Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?
Medicare’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a program that provides eligible children and teenagers aged between 0 and 17 up to $1158 in benefits over 2 calendar years for basic dental services.
A child is eligible if they are:
- Eligible for medicare, and
- Aged 0-17 years at any point in the calendar year, and
- Receive a relevant Australian Government payment, such as Family Tax Benefit Part A, at any point in the calendar year.
Services Australia assess a child’s eligibility from the start of each calendar year and routinely check for newly eligible children. A notification of eligibility is sent to the child or their parent/guardian either by post or electronically through MyGov.
What is the cost?
There is no out of pocket expense for all children eligible under Medicare’s CDBS as long as there are sufficient funds available.
If your child is not eligible under Medicare’s CDBS they can still receive their dental treatment at a fixed cost of $75 payable in full before our visit.
How do I find out if my child is eligible for the CDBS?
To check your eligibility login to your Medicare Online Account or call the Medicare program 132 011
If you are still unsure of your child’s eligibility please fill out the Dental Consent form on the Bookings page and we can check on your behalf.
What if my child is not eligible for Medicare's CDBS?
If you child is not eligible for the CDBS or you have used up your remaining benefit, we are able to offer the same service at a fixed cost of $75.
If you have private health cover that includes dental will will issue you an invoice after your child’s treatment to make a claim.
Is your dental service covered by private health insurance?
If you have private health cover that includes dental we will issue you an invoice after your child’s treatment to make a claim.
Rebate levels will differ so please contact your private health insurance directly to find out what will be covered. A general check up and clean will involve the following item numbers and services:
- 011 – Comprehensive oral examination $40
- 111 – Removal of plaque and/or stain $25
- 121 – Topical application of remineralisation and/or cariostatic agents, one treatment $10
The following list includes some of the other services we may claim. We do not claim all of these services, only what is relevant and applicable to your child on the day.
- 012 – Periodic oral examination $40
- 013 – Oral examination – limited $30
- 114 – Removal of calculus – first visit $50
What if my child doesn’t go ahead with the service on the day?
After our visit, if your child was away or not seen at all we do not take any payment (Medicare CDBS) and if you pre-paid the $75 we will process you a refund.
Partial refunds will be issued if your child received limited services.
What if my child is scared?
The Smile Safari team specialises in working with children and will do everything they can to ensure your child is comfortable during their dental visit.
Our goal is to create a positive dental experience no matter what. If this isn’t possible we simply do not go ahead and try again at our next visit.
Can I be present for my child’s dental visit?
Parents and guardians are more than welcome to be present for their child’s dental visit. It is not a requirement however if you would like to attend on the day please specify this on the consent form and we will call you to pre-arrange a time that suits.
What if my child doesn’t attend day care on the day you are visiting?
If the day we visit doesn’t fall on a day that your child usually attends, you are more than welcome to drop into the centre on the day we visit at a pre-arranged time. Please let us know on the consent form and we will call you to arrange a time that suits.
How do I book my child in for your services?
You can register your child any time via Bookings and filling in the Dental Consent form. Paper forms will also be available at your child’s daycare at least 1 month prior to our visit.
We kindly ask that Dental Consent form is completed no later than 1 week prior to our visit so that we can check your child’s CDBS eligibility. If your child is not eligible and you would still like the service we will contact you.
How do I find out what happened during the dental visit?
After your child’s dental visit we will email the parents/guardians a detailed report so please ensure you have supplied an email address on your consent form.
What if my child needs further dental treatment after your visit?
If it’s been indicated on your child’s report that they require further dental treatment (e.g. fillings, crowns, extractions etc) we highly recommend you visit your local general dentist or paediatric dental specialist as soon as possible to have treatment completed.
How do I book Smile Safari for our childcare centre?
If you’re a parent or childcare centre that wants Smile Safari to attend please message us on our Contact form and we’ll send you some more information and arrange it!
Book Smile Safari for your daycare!
If you’d like Smile Safari to visit your daycare get in touch and we’ll make it happen!