If you’ve been searching for a dentist in Greenvale that bulk bills children, here’s what you actually need to know: the term “bulk billing” technically applies to Medicare GP visits, but the dental equivalent for kids is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, and that’s exactly what Greenvale Dental House accepts.
The distinction matters, because understanding how the CDBS works means you can plan your child’s dental care without nasty surprises on the bill.
With four experienced dentists and nearly 40 years of caring for 39,000+ families in Melbourne’s north-west, our team at Greenvale Dental House can check your child’s eligibility, explain exactly what’s covered, and provide quality dental care that may result in no out-of-pocket fees for eligible services.
So, What Exactly Is the CDBS?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a federal government program administered by Medicare. It’s designed to help families access basic dental care for their children without the full financial burden. Here’s the snapshot:
Who’s eligible: Children aged 0 to 17 who are eligible for Medicare and whose family receives certain government payments (Family Tax Benefit Part A, or certain other payments for at least part of the calendar year).
How much is covered: Up to $1,095.60 per child over a consecutive two-year period (known as a “cap period”). The cap period starts from the date of the child’s first eligible dental service.
What’s covered:
- Check-ups and examinations
- X-rays
- Cleaning (scale and polish)
- Fissure sealants
- Fillings
- Extractions
- Root canal treatment on children’s teeth
What’s not covered:
- Orthodontic treatment (braces, aligners)
- Cosmetic dental work
- Hospital or general anaesthesia fees
- Services provided in a hospital
How to Check If Your Child Is Eligible
You can check your child’s CDBS eligibility in a few ways:
- MyGov: Log in and check through your Medicare account
- Medicare app: Check via the Express Plus Medicare app
- By contacting Medicare directly
- At our practice: Our team can verify eligibility at the time of your appointment
If your child is eligible, Medicare will have sent you a letter or notification at the start of the calendar year. But if you’ve missed it or aren’t sure, just ask us. We check eligibility as a standard part of every children’s appointment.
The No-Surprise Billing Part
When your child is covered by the CDBS and the service falls within the schedule, you may pay nothing out of pocket. We bill Medicare directly for covered services, so there’s no upfront payment and no claim forms for you to fill out.
A couple of things to keep in mind:
The cap is shared. If your child has used some of their $1,095.60 balance at another practice, the remaining amount carries over to us. We can check their remaining balance.
Some treatments may exceed the CDBS. If your child needs a service that isn’t covered, or if their balance is running low, we’ll always discuss this with you before any treatment begins. No surprises, ever.
We also accept all major private health funds and offer flexible payment options for any services not covered by the CDBS.
Beyond the CDBS: Making Kids’ Dental Affordable
The CDBS is a fantastic program, but it doesn’t cover everything. For services outside the schedule, such as orthodontics or more complex treatments, we offer:
- Private health fund claims: We work with all major health funds and can process your claim on the spot
- Flexible payment options: Because kids’ dental needs don’t always align with the family budget
- Preventive focus: Regular check-ups and preventive care, like fissure sealants, can help avoid more involved treatments down the track
Our philosophy is simple: every child in Greenvale deserves quality dental care, regardless of their family’s financial situation. We’ll always work with you to find a way.
Why It Matters (More Than You Think)
Here’s the thing about children’s dental health: it sets the foundation for everything that comes after. Decay in baby teeth can affect the adult teeth developing underneath. Early check-ups can catch problems before they become complicated and costly.
The CDBS exists because the government recognises that early dental care for children is an investment in their long-term health. Taking advantage of it while your child is eligible just makes sense.
At Greenvale Dental House, our team, including Dr Michael who’s a dad himself, understands the juggle. We make the process straightforward: bring your child in, we check eligibility, provide gentle care, and handle the billing. You focus on convincing them to brush before bed.
If you’re looking for a dentist in Greenvale that accepts the CDBS for children, Greenvale Dental House has you covered. Book your child’s appointment with us and we’ll take care of the rest.
