Australian Government payments (such as Family Tax Benefit Part A)
Eligibility is assessed automatically by Medicare, so you don’t need to apply separately.
Not sure if your child is eligible? ask our reception to help you.
What Dental services are covered?
The CDBS covers many common and important dental treatments, including:
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Dental check-ups and examinations
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X-rays
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Professional cleaning and fluoride treatments
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Fissure sealants
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Fillings
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Tooth extractions
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Root canal treatment (when clinically required)
Please note:
Orthodontic treatment (braces)
Cosmetic dental procedures
Hospital dental services
are not covered under the CDBS.
How the benefits works
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The benefit can be used over two consecutive calendar years
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You can use the benefit across multiple visits
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The amount used depends on the treatment your child receives
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Once the benefit cap is reached, standard fees apply
We’ll always let you know in advance if any out-of-pocket costs are expected.