CDBS 2026
$1,158 over 2 years
Eligible children aged 0 to 17 can access a capped benefit for covered basic services.
A Brisbane parent guide to children's dental visits, CDBS, fluoride, brushing, sugar, fissure sealants, and toothache.
Family oral health
Children's dental care works well when prevention is practical.
This Brisbane guide brings together CDBS, Queensland child oral-health findings, and the practical questions parents ask before booking a dental visit.
- 4
- Sources considered
- Clinical
- Review context
- General
- Information only
Key points
What the source material supports.
These points frame the decision. They do not predict an individual diagnosis, result, or final fee.
Queensland data
Decay has improved but remains common
UQ reported a fall in baby-tooth decay among 5 to 10 year olds from 49.5% to 38.8% in the Queensland study comparison.
Daily habits still matter
Sugar and brushing are key
UQ reported about 40% of Queensland children had at least one sugary drink daily, while twice-daily brushing fell from 72% to 63%.
How CDBS helps
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule can cover part or all of selected basic dental services for eligible children. It does not cover orthodontic, cosmetic, or hospital dental services.
What a child visit may include
A visit may include examination, brushing advice, x-rays if clinically needed, cleaning, fissure sealants, fillings, mouthguard advice, or referral where appropriate.
What parents can control
Daily brushing, fluoride toothpaste advice appropriate to age, limiting sugary drinks, regular checks, and early attention to toothache all affect risk.
When to book urgently
Book promptly for toothache, swelling, dental trauma, a knocked-out adult tooth, facial swelling, or pain affecting eating or sleep.
Use before deciding
Parent checklist
- Check CDBS eligibility and balance before treatment
- Bring Medicare and health fund cards
- Ask whether fissure sealants may help
- Ask how to manage sugar frequency
- Book if a child reports toothache or sensitivity
- Bring a sports mouthguard for checking if relevant
Personal advice
Turn the research into a plan for your own mouth.
Suitability, timing, alternatives, and final pricing can only be confirmed after a clinical assessment.