Key Takeaways
- Children aged 2–17 who receive Family Tax Benefit Part A (or certain other government payments) may be eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).
- Eligible children can access up to $1,158 in government-funded dental benefits over two consecutive calendar years under the current benefit period.
- The CDBS covers check-ups, X-rays, scale and cleans, fillings, and extractions — but does not cover orthodontics or cosmetic procedures.
- Y3 Smiles Dental is a participating CDBS provider serving families across Broadmeadows, Glenroy, Campbellfield, Craigieburn, Meadow Heights, and surrounding suburbs.
Introduction
Picture this: a parent in Broadmeadows is sitting in a waiting room, and another parent mentions almost in passing that their child just had two fillings, a scale and clean, and a full set of X-rays — all at no out-of-pocket cost. The first parent is stunned. Their own child, the same age, had never been to the dentist. They hadn't known there was a government benefit that could cover it.
This scenario plays out across Melbourne's northern suburbs every single day. Thousands of families in Broadmeadows, Glenroy, Campbellfield, Craigieburn, and Meadow Heights are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) — a federal government program that provides meaningful dental funding for children — yet never use it, simply because no one told them about it.
If you have a child aged 2–17 and receive Family Tax Benefit Part A or certain other Centrelink payments, there is a good chance your child qualifies. This guide will walk you through exactly how it works, what is covered, how to check eligibility, and what to expect when you bring your child to Y3 Smiles Dental for a CDBS appointment.
What Is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a federal government initiative administered through Medicare. It was designed to help Australian families access preventive and basic dental care for children without the full financial burden of private dental fees.
Who administers it?
Services Australia (Medicare) manages the CDBS on behalf of the federal government. There is no separate application form — eligibility is assessed automatically based on your family's Medicare and Centrelink records.
What does it cover?
The CDBS covers a range of essential dental services, including:
- Dental examinations and check-ups
- Dental X-rays
- Scale and clean (professional cleaning)
- Fluoride treatments
- Fissure sealants
- Fillings (tooth-coloured and amalgam)
- Root canal treatment (in eligible circumstances)
- Extractions
What is NOT covered?
It is important to understand that the CDBS does not cover:
- Orthodontic treatment (braces, aligners, retainers)
- Cosmetic dental procedures
- Dental services provided in a hospital setting
- Dentures or complex prosthetics
Where can I use it?
One of the most important points to understand is that the CDBS is not limited to community dental clinics or public hospital waitlists. Eligible families can use their CDBS benefits at participating private dental practices — including Y3 Smiles Dental in Broadmeadows. This means your child can receive care in a modern, comfortable private clinic environment without needing to wait months for a public appointment.
How Much Can Your Child Receive?
Under the current CDBS benefit period, eligible children can access up to $1,158 in dental benefits over two consecutive calendar years.
To put that in practical terms for a northern Melbourne family:
| Service | Indicative CDBS Benefit |
|---|---|
| Dental check-up | Covered under CDBS |
| Scale and clean | Covered under CDBS |
| Full-mouth X-rays | Covered under CDBS |
| Tooth-coloured filling | Covered under CDBS |
| Tooth extraction | Covered under CDBS |
At Y3 Smiles Dental, kids check & clean starts from $99 . For many families with eligible children, CDBS benefits will cover this entirely — and there may be significant benefit remaining for further treatment such as fillings or X-rays within the same benefit period.
Where the total cost of treatment exceeds the available CDBS benefit, a gap amount may apply. Our team will always provide a written quote before any treatment begins so there are no surprises. And if there is a gap, Afterpay is available to help spread the cost into manageable payments.
The key takeaway: for families across Broadmeadows, Glenroy, Campbellfield, and surrounds who qualify, the CDBS represents a genuine and significant opportunity to give your child a healthy start in life — at little or no out-of-pocket cost.
How to Check If Your Child Is Eligible
Checking CDBS eligibility is straightforward, and you do not need a referral from a GP.
Step 1 — Check via Medicare online or myGov
Log in to your myGov account and navigate to your Medicare section. Under "My Health," look for "Child Dental Benefits Schedule." Your child's eligibility status and remaining balance will be displayed there.
Step 2 — Call Services Australia
If you prefer to speak with someone, call Services Australia on 132 011 (Medicare general enquiries). Have your Medicare card and your child's date of birth ready.
Step 3 — Let Y3 Smiles confirm it on the day
If you are unsure, simply book an appointment. Y3 Smiles Dental has HICAPS on-site, which means we can verify your child's CDBS eligibility and process the Medicare claim in real time — no paperwork, no waiting, no bulk billing gap forms to fill in at home. Our reception team can also do a preliminary check at the time of booking if you prefer.
