CDBS Brisbane: Parent Guide 2026

If your child is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), they can receive essential dental care with costs covered by the Australian Government. The program provides up to $1,158 in benefits over a two-year period for eligible children aged 0 to 17. We accept CDBS at Everton Park and Nundah.

This guide explains how the CDBS works, what it covers, and how to use it at Ivy Dental in Brisbane.

What is the CDBS?

The CDBS is a federal government program administered through Medicare. It helps eligible families access preventive and basic dental care for their children. At Ivy Dental, CDBS-covered items are bulk billed for eligible children, so families pay $0 out of pocket while the remaining Medicare balance covers the planned items.

Key details:

• Benefit cap: Up to $1,158 per eligible child over a consecutive two-year period
• Age range: Children aged 0 to 17 at any point during the calendar year
• Means-tested: The child must be part of a family receiving certain government payments
• Bulk-billed at Ivy Dental: $0 out of pocket for covered items up to the remaining cap

The two-year benefit period starts at the beginning of the calendar year in which your child becomes eligible and receives their first eligible service. Check your balance through Medicare online or by calling 132 011.

Who is eligible for the CDBS?

Your child may be eligible if they meet both criteria:

1. Age: 0 to 17 at some point during the calendar year.

2. Means test: The child is part of a family receiving at least one of the following payments:

• Family Tax Benefit Part A
• Parenting Payment (Single or Partnered)
• Double Orphan Pension
• Carer Payment or Disability Support Pension
• Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY
• Special Benefit
• Veterans' Children Education Scheme (child 16 or under)

You can confirm eligibility by logging into your Medicare online account via myGov, calling 132 011, or asking our reception team when you book.

What does the CDBS cover?

Covered services

• Dental examinations -- routine check-ups and oral assessments
• X-rays -- diagnostic imaging including bitewing and OPG radiographs
• Scale and clean -- professional teeth cleaning
• Fissure sealants -- protective coatings on the grooves of back teeth
• Fillings -- restoration of teeth affected by decay
• Extractions -- removal of teeth that cannot be restored
• Root canal treatment -- on specific tooth types as indicated
• Fluoride treatment -- topical application for cavity prevention

Services outside the CDBS

The CDBS is for basic dental services. It does not cover orthodontic, cosmetic, or hospital-based dental treatment.

If your child needs a treatment that is not covered, your dentist will explain the costs before proceeding.

What typical children's dental services cost

For many children, the $1,158 cap comfortably covers two years of routine preventive care, including two to three check-up visits per year with X-rays, cleans, and any necessary fillings.

How to use the CDBS at Ivy Dental

Using the CDBS at Ivy Dental is straightforward:

Step 1: Check eligibility -- Confirm through Medicare online, by calling 132 011, or through our reception team when booking.

Step 2: Bring the Medicare card -- We use this to verify eligibility and process the claim.

Step 3: Treatment is provided -- Your child receives their dental care as normal. The dentist will explain any findings and recommend treatment based on clinical needs.

Step 4: We bill Medicare directly -- For CDBS-covered items, Ivy Dental bulk bills Medicare. There is $0 out of pocket while the planned items are covered by your child's remaining balance.

If your child's benefit has been partially used at another practice, we check the remaining amount before treatment and let you know before any service would exceed the cap.

Book a CDBS appointment at Ivy Dental

What if the cap is reached?

If the $1,158 has been fully used within the two-year period, we will tell you before any additional treatment proceeds.

Common questions from parents

Can I use the CDBS at any dentist?

The CDBS can be used at any participating practice, but not all bulk bill. At Ivy Dental, CDBS-covered items are bulk billed for eligible children, so there is $0 out of pocket while the remaining balance covers the planned items.

Does the CDBS cover emergency dental treatment?

Yes. Emergency examinations, X-rays, fillings, and extractions are covered, provided your child is eligible and has remaining benefits. For guidance on what constitutes a dental emergency, see our emergency dental care page.

How often should my child visit the dentist?

The Australian Dental Association recommends visits every six to twelve months, depending on individual risk. Regular check-ups help identify issues early, which is typically less invasive and less costly than treating problems that have progressed.

Can I split the CDBS between practices?

Yes. The benefit follows the child, not the practice. We can check the current balance at your appointment.

Tips for making the most of the CDBS

• Book regular check-ups -- preventive care reduces the need for more involved treatment later
• Track the balance -- check remaining benefits through Medicare online so you can plan ahead
• Use fissure sealants -- one of the most effective preventive treatments for children, and covered under CDBS
• Do not delay treatment -- it is generally better to address issues promptly rather than waiting for the benefit period to roll over

Next steps

If your child is eligible for the CDBS and is due for a check-up, you can book at Everton Park or Nundah. We are open 7 days and welcome children of all ages.

Book your child's CDBS appointment at Ivy Dental | Call (07) 3266 7120

Learn more about children's dentistry at Ivy Dental, see what to expect at your child's first dental visit, or visit our check-up cost guide for detailed pricing.

Eligibility and benefit amounts are determined by Medicare. Information in this guide is current as of March 2026 and may be subject to change.