Child Dental Benefits Scheme

The Department of Human Services assesses a child’s eligibility from the start of each calendar year. A child is eligible if they are eligible for Medicare, aged 0‐17 years at any point in the calendar year and receive a relevant Australian Government payment, such as Family Tax Benefit Part A at any point in the calendar year.

Once a child has been assessed as eligible, they are eligible for that entire calendar year – even if they turn 18, or stop receiving the relevant government payment. However they must be eligible for Medicare on the day the service is provided.

Yes, we will be able to check eligibility by contacting Department of Human Services.

Eligible children have a maximum of $1052 to be used on eligible treatments over 2 years. The relevant two year period commences from the calendar year in which the patient first receives an eligible dental service.

A patient’s entire benefit cap can be used in the first year if needed. If the entire benefit cap is not used in the first year, the balance can be used in the following year if the child is still eligible.

Please see current Child Dental Benefit fee schedule.

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/dental-benefits-schedule-items-and-rates-for-2022-mbsonline-extract

We can provide a dental examination, cleaning and remineralisation treatment as needed for your child at a cost of $99 if aged under 2 years and $150 if aged 2 or over. Once your child is at school our private fee is $199. If you are a member of a health fund, you should be able to claim this back through your fund.

Please check with your health fund.