If you’re a parent in Australia, here’s something to smile about—the $1,132 Australia Child Dental Benefit has been confirmed for 2025. This government-supported program, known as the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), helps families afford essential dental care for children aged 0–17.
From simple check-ups and x-rays to fillings and extractions, it’s a program designed to keep kids healthy without blowing up the family budget.
Overview
The CDBS works like a prepaid account managed by Medicare. Families don’t pay upfront; instead, the dentist bills Medicare directly. This ensures children can access care without financial stress.
Here’s a quick summary for 2025:
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) |
| Cap (2025) | $1,132 per child, spread over two consecutive years |
| Eligibility | Children 0–17, Medicare-eligible, receiving a government payment |
| Covers | Exams, cleaning, x-rays, fillings, extractions, root canals, dentures |
| Excludes | Orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, hospital services |
| Payment | Direct to dentist via Medicare (not cash) |
| Start Date | January 1, 2025 |
| Official Source | Services Australia – Child Dental Benefits Schedule |
History
The CDBS was introduced in 2014 to replace the Medicare Teen Dental Plan. Its aim was to improve access to affordable dental care for kids across the country. Over the years, the cap has gradually risen:
- 2014–2016: $1,000 cap
- 2021: $1,013 cap
- 2023: $1,052 cap
- 2024: $1,095 cap
- 2025: $1,132 cap confirmed
These steady increases reflect inflation and the rising costs of dental treatment.
Value
Dental costs in Australia can add up quickly. A check-up can cost between $150–$300, a filling costs $150–$300 per tooth, and a root canal can be $1,000 or more. Without help, just a couple of appointments can cost families around $800.
The CDBS provides up to $1,132 over two years, which can cover several routine check-ups, preventive treatments, and even urgent care if needed.
Eligibility
To qualify for the 2025 CDBS, a child must:
- Be aged 0–17 for at least one day in 2025
- Be eligible for Medicare
- Be in a family receiving a government payment like Family Tax Benefit Part A
If your child becomes eligible later in the year, coverage is backdated to January 1, meaning you don’t miss out on months of benefits.
Coverage
The benefit covers the most important services for children’s dental health, including:
- Exams and check-ups
- X-rays
- Teeth cleaning and scaling
- Fissure sealing
- Fillings
- Root canals
- Extractions
- Partial dentures
Exclusions
- Cosmetic treatments like whitening and veneers
- Orthodontics (e.g., braces)
- Hospital-based dental services
The focus is strictly on preventive and restorative care, not cosmetic work.
Cap
The $1,132 cap is spread across two calendar years. Families can use it all in one year or spread it over two.
- If a child first uses it in 2025, their cycle runs 2025–2026
- Leftover balance rolls into the second year
- Any unused amount expires at the end of the cycle
- A new cycle starts only if the child is still eligible
Claim
Claiming the CDBS is straightforward:
- Check eligibility via Services Australia
- Find a dentist who accepts CDBS
- Get a treatment plan to confirm coverage
- Provide written consent before treatment
- Dentist bills Medicare directly
- Pay any gap if treatment exceeds the balance
Example
Take Jack, a 12-year-old in Sydney. In 2025, he had a check-up, cleaning, two fillings, and an x-ray.
- Total cost: $680
- Covered by CDBS: $680
- Remaining balance: $452
In 2026, he used the rest for another check-up, a cleaning, and a small filling. Without CDBS, his family would have spent over $1,100 out of pocket.
Tips
Dentists recommend:
- Start early—don’t wait until pain appears
- Prioritize preventive care—it saves money and avoids bigger issues
- Spread bigger treatments across two years
- Always check if your dentist bulk bills under CDBS
- Track your balance through your dentist or HPOS
Mistakes
Common mistakes families make include:
- Thinking the benefit is a cash payment—it isn’t
- Waiting until December to book—appointments fill fast
- Skipping preventive care until a problem appears
- Not confirming if a dentist participates in CDBS
Global
Australia’s approach compares well internationally:
- US: Coverage depends on state programs like Medicaid or CHIP; many families still face large bills
- UK: NHS covers children’s treatment for free, but access is limited due to shortages
- Australia: CDBS offers capped, predictable coverage nationwide
This puts Australia in a strong middle ground—supportive and reliable, though not unlimited.
The $1,132 Child Dental Benefit for 2025 is more than a number—it’s peace of mind for parents and better health for kids. By using it early, focusing on prevention, and planning ahead, families can save money and avoid painful surprises.
FAQs
Who can get the $1,132 dental benefit?
Children aged 0–17, Medicare-eligible, in families on government support.
Is the benefit cash or direct payment?
It’s paid directly to dentists via Medicare, not cash.
Does the cap reset every year?
No, it’s a two-year cap shared across both years.
Are braces or whitening covered?
No, orthodontics and cosmetic treatments aren’t included.
When does the 2025 CDBS start?
It starts January 1, 2025, and runs for two years.
