You may not be aware of it, but your child could be eligible for up to $1000 for dental work covered by Medicare. This amazing project is called the Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS) and it is helping families get their children the dental work they need. 

Did you know that 1 in 4 children aged between 5-10 years have untreated tooth decay in their primary teeth? Or that once aged over 15 years that 1 in 25 Australians have no natural teeth? It‘s a bit scary to hear and too know this can be avoided in your child with regular dental visits is a massive peace of mind and weight lifted. This is where CDBS steps in and helps those families that may not be able to afford regular dental visits for their children. 

It is an initiative which allows children aged between 2-17 years of age whose families receive Family Tax Benefit Part A or a relevant Australian Government payment access to $1000 over every 2 calendar years to go towards dental work such as x-rays, check ups, cleans, fillings and more! The only work that the scheme does not cover is orthodontics, cosmetic and any services provided in hospital.

For more information on what CDBS covers please visit the link below: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/child-dental-benefits-schedule/whats-covered

Families can check whether they are eligible by contacting the Department of Human Services or you may have already received a letter from the Government this year regarding it.

But now that you are able to bring your child in for regular check ups, how often should they be seen?

Well, here at Church St Dental, we recommend bringing your child in every 6 months for an examination as it helps catch minor problems early before they turn into major issues. 

This can be especially important for young children as their adult molars start to come through and their baby teeth start to fall out. Catching any issues earlier on in the development stage is crucial to stop the major problems arising later in life. 

During a check up, CDBS will help cover the cost of:

1. A full examination – where the dentist can see any visual problems with the teeth.
2. A full scale and clean – to help take off any plaque buildup that regular brushing and flossing can miss. 
3. Fluoride treatment – to help with any sensitivity after the clean and keeping the tooth enamel strong.
4. X-rays – to see the gaps between the teeth to check for any hidden holes or cavities (these x-rays, known as bitewings, only need to be taken every 2 years or as needed depending on the dentist’s decision). 

So I know we may have convinced all the parents out there, but the dentist can still be a scary place for kids, especially if they’re not used to the environment or have had a bad experience in the past. 

To help with any nerves, our employee of the month Boston is here to help. Boston is a delta-qualified therapy dog who is available for cuddles and pats upon request. We are one of the only dental practices on the Central Coast that offer this service, so not only does your child get a free check up provided by Medicare, but they make a new best friend along the way!

Any further questions regarding CDBS, please feel free to give us a call on 4351 1642 where our reception staff are happy to help with any queries you may have. 

For further general information regarding CDBS, please view the link below; https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/child-dental-benefits-schedule

You can also visit the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s website below for more statistics regarding Australians and their teeth: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/health-conditions-disability-deaths/dental-oral-health/overview

And remember, when booking your child in, make sure to not only let us know if your child is eligible but if they would like Boston to make a special appearance and keep their beautiful smiles big and wide! 

Written by Katie W.