Families Urged to Check Eligibility for Child Dental Scheme Offering Significant Support
Australian families are being encouraged to check whether their children are eligible for subsidised dental care under a federal government program that provides critical support for growing smiles.
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) has seen an indexed increase for the 2026-2027 cycle. Eligible children aged 0–17 can now access up to $1,158 in dental benefits over a two-year period. Officials estimate that if a family utilizes the full benefit every two years from birth until the child turns 17, the total value of support exceeds $9,800.
Despite this, recent data suggests that of the three million eligible children, nearly half are not currently utilizing the scheme.
Basic Dental Services Covered
The CDBS covers a range of essential services provided by participating public or private dentists. Most routine treatments can be bulk billed, meaning families face no out-of-pocket costs.
Services included under the scheme:
- Dental check-ups (including scale, clean, and polish)
- X-rays (radiography)
- Fissure sealing to prevent decay
- Fillings
- Root canal treatment
- Tooth extractions
Note that the scheme does not cover orthodontics (braces), cosmetic dentistry (whitening), or hospital-based dental services.
Who Can Access the Scheme?
A child is eligible if they are aged 0–17 for at least one day of the calendar year, are eligible for Medicare, and receive (or their parent/guardian receives) a qualifying government payment at least once a year.
Qualifying payments include:
- Family Tax Benefit Part A
- Parenting Payment
- Disability Support Pension
- Youth Allowance
- ABSTUDY or the Double Orphan Pension
How to Use the Benefit
The two-year “cap period” begins the first time a child receives an eligible service in a calendar year. If the full $1,158 isn’t used in the first year, it rolls over to the second year, provided the child remains eligible.
Families can check their remaining balance and eligibility instantly through their Medicare online account via myGov or by calling the Medicare general enquiries line at 132 011.
