The Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS) is a dental benefits programme provided by the department of Human Services (Medicare) for eligible children aged 2-17 years offering a Medicare rebate on dental treatment.
Leichhardt Street Dental Practice offers access to the child dental benefits scheme to assist with the cost of raising a family. We Bulk Bill (charge no gap) on treatments that are covered by the child dental benefits scheme (CDBS). Dr Barbara Szylkarski has a family of her own and understands the pressures and joys of raising a family.
How does the Child Dental Benefits Scheme work?
The Medicare scheme provides basic dental services to children aged between 2 and 17 years.
Dental services are capped at $1000 over 2 consecutive calendar years. When your child or teenager first receives a dental service, this 2 year cap period commences.
How do I know if my child is eligible for the CDBS?
To be eligible for the CDBS, your child must:
• be aged 2 to 17 years for at least 1 day of the calendar year
• be eligible for Medicare on the day of service
• get, or be part of a family getting, certain Australian Government payments.
Medicare will assess a child eligibility at the beginning of each calendar year. It is important you check if you are eligible, or you can call us and we can check through our online health professionals online services connection with Medicare. Medicare will notify you of your eligibility, however it is important to contact them if you think you are eligible and have not received notification.
Below is a list of usual eligibility requirements, however this can change and you must check with Medicare:
• If the child’s parent or guardian receive: Family Tax Benefit Part A, Parenting Payment or ABSTUDY.
• If the child receives: Family Tax Benefit Part A, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, Parenting Payment, Youth Allowance.
What treatment is covered by the CDBS?
The dental services that are covered focus on dental prevention and restoring damaged teeth. If your child requires more advanced dental treatments such as paediatric crowns, sedation or hospital services, these are not covered.
Treatments include:
•examinations
•x-rays
•cleaning
•fissure sealing
•fillings
•root canals
•extractions
How do I claim for dental treatment?
Prior to your appointment we will request your child’s Medicare card number and date of birth. We connect online with Medicare and check your child’s eligibility and the available balance remaining.
We are registered for bulk billing so you MUST bring your Medicare card with you to your appointment. You can claim on the spot through our HICAPS terminal and there will be no more to pay. If you forget your Medicare card, you will need to pay up front and then claim back from Medicare later.
At your first visits you will complete official Medicare forms, and receive an estimate of what Medicare will pay, and an outline of any future dental treatment plan.
What if I have private health insurance?
It is not permitted to claim on both Medicare AND on your Private Health Insurance. You must claim on one or the other. However if the treatment is not covered by the CDBS or you have used up your limit and are now a private patient – you can claim on your Private Health Insurance.
Explore what we offer and learn about our Children’s dental services, we are honoured to look after your family. Call us today for further information. (07) 3839 7279