Now accepting Child Benefits Patients

Stellar Smiles is accepting new Child Benefits Schedule patients and existing eligible Stellar Smiles patients will be transferred to the new scheme.

 

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a new Government funded dental benefits program that commenced 1 January 2014, providing access to basic dental services for eligible children aged between 2-17 years. The total benefit entitlement is capped at $1000 per child over a two year calender period. The CDBS requires receipt of Family Tax Benefit A or a relevant Australian Government payment.

The CDBS provides individual benefits for a range of services including examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fissure seals, fillings, root canals, and extractions. Benefits are not available for orthodontic or cosmetic work and cannot be used for any services provided in a hospital.

From January 2014, eligible families for eligible teenagers and approved care organisations will receive a letter to confirm eligibility.

Eligibility

A child’s eligibility is assessed at the beginning of each year and lasts the whole calendar year. A child is eligible if they are aged 2–17 years for at least 1 day of the calendar year, are eligible for Medicare and are either part of a family receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A or one of the following Australian 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

In 2014, benefits for basic dental services are capped at $1,000 per child over 2 consecutive calendar years. Benefits cannot be shared amongst family members. If you do not use all of your $1,000 benefit in the first year of eligibility, you can use it in the second year if you are still eligible. Any remaining balance will not be carried forward at the end of the second year. You will need to personally meet the costs of any services not covered by the Child Benefits Schedule and costs of any additional services if the benefits are exhausted.

You can confirm your child’s eligibility and balance amount by accessing your Medicare online account at my.gov.au or calling the Medicare general enquiries line on 132 011.