With the end of the year approaching, it's a good time for Toowoomba parents to check their child's Medicare dental benefits. If your family is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), you may have unused benefits available for dental care. Knowing how the scheme works can help you plan your child's dental care and make the most of their available benefits.
How Does the CDBS Two-Year Period Work?
The CDBS provides eligible children aged 0-17 with access to Medicare benefits for certain dental services. According to the Australian Dental Association, the benefit cap increased to $1,158 for two consecutive calendar years for children whose benefit period begins in 2026.
Children whose period began in 2025 retain the $1,132 cap. Importantly, benefits don't automatically expire every December. However, if your child's two-year period ends on 31 December 2026, any unused balance will expire. You can check your child's eligibility and remaining balance through your Medicare online account linked to myGov.
What Does the CDBS Cover for Your Child?
At Pure Dental Toowoomba, we provide children's dentistry in Toowoomba, including preventive care and treatment tailored to your child's individual needs. The CDBS helps eligible families access essential dental services, including:
- Dental exams and check-ups
- Professional teeth cleaning
- Dental x-rays
- Fissure sealants
- Fillings and tooth extractions
- Root canal treatments
Orthodontic treatment, cosmetic dentistry and hospital-based dental services aren't covered. You can find full details about covered treatments on the Services Australia website.
Why Book Before the Summer School Holidays?
The end of the school year can be a convenient time to organise your child's dental check-up before holiday activities begin. It's also worth checking whether their current CDBS benefit period is ending. Booking ahead allows time to confirm eligibility, discuss any dental concerns and plan clinically appropriate treatment.
If you're looking for a bulk billing dentist in Toowoomba, Pure Dental Toowoomba offers bulk billing for eligible CDBS services, subject to available benefits and scheme requirements.
Have Questions About CDBS in Toowoomba?
Our friendly team is happy to help you check your child's eligibility, understand their available benefits and arrange an appointment. We invite you to contact Pure Dental Toowoomba to learn more about CDBS in Toowoomba or book your child's next dental visit.