What is the Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS)?

The CDBS is a government-funded program providing eligible children aged 0-17 with up to $1,095 in dental benefits over two years. Benefits cover check-ups, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals, and extractions. Penrith Dental Care is an approved CDBS provider.

How do I know if my child is eligible for CDBS?

Your child is eligible if aged 0-17 and receives Family Tax Benefit Part A or an eligible government payment. Check eligibility through Medicare Online or call Services Australia on 132 011. Our Penrith Dental Care team can also help verify eligibility.

What dental services are covered under the CDBS?

The CDBS covers check-ups, professional cleaning, x-rays, fluoride, fissure sealants, fillings, extractions, and root canal treatment. Cosmetic and orthodontic treatments are not included. We focus on preventive care that protects your child's long-term oral health at Penrith Dental Care.

How much can my child receive through the CDBS?

Eligible children receive up to $1,095 over a two-calendar-year period, with unused balance not rolling over. Our Penrith Dental Care team helps plan dental care to maximise these benefits, prioritising treatments with the greatest health value for your child.

How do I use my child's CDBS benefits at Penrith Dental Care?

Book an appointment and let us know your child is CDBS eligible. We verify eligibility through Medicare and provide covered services, offering bulk billing where possible. We'll explain what's covered and plan the suitable care tailored specifically for your child's oral health needs.

Child Dental Benefit Scheme Penrith

Child Dental Benefit Scheme

Why it matters

Free, quality dental care for your child

The Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS) is an Australian Government initiative giving eligible kids access to essential dental care. As a registered CDBS provider, Penrith Dental Care can bulk bill covered services — so there's often no out-of-pocket cost for your family.

$1,158benefit cap over 2 years

Ages 2–17eligible children

Bulk billedno out-of-pocket

Who is eligible

Is your child eligible for the CDBS?

Your child may qualify if they meet all three criteria below. Not sure? Our team can check eligibility for you in minutes.

Aged between 2 and 17 years for at least part of the calendar year.
Enrolled in Medicare.
Your family receives a relevant payment such as Family Tax Benefit Part A.

Eligible children can access up to

$1,158

in dental benefits over 2 calendar years

We verify your child's balance and eligibility through Medicare before any treatment begins.

What's covered

Dental services covered by the CDBS

The CDBS covers a broad range of preventive and restorative treatments to keep young smiles healthy.

Preventive Care

Examinations, professional cleaning, fluoride treatments and fissure sealants to protect against decay.

Restorative Treatments

Fillings and crowns to repair cavities or damaged teeth and restore healthy function.

X-rays & Assessments

Diagnostic X-rays, root canal therapy and early orthodontic assessments where needed.

Check-ups & X-rays Cleaning & fluoride Fissure sealants Fillings Extractions Root canals

Please note: the CDBS does not cover orthodontic braces, cosmetic dental work or treatment in a hospital.

How it works

Accessing the CDBS in 5 simple steps

We make using your child's benefit easy from start to finish.

Check Eligibility

We confirm your child's eligibility and balance via Medicare.

Book a Visit

Schedule an appointment with our caring, child-friendly dentists.

Bring Medicare

Bring your child's Medicare card to the appointment.

Receive Care

Eligible treatment is bulk billed — often no out-of-pocket cost.

Follow Up

Regular visits keep your child's smile healthy long-term.

Not sure if your child qualifies?

Our friendly team can check your child's CDBS eligibility and balance for you — then book a gentle, bulk-billed appointment.

Book an Appointment

Make the most of it

Tips for parents

A few simple habits help your family get the full value from your child's benefit.

Check your balance earlyThe benefit is capped over two years — confirm what's left before booking.

Book check-ups regularlySpreading visits across the period helps you use the full benefit and catch issues early.

Keep Medicare details currentStay enrolled and keep contact details up to date to avoid eligibility gaps.

Don't let benefit expireAny unused balance may not roll over, so plan treatment before the period ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my child is eligible for the CDBS?

You can check your child’s eligibility online through your Medicare account or contact us for assistance.

What should I bring to my child's first CDBS appointment?

Please bring your child’s Medicare card, along with any details of dental care they have already received under the Child Dental Benefit Scheme Penrith during the current benefit period. If your child has any medical conditions, allergies or is taking medication, let our team know so we can plan their care safely. It also helps to arrive a few minutes early to complete any paperwork.

How often can my child have a dental check-up under the CDBS?

Many children benefit from a dental check-up around every six months, though the right interval depends on your child’s individual needs. Your dentist will recommend a suitable recall schedule. Spreading visits across the two-year CDBS period also helps you make the most of the available benefit while supporting early, preventive care.

What happens if my child exceeds the $1,158 benefit cap?

If the benefit cap is exceeded, you will need to pay for any additional treatments out-of-pocket.

Does the CDBS cover orthodontic braces?

No, the CDBS does not cover orthodontic braces but may cover assessments.

Can I use the CDBS at any dentist?

Not at every dentist. The CDBS can only be used at practices that participate in the scheme and accept Medicare’s Child Dental Benefit Schedule. Penrith Dental Care is a registered CDBS provider, so eligible children can be treated here. If you visit another clinic, check with them first to confirm they accept CDBS before booking.

What happens to unused CDBS benefit at the end of the period?

Under the Child Dental Benefit Scheme Penrith families access, the benefit is calculated over a two-calendar-year period. Any unused balance does not roll over once the period ends, so it is worth using eligible visits within the benefit period. Our team can check your child’s remaining balance and help you plan their check-ups and preventive care before the period closes.

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Why choose Penrith Dental Care

Helping every child access quality care

As a registered CDBS provider, we believe every eligible child in Penrith deserves quality preventive dental care — regardless of budget. We help families understand their entitlement, make the most of the two-year benefit, and feel at ease with a gentle, child-friendly approach.

RegisteredCDBS provider

Bulk billedcovered services

Child-friendlycaring team

Ready to book? Call (02) 4733 1197 or book online. For more information, visit the Australian Dental Association or Healthdirect Australia.

✓ ADA-aligned care✓ Experienced dentists✓ Honest, tailored advice★ 5.0 rated by patients