When does the Child Dental Benefits Schedule commence?

The new Government Scheme commenced 1st January 2014 for all eligible families

Who is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

Child Dental Benefits Schedule will be available to children between the ages of 2 and 17 years of age. They must be eligible for Medicare and the family must be in receipt of Tax Benefit Part A or receive one of the following Government payments

* Youth Allowance

* ABSTUDY

* Disability Support Pension

* Parenting Payment

* Special Benefit* Carer Payment

* Double Orphan Pension

* Veteran’s Children Education Scheme, if the child is 16 or over

* Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme, if the child is 16 or over

How will I know if we’re eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

Eligible families will receive written notification from the Australian Government from early 2014. The notification is not a voucher for service. If in doubt, contact Medicare and they would be able to tell you whether you are eligible. It is the responsibility of the parents to check whether there is enough funding remaining for their treatment.

How long does eligibility last?

Patients will be eligible for the scheme throughout the entire calendar year.

What if my child is turning 2 or 18 sometime throughout the year?

If your child is turning 2 or 18 throughout the year they will still be eligible that year, for the full year, for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Children need only be between 2 and 17 at some point throughout the entire year.

What if our family stops receiving any of the Government benefits which entitles my children to CDBS?

Your children will still be eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule even if Government payments cease throughout the year, as you only need to be receiving benefits at some point throughout the year.

Will eligibility be reassessed throughout the year?

The Government will check throughout the year to determine newly eligible children however most families will be advised at the start of each year.

What is covered by the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

Dental services covered by the Child Dental Benefits Schedule include

* Dental check-ups

* Teeth cleaning

* X-rays

* Fillings

* Fissure seals

* Extractions

* Root canal treatment

* Partial dentures

High-end dental services such as Orthodontics or Cosmetic Dentistry are not included.

When does the 2 year period commence?

Patients have $1000 to use on dental treatment over a two year period. The 2 year period commences at the start of the calendar year, not from the first appointment date.

Can my child use the full $1000 in the first year?

Yes, patients can use their full benefits within the first year if required. If this is the case, additional benefits will not be made available in the second year.

What happens if my child doesn't use the $1000 in the first year?

Patients have $1000 to use on dental treatment over a two year period. The 2 year period commences at the start of the calendar year, not from the first appointment date.

What happens if my child doesn’t use the $1000 within two years?

If the full $1000 is not used within the two calendar year period, remaining benefits cannot be used in the future.

Can other family members use the Child Dental Benefits Schedule for their dental treatment?

The benefits can only be used by the eligible patient. Benefits cannot be shared amongst family members.

What happens if my child doesn't use the $1000 in the first year?

Patients have $1000 to use on dental treatment over a two year period. The 2 year period commences at the start of the calendar year, not from the first appointment date.

What happens if my child reaches the $1000 benefit limit?

After a patient reaches their $1000 benefit limit, no further benefits under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule will be available within the 2 calendar year period of time.

What if my child needs more treatment which will extend past the $1000 benefit limit?

Patients will need to pay the balance for any treatment over $1000. It is best to talk to your Dentist to understand if this may occur.

Are there any limits to the number of treatments my child can receive?

The Government has placed some limits on the number of dental services which can be provided to individual patients. Your Dentist will be able to advise you as to whether these limits will affect you.

Can my child have dental treatment performed in a hospital under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is only available for treatment completed outside of a hospital.

Can I use my private health insurance with Child Dental Benefits Schedule services?

No, patients with private health insurance are unable to claim benefits from both their health fund and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule for the same treatment.

Can my child still use private health insurance for other services not covered by Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

Yes, private health insurance can be used for additional treatment not covered by Child Dental Benefits Schedule

I’ve been advised that my children are eligible for Child Dental Benefits Schedule, what do I do now?

All you need to do now is contact the surgery and book an appointment.

My Dentist said that he is not bulk billing patients but will bill them privately. What does this mean?

Dentists will request that patients pay in full on the day of treatment and claim back eligible benefits from Medicare. Prior to any treatment occurring you will be informed of the treatment that will be provided on this day under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, the likely cost of this treatment, including any out-of-pocket costs and the billing and payment arrangements for the services.

I’ve been advised that my children are eligible for Child Dental Benefits Schedule, what do I do now?

All you need to do now is contact the surgery and book an appointment.

Will all dentists accept Child Dental Benefits Schedule Patients?

Dentists or Dental Specialists in either public or private sectors must

* Hold general or specialist registration as a dentist with the Dental Board of Australia and

* Have a Medicare provider number to be eligible to offer services to Child Dental Benefits Schedule patients.

Do I need to pay a dentist after treatment?

Yes, the account must be paid at the end of each treatment. The receptionist will then type an account with the item codes. The account is taken to Medicare and you will be rebated by Medicare. At Bright Smile Dental, exam, scale and clean, Fluoride and Xrays will be fully rebatable ie there would not be any out of pocket expenses. For the other treatment performed, you will be provided an estimate of any charges. The account must be paid on the day and then you can claim back eligible benefits from Medicare. Benefits for some services may have restrictions under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. In addition CDBS covers only a limited range of services. You will need to personally meet the costs of any services not covered by the Child Dental Benefits Schedule or once benefits are exhausted