The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is one of the most common sources of questions at an Australian dental front desk. Parents want to know whether their children are eligible, how much is covered, whether you bulk bill and what happens if they've used part of the cap elsewhere. Getting the answers right, and quickly, helps families access care and keeps your claims running smoothly.
This guide summarises what front desk teams need to know about the CDBS for 2026, and how to handle the most common questions.
This article is a general summary. Always check the current Department of Health, Disability and Ageing guide to the CDBS and Services Australia information for the latest rules, as amounts and conditions are updated regularly.
Key takeaways
- The CDBS covers basic dental services for eligible children aged 0–17.
- The benefit cap is $1,158 per eligible child over two consecutive calendar years for children whose two-year period starts in 2026. Children whose period started in 2025 have a cap of $1,132.
- Orthodontics, cosmetic dental work and services in hospital aren't covered.
- Practices can bulk bill CDBS services or charge privately, with patients claiming the benefit.
- Front desks should check eligibility and remaining balance before treatment, and follow the CDBS requirements for informing parents and getting their agreement.
Who is eligible?
A child is generally eligible for the CDBS in a calendar year if they:
- Are aged 0–17 at any time during that year
- Are eligible for Medicare
- Are, or their family is, receiving certain Australian Government payments, such as Family Tax Benefit Part A, at least once during the year
Eligibility is assessed by Services Australia. Families are usually notified when their child is eligible, and practices can check eligibility and remaining balance through Services Australia's online services before treatment.
How the cap works
- The cap applies over two consecutive calendar years.
- The two-year period starts at the beginning of the calendar year in which the child is both eligible and receives their first CDBS service.
- The cap amount is indexed each year on 1 January. The cap that applies depends on when the child's two-year period started.
- Unused benefits from the first year can be used in the second year if the child is still eligible.
- Any balance remaining at the end of the two years lapses. A new two-year period can start later if the child is still eligible.
What's covered and what isn't
The CDBS covers a range of basic dental services, including:
- Examinations
- X-rays
- Cleaning
- Fissure sealing
- Fillings
- Root canals
- Extractions
- Partial dentures
It doesn't cover orthodontic or cosmetic dental work, or any services provided in hospital. Individual items also have their own benefit limits, so check the CDBS item list.
Bulk billing vs private billing
Bulk billing: the practice accepts the CDBS benefit as full payment. The family pays nothing, and the amount comes off the child's cap.
Private billing: the practice charges its own fee, and the family claims the CDBS benefit from Medicare. They pay any difference.
Be clear about which approach your practice uses, so parents know what to expect. If you bulk bill, say so on your website and in your answers to callers.
Before treatment: what the front desk should do
- Check eligibility and remaining balance before the appointment.
- Tell the parent or guardian about the CDBS: the cost of the proposed services, how much will be covered and any amount they'll pay.
- Get the required agreement in writing before treatment, as the CDBS rules require. Use the current form or wording from the Department's guide.
- Record everything in your practice software for the claim.
The CDBS has compliance requirements, and claims can be audited, so follow the current guide closely.
Common questions and good answers
"Is my child covered?"
"If you receive Family Tax Benefit Part A or certain other government payments, your child may be eligible. We can check their eligibility and remaining balance with Services Australia before the appointment."
"Do you bulk bill?"
Answer clearly with your practice's policy, for example: "Yes, we bulk bill eligible children under the CDBS, so there's nothing to pay for covered services."
"How much is left on my child's cap?"
"We can check that with Services Australia. Parents can also check through their Medicare online account."
"Does it cover braces?"
"No, orthodontic treatment isn't covered by the CDBS."
Where automation helps
CDBS questions are frequent and fairly standard, which makes them a good fit for an AI receptionist or chat assistant. It can explain eligibility in general terms, describe your billing policy, tell parents what to bring and book appointments, then pass anything specific to a child's account to your team. See cutting admin time on health fund enquiries for a similar approach to private health insurance questions.
Keep your AI knowledge base up to date each January when the cap is indexed.
Frequently asked questions
When does the cap amount change?
It's indexed each year on 1 January. Check the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing or Services Australia for the new figure.
Can a child use the CDBS at more than one practice?
Yes. The cap applies to the child, not the practice. That's why checking the remaining balance before treatment matters.
What if the cap runs out during treatment?
The family will need to pay for any further services privately. Tell them before treatment, not after.
Next steps
Update your website and phone scripts with your CDBS billing policy and the current cap. To answer CDBS questions automatically by phone and chat, book a demo of IntelliDent. For a full phone script, see how to handle new-patient calls.