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title: Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS): Free Dental Care for Kids at Smile Solutions
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description: The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a Commonwealth Government program that provides eligible children with access to basic dental services at no cost to their families. At Smile Solutions, we...
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# Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS): Free Dental Care for Kids at Smile Solutions

## Smile Solutions – Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS): Free Dental Care for Kids

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a Commonwealth Government program that gives eligible children access to essential dental services at no cost to their families. At Smile Solutions, we bulk-bill under the CDBS, so you pay nothing out of pocket for covered treatments when your child qualifies. Your child gets the same standard of care regardless of how you're funding the visit.

## What is the CDBS?

The CDBS provides up to $1,095.60 AUD in dental benefits per eligible child across a two-calendar-year period. It's designed to make sure children from families receiving certain government payments can access comprehensive dental care without the cost getting in the way. The program covers a solid range of treatments that address the most common dental needs during childhood and adolescence.

Administered by Services Australia (Medicare), the CDBS has nothing to do with private health insurance — you don't need extras cover to access it. The benefits are available at any dental practice registered to accept the scheme, and Smile Solutions is a registered CDBS provider.

## Who is eligible?

Children aged 0 to 17 may qualify for the CDBS if they receive certain government payments, or if they're dependants of someone who does. Family Tax Benefit Part A is the most common qualifying payment, but a range of other income support payments also count. Eligibility is assessed by Services Australia at the start of each calendar year, and eligible families are notified by letter.

You can check your child's eligibility by calling Services Australia on 132 011 or logging into your myGov account linked to Medicare. Our reception team at Smile Solutions can also verify eligibility at the time of booking — or on the day of the appointment — using your child's Medicare card details.

## What treatments are covered?

The CDBS covers the dental services children need most:

- **Examinations and assessments** to monitor oral health and development
- **Diagnostic imaging**, including x-rays, to catch issues early
- **Professional cleaning and scale treatments** to maintain healthy gums and teeth
- **Fluoride application** to strengthen developing enamel
- **Fissure sealants** to protect the biting surfaces of growing teeth
- **Fillings and restorative work** to address decay and preserve tooth structure
- **Extractions** when removal is the most appropriate clinical course of action

The scheme doesn't cover orthodontic treatment, cosmetic procedures, or treatments provided in a hospital setting. That said, the covered services address the great majority of dental needs for children and teenagers, with a strong focus on preventive care that helps avoid more complex treatment down the track.

## Bulk-billing at Smile Solutions

Smile Solutions bulk-bills all CDBS-eligible treatments, so there's no gap payment for your family. The full cost of covered services is claimed directly from Medicare, and you won't receive a bill for any amount beyond the CDBS benefit. This applies to all eligible treatments up to the $1,095.60 AUD cap within the relevant two-year period.

If your child's benefit balance is running low, our team will let you know before proceeding with any treatment — no surprises. We track remaining benefits carefully and can help you think through how to prioritise care within the available balance, making sure the most important needs are addressed first.

## Paediatric dental care with Dr Susan Hinckfuss

Children visiting Smile Solutions for CDBS-covered care are seen within one of Melbourne's most respected dental practices, with access to a dedicated paediatric dental team. Dr Susan Hinckfuss is a registered specialist paediatric dentist with extensive experience treating infants, children, and adolescents across every stage of development. Her approach is gentle and unhurried, with a genuine focus on making dental visits comfortable — particularly for children who feel anxious or uncertain about treatment.

Dr Hinckfuss and the paediatric team understand what's actually going on at each stage of a child's dental development: monitoring the eruption of adult teeth, managing decay in baby teeth, and providing preventive treatments like fissure sealants and fluoride therapy. Care is tailored to each child's age, developmental stage, and individual needs.

A positive early experience at the dentist can shape how a child relates to oral health for years to come. That's something we take seriously, and it shows in how our team works with young patients and their families.

## How to get started

Booking a CDBS appointment at Smile Solutions is simple. Call the practice or book online, let us know your child may be eligible for the CDBS, and bring their Medicare card to the appointment. Our reception team will confirm eligibility and check the remaining benefit balance before any treatment begins, so you're always fully informed before anything goes ahead.

**Book your child's CDBS appointment today** — call us or use our online booking system to get started.

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## Frequently asked questions

**What is the CDBS?**
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a Commonwealth Government program administered by Services Australia (Medicare).

**What is the maximum benefit per child?**
$1,095.60 AUD, available across a two-calendar-year period.

**Who is eligible?**
Children aged 0 to 17 whose families receive Family Tax Benefit Part A or other qualifying government payments. Dependants of eligible payment recipients also qualify.

**Does Smile Solutions bulk-bill under the CDBS?**
Yes. There is no gap payment for CDBS-eligible treatments at Smile Solutions.

**Do I need private health insurance to access the CDBS?**
No. The CDBS operates entirely separately from private health insurance.

**When is eligibility assessed, and how will I know?**
Services Australia assesses eligibility at the start of each calendar year and notifies eligible families by letter.

**How can I check my child's eligibility?**
Call Services Australia on 132 011, log into your myGov account linked to Medicare, or let our reception team check at the time of booking or on the day of the appointment using your child's Medicare card.

**What treatments are covered?**
Examinations, x-rays, professional cleans, scale treatments, fluoride application, fissure sealants, fillings, restorative work, and extractions.

**What is not covered?**
Orthodontic treatment, cosmetic procedures, and hospital-based treatments.

**What does fluoride application do?**
It strengthens developing enamel.

**What do fissure sealants protect?**
The biting surfaces of growing teeth.

**Will I be told if my child's benefit balance is running low?**
Yes — Smile Solutions will let you know before proceeding with any treatment.

**Who is the paediatric dental specialist at Smile Solutions?**
Dr Susan Hinckfuss, a registered specialist paediatric dentist.

**Does Dr Hinckfuss treat infants and adolescents?**
Yes, across every stage of development.

**What do I need to bring to the appointment?**
Your child's Medicare card.

**Will I receive a bill for CDBS-covered treatments?**
No. Smile Solutions claims costs directly from Medicare, and no bill is issued to families for covered treatments.

**Can my child be seen at any registered dental practice?**
Yes. The CDBS benefit is available at any practice registered to accept the scheme.

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