What to bring to your child's first CDBS appointment:
- Your Medicare card (or the child's individual Medicare card if they have one)
- Any Health Care Card or Centrelink paperwork if applicable
- A list of any concerns about your child's teeth
Our clinics are conveniently located for families across Broadmeadows, Glenroy, Campbellfield, Craigieburn, Meadow Heights, and Coolaroo , with easy parking and public transport access.
What Happens at a CDBS Appointment at Y3 Smiles?
We know that for many children, a visit to the dentist can feel unfamiliar or even a little daunting. At Y3 Smiles Dental, we work hard to make every child's appointment calm, gentle, and even enjoyable.
Arrival and welcome
You will be greeted by our friendly reception team. If you have not visited before, we will take a brief health history for your child. HICAPS claims for CDBS are processed at check-in, so there is no end-of-appointment paperwork.
The examination
Our dentists take a gentle, no-rush approach with children. The examination includes a thorough check of all teeth, gums, jaw development, and bite. We use child-appropriate language to explain what we are doing at every step — helping children feel informed rather than anxious.
X-rays (if indicated)
Dental X-rays help us identify issues that are not visible to the naked eye, such as decay between teeth or developing issues with adult teeth. We only take X-rays when clinically indicated, and the process is quick and comfortable.
Scale and clean
Our dental hygiene treatment is gentle and thorough. We use child-friendly tools and explain each step in a way that makes sense to young patients.
Aftercare and advice
We will always take the time to discuss your child's oral health, answer any questions, and recommend a recall schedule. If further treatment is indicated, we will provide a clear written quote and discuss options — including the use of remaining CDBS benefit.
Our bilingual team
Y3 Smiles Dental is proud to offer dental care in Turkish and Arabic as well as English. For many families in Broadmeadows, Glenroy, Campbellfield, and Meadow Heights, being able to communicate comfortably in your preferred language makes a meaningful difference — especially when explaining a child's dental needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use CDBS at any dentist, or only at public clinics?
No — you are not limited to community dental clinics or public hospital dental services. The CDBS can be used at any registered participating private dental practice , including Y3 Smiles Dental. This means your child can receive care in a modern, welcoming private clinic without the long waitlists often associated with public dental services. Y3 Smiles accepts CDBS across all of our available appointment types for eligible children.
Does CDBS cover braces or orthodontic treatment?
No. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is designed to fund preventive and basic dental care — not orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic services such as traditional braces, clear aligners, retainers, and palate expanders are not claimable under the CDBS. If your child needs orthodontic assessment, this would be a separate consultation and cost. Speak to our team and we can discuss the options available.
What if my child needs a filling — is that included?
Yes. Fillings are covered under the CDBS , subject to available benefit balance and clinical eligibility. This includes tooth-coloured (composite) fillings for visible teeth and amalgam fillings where applicable. If your child has a cavity identified during their check-up, we will explain the recommended treatment, provide a written quote, and confirm what portion will be covered by their CDBS balance before any work begins.
My child is nervous about the dentist. Can you help?
Absolutely. Managing dental anxiety in children is something our team has considerable experience with. We use a gentle, explain-and-show approach — always talking your child through what is happening before we do it. Our appointments are unhurried, our team is warm and patient, and we adapt the pace to suit each individual child. For families who speak Turkish or Arabic, our bilingual team members can communicate directly with your child in their preferred language, which can significantly reduce anxiety. If your child has significant dental anxiety, please mention this when booking so we can prepare accordingly.
Can I book online?
Yes. You can book your child's CDBS appointment online at any time, 24 hours a day. Select "Children's Dentistry (CDBS)" as the service when prompted. Alternatively, call us on (03) 9022 4442 and our reception team will be happy to assist. If you are unsure about your child's CDBS eligibility, just let us know when you book and we can check on the day via HICAPS.
Conclusion
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule exists to make dental care genuinely accessible for Australian families — but only families who know about it can use it. If your child is aged between 2 and 17 and your family receives Family Tax Benefit Part A or a qualifying Centrelink payment, there is a real chance your child has up to $1,158 in dental benefits available to them right now.
At Y3 Smiles Dental, we are a participating CDBS provider serving families across Broadmeadows, Glenroy, Campbellfield, Craigieburn, Meadow Heights, Westmeadows, and the wider northern Melbourne region. Our bilingual team, HICAPS on-site Medicare claiming, and gentle child-friendly approach mean the experience is as easy and comfortable as possible for both you and your child.
Check your child's eligibility today — and if they qualify, do not let those benefits go to waste.
Book a CDBS appointment online or call (03) 9022 4442 . Same-week appointments are often available. For more information about our children's dental services, visit our Children's Dentistry page .
Written by Dr Fatima Kurnaz DDS (MELB) | AHPRA Registration No. DEN0001925511
Y3 Smiles Dental