If you’re a parent in Australia, chances are you’ve already noticed how quickly dental bills can add up. A simple check-up here, a filling there, and before you know it, you’re staring at a bill that could easily throw off the family budget. Well, the good news is that the Australian Government continues to roll out the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) in 2025, which provides up to $1,234 worth of dental services per child.
Now, that’s not a small amount. For many families, it can make the difference between delaying treatment and getting kids the care they actually need, right when they need it. But, of course, the million-dollar question is: Is your child eligible? Let’s break it all down in a clear, straightforward way.
What Exactly Is the $1,234 Child Dental Benefit?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a government initiative aimed at making dental care more affordable for children aged 0 to 17 years. It’s essentially a subsidy that covers common dental services.
The benefits are capped at $1,234 per eligible child over a two-calendar-year period (2024–2025). That means the amount doesn’t reset every year but instead spreads across two years. If your child doesn’t use the full amount in one year, the balance carries over, provided they remain eligible.
What Services Are Covered?
You might be wondering—what does this benefit actually include? To be fair, it doesn’t cover every single dental procedure under the sun, but it does provide for the basics and essentials most kids need.
Here’s a quick rundown of what’s covered:
- Routine check-ups and dental examinations
- X-rays (if needed)
- Professional cleaning and scaling
- Fillings for cavities
- Tooth extractions (if absolutely necessary)
- Root canals for children
But here’s the catch—it doesn’t cover cosmetic treatments like braces or orthodontics, nor does it cover hospital-based dental services. So, while it helps massively with general dental needs, parents may still need to budget for specialised care separately.
Who Is Eligible in 2025?
Eligibility is where things get a little tricky. Not every child automatically qualifies. Instead, eligibility is linked to whether a family receives certain government payments.
To qualify in 2025:
- Age Requirement: The child must be between 0 and 17 years old at any point during the calendar year.
- Medicare Enrolment: The child must be enrolled in Medicare.
- Government Payment Requirement: A parent, carer, or guardian must be receiving an eligible payment at least once a year. Examples include:
- Family Tax Benefit Part A
- Parenting Payment
- Carer Payment
- Disability Support Pension (for the child)
If your family is on one of these benefits, chances are your child will be eligible. The government usually sends out a letter or notification confirming eligibility.
Why This Benefit Matters
Let’s be honest—dental care isn’t cheap. A single filling can cost anywhere from $150 to $300, and that’s for just one tooth. Multiply that by a couple of cavities (which, let’s face it, kids sometimes do get thanks to sweet treats), and suddenly you’re staring at a bill that rivals your monthly grocery expenses.
This is why the $1,234 benefit can be a real lifesaver. It not only reduces out-of-pocket expenses but also encourages parents to take kids for regular check-ups instead of waiting until a problem becomes serious—and far more expensive.
How to Access the Benefit
Here’s where it gets practical. To actually use the benefit, you need to:
- Confirm Eligibility – You can check through your Medicare online account or by calling Services Australia.
- Book with a Dentist Who Accepts CDBS – Not all dental clinics participate, so double-check before booking. Most public dental clinics and many private dentists do.
- Consent Forms – You’ll be asked to sign a consent form before treatment, ensuring you understand how much of the benefit will be used.
- No Upfront Payment (in most cases) – If the clinic bulk-bills under CDBS, you won’t need to pay upfront. Otherwise, you may pay and claim back through Medicare.
Key Details of Child Dental Benefits 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Amount | $1,234 per child (over 2 years) |
| Age Range | 0–17 years |
| Covered Services | Check-ups, X-rays, cleaning, fillings, extractions, root canals |
| Not Covered | Braces, orthodontics, hospital-based dental |
| Eligibility Linked To | Family Tax Benefit A, Parenting Payment, Carer Payment, etc. |
| Access Through | Medicare and participating dental clinics |
The $1,234 Child Dental Benefit 2025 is more than just a government handout—it’s a practical way of keeping children’s dental health in check without sending parents into financial stress. While it won’t cover everything (sorry, braces still fall outside the scheme), it does cover the essentials most children need.
So, if you’re a parent, carer, or guardian, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check your child’s eligibility. After all, it’s one of those government perks that can really make a difference—both to your wallet and to your child’s smile.
FAQs
1. How much is the Child Dental Benefit in 2025?
It’s capped at $1,234 per child over a two-year period.
2. Does every child in Australia qualify?
No, eligibility depends on Medicare enrolment and whether the family receives certain government benefits.
3. Can the benefit be used for braces or orthodontics?
Unfortunately, no. It covers basic dental care only, not cosmetic or orthodontic procedures.
4. What happens if I don’t use the full amount in one year?
The balance carries over to the next year, as long as the child remains eligible.
5. How do I check if my child is eligible?
You can check through your Medicare online account, the Express Plus Medicare app, or by contacting Services Australia.