Raising a family is expensive, and dental care is one of those costs that can quietly add up. Between routine check-ups, the occasional filling, and the small emergencies that come with active kids, looking after young teeth matters, but it is not always cheap. That is exactly why the Child Dental Benefits Schedule exists, and why it is worth understanding as a parent.
Here is the part many families miss: a large number of eligible children never use the benefit at all. Some parents assume they will not qualify, others have never heard of it, and plenty are unsure how it actually works. As a result, money set aside to help keep children’s teeth healthy goes unclaimed every single year.
If you are a parent in Adelaide, this guide is here to change that. We will walk through what the Child Dental Benefits Schedule is, how much it is worth in 2026, whether your child is eligible, exactly what it covers, and how to get the most out of it, all in plain language and without the jargon.
What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule, or CDBS, is a Medicare-administered program that helps cover the cost of basic dental care for eligible children. Think of it as a dental allowance attached to your child’s Medicare eligibility. It is not cash paid to you, but a capped amount that can be put towards approved treatment over a set period.
It was introduced to ensure cost is not a barrier to children receiving the dental care they need, yet many eligible families never use it. That is a shame, because it can cover a lot of the everyday care that keeps young teeth healthy.
How much is the benefit in 2026?
For 2026, the CDBS provides up to $1,158 per eligible child over two consecutive calendar years. The cap is indexed each year on 1 January.
There is one detail worth understanding. The 2026 rate of $1,158 applies to children whose two-year benefit period begins in 2026. If your child’s two-year period started back in 2025, their cap stays at the 2025 rate of $1,132, even as treatment continues into 2026. It is a small point, but it explains why two families might see slightly different amounts.
Is my child eligible?
According to Services Australia, a child generally needs to meet three conditions to be eligible in a given year. They must:
- Be eligible for Medicare
- Be aged between 0 and 17 years for at least one day during the calendar year
- Receive, or have a parent, guardian or partner who receives, an eligible Australian Government payment for at least part of the year, most commonly Family Tax Benefit Part A
Eligibility is assessed each calendar year, so a child may qualify one year and not the next. Services Australia usually notifies eligible families, but you do not have to wait for a letter. The easiest way to check is through your Medicare online account via myGov, or by calling Services Australia on 132 150.
How the two-year cycle works
Your child’s two-year benefit period starts on 1 January of the year they first receive an eligible dental service. From that point, you can use the full amount straight away if needed, or spread it across the two years. If there is money left at the end of the second year, it does not carry over. In other words, it is genuinely a case of use it or lose it.
Once a two-year period ends, a new one can begin, as long as your child still meets all the eligibility conditions.
What does the CDBS cover?
The schedule is designed for basic, essential dental care. Covered services include:
- Examinations and check-ups
- X-rays
- Cleaning
- Fissure sealing (a protective coating for back teeth)
- Fillings
- Root canal treatment
- Extractions
- Partial dentures
Just as important is what it does not cover. The CDBS cannot be used for orthodontic treatment such as braces, cosmetic dental work, or any services provided in a hospital. If your child needs treatment outside the scheme, we will always talk you through the options and costs first.
How to use the CDBS at the dentist
Claiming is simpler than most parents expect. Practices that participate, including Perfect Smile, bulk bill CDBS services electronically through Medicare, so there is no upfront payment and no forms for you to chase afterwards.
The main thing to do is let the practice know you intend to claim under the CDBS before treatment begins, so we can confirm your child’s eligibility and check the remaining balance. That way there are no surprises, and you know exactly what is covered before we start.
Tips for Adelaide parents
A few simple habits help you get the most from the benefit:
- Check your child’s balance early in the year, so you can plan their care around what is available.
- Do not let it lapse. Since unused funds do not roll over past the two-year period, a regular check-up and clean is a smart, no-cost way to put the benefit to good use.
- Remember it is per child. Each eligible child has their own separate cap, and siblings cannot share entitlements.
- Use it for prevention. Regular exams and cleans catch small issues early, which is exactly what keeps young smiles healthy and avoids bigger treatment later.
Making children’s dental care easy in Adelaide
At Perfect Smile, we love helping Adelaide families look after their children’s teeth, and we are proud to offer the Child Dental Benefits Schedule as part of our kids’ dental care.
Our care is backed by years of dedicated experience, including Andrea, an Oral Health Therapist who has been looking after young smiles at Perfect Smile for over 20 years. Her gentle, patient-centred approach helps little ones feel comfortable in the chair.
If you think your child may be eligible, or you simply want to book their next check-up, book an appointment online or call us on (08) 8210 9414. We are happy to help you check eligibility and make the most of the benefit.
This guide is general information based on Services Australia’s published details for 2026. For confirmation of your child’s eligibility and current balance, please check your Medicare online account through myGov or contact Services Australia.
