Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is an Australian Government program that provides access to up to $1,132 in benefits over two calendar years, covering most general dental services. The CDBS cannot be used to pay for specialist services like orthodontics or services provided under general anaesthetic.

You can check your child’s eligibility and CDBS balance through your Medicare online account at myGov, or by calling 132 011.​​

Access free dental care

​Your child can access free dental care under the CDBS through:

  • ​Most private dentists. Ask to use the CDBS if your child is eligible and check that there will be no costs to you
  • Public dental clinics in NSW. Call 1800 679 336 to discuss your​ child’s care
  • NSW Health school-based dental services if your child’s school participates
  • Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations​

All children aged 0–17 who live in NSW and are eligible for Medicare can access free public dental care.

Even if your child has used up their full Child Dental Benefits Schedul​e (CDBS) amount or needs treatment that isn’t covered by the program, there are still no costs for care at NSW public dental clinics. Every child receives the same high-quality treatment, whether or not they’re using the CDBS.

NSW Health employs highly trained dental professionals, including dentists and oral health therapists, who are experienced in providing dental care to children.

Make an appointment for your child

Frequently asked questions about CDBS​​​

  • The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is an Australian Government program that provides access up to $1,132 in benefits over two years to cover general dental services for eligible children. The CDBS benefit usually increases each year.​

  • Children are eligible for the CDBS if they are:

    • aged 0 to 17 years for any one day of the calendar year
    • eligible for Medicare
    • part of a family that receives Family Tax Benefit Part A or the child receives an Australian Government payment from the list available through Services Australia.​
  • No. Services Australia will usually notify you if your child is eligible or you can check Services Australia. You can also check your child’s eligibility online through myGov, if the account is linked to Medicare. You can call Medicare on 132 011.


  • Your child can access dental care under the CDBS through:

    • most ​private dentists
    • public dental clinics in NSW
    • NSW Health school-based dental services
    • Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations.

  • Contact your private dentist and ask if you can use the CDBS for your child. The dentist can check your child’s eligibility and how much you have available to use. They can confirm if your child’s dental treatment will be covered by the CDBS and that there will be no costs.  

    Many private dentists will bulk bill the cost of treatment to Medicare directly after your child has seen the dentist.

    If you don’t have a dentist, you can find a private dentist near you by visiting Australian Dental Association NSW - Find a Dentist.

    If your child has used their CDBS benefit or you are worried about costs, you may also be able to receive free dental care at NSW public dental clinics.​​​

  • Using your child’s CDBS at your local NSW public dental clinic is easy and convenient.

    Call 1800 679 336 to discuss your child’s care with our staff. They will ask you questions to understand what care your child may need.

    When your child attends a NSW public dental clinic, you will need to sign a CDBS Bulk Billing Patient Consent Form allowing us to bulk bill for the treatment we provide.​

    If your child’s care is being provided through the NSW Health School Mobile Dental Program, a CDBS Bulk Billing Patient Consent Form will be included in the Parent Information and Consent Pack.​​

  • No. NSW public dental clinics will provide your child’s care at no cost to you. Even if your child isn’t eligible for the CDBS, you have used all your CDBS benefit, or if your child needs treatment not covered by the CDBS, you will not be charged for services.​

  • ​For further information about the CDBS visit Services Australia.​

Downloadable and translated resources

Current as at: Thursday 29 May 2025