Children Dental Care: Child Dental Benefits Schedule Extended In 2017!

In the news

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) has applauded announcement by the Turnbull Government and its Health Minister, Greg Hunt, to reinstate the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) cap to $1,000.

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Every parent wants their child to be happy and healthy, and healthy children are one of the keys to our future. Dental health is one of the key aspects of keeping children healthy.

And when it comes to dental health, the formative years in a child’s life can be critically important in supporting a high level of oral hygiene and establishing good oral care habits.

This is why it is so important that the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), which protects some 3 million Australian Children, has been extended for 2017. And here at United Smiles, we are happy to support you and your children, by offering services under the CDBS!

There are some changes to the program, so we invite you to read the information below, then contact us to build a partnership for our children’s oral health!

Reaction to Extension of the CDBS

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) has always maintained that the CDBS is the best preventative dental program for Australian children. Without it, the dental health of our children, particularly from disadvantaged groups and those living in rural and remote areas, is in on the line.

Australian Dental Association President Dr. Hugo Sachs, responded to the extension of the CDBS:
“Following discussions between Minister Hunt and the association, the minister has acted decisively. He is putting his money where his mouth is when it comes to supporting the CDBS which is strong investment in early intervention for children’s dental heath.”

What is Dental Services are Included?

The CDBS covers a range of basic dental services:

examinations
clean, scale and polish
fillings
fissure sealing
X-rays
root canal treatment
extractions
emergencies

Some services are not covered by the CDBS, including orthodontic procedures, cosmetic treatments, and procedures that are performed in hospitals.

Who is Covered?

To be eligible, you must be:

Aged between 2 and 17 for at least 1 day of the calendar year
Eligible for Medicare, and
Getting one of the payments listed below for at least 1 day of the calendar year.

Eligibility is assessed at the beginning of each calendar year and is valid for the entire year. If you become eligible part way through a calendar year, you only get benefits under the CDBS from the date of Medicare eligibility.

Your children are eligible if the child’s parent, carer, or guardian receives:

Family Tax Benefit Part A
Parenting Payment, or
Double Orphan Pension
ABSTUDY

A child is eligible if they receive:

Family Tax Benefit Part A
Carer Payment
Disability Support Pension
Parenting Payment
Special Benefit
Youth Allowance
Financial assistance under the Veterans’ Children Education Scheme (VCES) and can’t be included as a dependent child for the purposes of Family Tax Benefit because they are 16 years or older, or
Financial assistance under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS) and can’t be included as a dependent child for the purposes of Family Tax Benefit because they are 16 years or older

You’ll get a letter to confirm the eligibility of your child for the CDBS if you’re a:

Parent or guardian
Approved care organisation

Older children getting payments under their own name may also receive a letter.

For more information you may contact Medicare on 132 0111, or Centrelink on 134 150.

Keep your Children and Family Dentally Healthy with United Smiles!

United Smiles is conveniently located in the heart of Mernda Village, serving patients from all Melbourne areas. Our office has ample parking at the rear of the building. Wheelchair access is also available at the front of the building. Our promise to you, your children, and family, is appropriate, economical dental treatment.

Is your child qualified for Child Dental Benefits Schedule? Then contact us on (03) 8682 8658 or book your appointment online today!