Most eligible families don't realise this exists. Check if your child qualifies for free/subsidised basic dental care through Medicare — and how much of their benefit is left.
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a Medicare benefit for basic dental services — check-ups, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals and extractions — for eligible children aged 0–17. It's not means-tested on its own beyond receiving an eligible government payment, and most families who qualify don't know it exists until a dentist mentions it.
This cap stays fixed for them through 31 December 2026, even though the indexed rate has since gone up.
Applies to a first-ever claim, or a new 2-year period starting because their last one has already ended.
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Covered (up to the schedule fee for each item): examinations/check-ups, x-rays, cleaning (scale and polish), fissure sealing, fillings, root canal treatment, extractions, and some dental emergencies.
Not covered: orthodontic treatment (braces), cosmetic dental work, and any dental services provided in a hospital or during day surgery.
Some dentists bulk-bill CDBS in full; others charge a gap above the schedule fee — ask before booking. Not every dentist participates in CDBS, so it's worth confirming when you make the appointment.
Family Tax Benefit Part A is by far the most common qualifying payment and covers the large majority of eligible families. A number of other Australian Government payments to the child, parent, guardian or carer can also qualify (for example some income support, veterans', and carer-related payments).
The exact, current, full list is maintained by Services Australia — check servicesaustralia.gov.au directly if FTB Part A doesn't apply to your family, since this list can change and we'd rather point you to the authoritative source than risk an out-of-date one.
The CDBS cap is indexed on 1 January every year, but a higher new-year rate only applies to a child who has their first eligible service in that new year. If your child already used CDBS earlier in their current 2-year period, they keep the cap that applied when they started — it does not increase mid-period.
Recent indexed rates (per eligible child, per 2-calendar-year period, based on year of first use in that period): 2023 — $1,052 · 2024 — $1,095 · 2025 — $1,132 · 2026 — $1,158.
If a child hasn't used any CDBS services since their last 2-year period closed, their next visit starts a brand-new period at whatever the current year's rate is.
There's no separate application. If your child is eligible, just book with a dentist who offers CDBS (public or private — many private dentists participate) and mention CDBS when you book. The dentist checks eligibility and claims the benefit through Medicare directly; most bulk-bill so there's nothing to pay upfront, though some charge a gap.
You can check your child's own eligibility status any time via myGov → Medicare, or by calling Medicare on 132 011.