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Monday, October 26, 2020

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule—What It Is and How It Affects You

Dental health is an essential aspect of kids’ overall wellness and happiness. Oral pain can negatively impact their diet and sleep schedule and even their performance at school.
What if your family doesn’t have the coverage or funds to afford the dental care your child needs to stay healthy?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule can help!
In 2014, the Australian Government set up a plan to ensure that all children in the country have access to the dental care they need. This program is called the Child Dental Benefits Schedule or CDBS, for short. At one point it was uncertain whether the CDBS would be continued, but to date it remains available for qualifying families.
What’s Covered Under the CDBS?
The CDBS covers the typical basic preventative and restorative treatments that general/family dentists provide.
These can include:
● Dental cleanings
● Dental exams
● X-rays
● Sealants
● Fillings
● Root canals
● Extractions
Each qualifying child is entitled to a total of $1,000 in benefits that can be used towards such procedures over a given two-year period. These benefits can be spread out over the course of the two years or used up at once on urgent necessary treatment.
You’ll notice that what isn’t covered are cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening and implants. Your child can still receive any treatments you want them to have, but you’ll have to pay the gap yourself for procedures that exceed or are not covered by the $1,000 allowance.
Who’s Covered Under the CDBS?
Children ages 2-17 can qualify for the CDBS as long as they are within that age range for at least one day in a given year.
Consider, for example, a 17-year-old who turns 18 on second day of January. They are still entitled to their benefits throughout the rest of that year.
Additionally, qualifying kids need to be a part of a family that is already receiving Medicare payments and other benefits from the Australian Government such as Family Tax Benefit A. Dentists who accept Medicare are qualified to provide your child with services under the CDBS.
Does Your Child Qualify for the CDBS?
Your child should qualify for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule as long as he or she is receiving government benefits and is in the acceptable age bracket.
Are you not sure about which other government assistance qualifies your child for the CDBS? Do you have any other questions about the program? You can contact Medicare directly to learn more or for help enrolling.
Otherwise, head to a dental office that accepts Medicare payments and ask for their help in determining which services your child qualifies for.
Make the Most of the CDBS!
The Australian Government instituted the Child Dental Benefits Schedule on the basis of the understanding that dental care is a basic human need. You owe it to your family to make the most of this provision and ensure your child has access to dental treatment when they need it.
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is one potential way for your child to access the dental care that is so vital to their health and happiness. As long as your child qualifies, we urge you to take full advantage of the program! Call your family’s dentist to find out more.

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