Is Your Child Eligible?
The government announced the Medicare Children Dental Scheme (CDBS) on 1 January 2014. This scheme supports families with their children’s dental care. It provides children aged 2 -17 access to benefits for a range of essential dental services.
The CDBS provides up to $1000.00 to each child for basic services. Your child can use the $1000.00 over two calendar years, however, it expires after a two-year period.
The services that are covered by the Medicare Child Dental Benefit Scheme include check-ups, x-rays, fillings, some tooth extractions, fluoride treatments, fissure sealants and cleaning. However, the CDBS does not cover advanced treatment such as orthodontic treatment, cosmetic treatment or root canal treatment.
Our dentists bulk bill all treatment under Medicare Child Dental Benefit Scheme. This means you’ll have not out of pocket cost. Treatment under happy gas is not covered by this scheme.
If your child is eligible for treatment under the CDBS, we encourage you to make an appointment for them. One of our dentists will be able to provide treatment under this scheme to prevent gum disease and cavities.
How to claim treatment under the Medicare Children Dental Scheme (CDBS)
To claim the CDBS benefit, inform our reception staff at Bendigo Dental Group (formally known as Mosa Dental Practice) when making an appointment for your child, or present the letter to the reception before your child’s appointment.
If you are eligible or receive Family Tax Benefit Part A or another relevant government payment, your child qualifies for the CDBS.
Medicare wrote to families advising of their child’s eligibility. However, our dentists have found that some eligible families were not aware of their child’s eligibility under the CDBS. To avoid missing out on this opportunity we recommend checking your child’s eligibility.
If you would like to know more, please contact us for more information. If you are unsure about your child’s eligibility, please contact Medicare or the Australian Government Department of Human Services on 132 011.