Does Medicare Cover Family Dental Services? CDBS Explained

Many Glen Waverley, VIC, families wonder whether Medicare can help cover their children's dental costs, and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is the key programme to understand. This article explains what the CDBS covers, who qualifies, and how families accessing family dental services in Glen Waverley can make the most of it.

What Is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?

The CDBS is a Federal Government programme that helps eligible children aged 0 to 17 years access basic dental care. It operates through Medicare, not as a separate insurance scheme, which surprises many parents who assume routine dentistry is fully excluded from Medicare's scope.



The scheme covers up to $1,158 for each eligible child over two calendar years, with the cap indexed yearly on 1 January. That benefit can be used entirely in the first year if needed, giving families real flexibility around when they book appointments.

Who Is Eligible for CDBS Benefits?

A child must be aged 0 to 17 years for at least one day of the calendar year, eligible for Medicare on the day of service, and part of a family receiving an Australian Government payment such as Family Tax Benefit Part A.



You do not need to apply. A notification of eligibility will be sent by post or electronically through myGov. You can also log in to your Medicare account via myGov to check your child's remaining balance before booking.

Private Health Funds and HICAPS

The CDBS covers basic treatments, but a private health fund can fill gaps for anything outside the scheme. The practice holds an HCF provider relationship and is a member of the Australian Dental Association. HICAPS terminal processing means eligible fund members can claim their private health rebate on the spot, avoiding the need to lodge a separate claim later.



Families seeking family dental services in Glen Waverley who hold extras cover may find that combining their CDBS entitlement with private fund benefits helps reduce out-of-pocket costs for a broader range of treatments throughout the year.

Book a Family Dental Appointment

Families across Glen Waverley, VIC, can access comprehensive family dental services at Rowville Dental Surgery, conveniently located in nearby Rowville to serve the broader Knox and Monash corridor. Whether you want to use your child's CDBS entitlement, claim through a private health fund via HICAPS, or book a routine check-up, the team is ready to help.

Call 03 9763 0566 today or use our contact page to request an appointment. You can also find us and read patient reviews of Rowville Dental Surgery.