Does Medicare cover Dentistry?
The only dental treatment that Medicare covers is for children under 18 in these circumstances:
- The child must be aged between 0 and 17 years for at least one day in the calendar year.
- They must be eligible for Medicare.
- The child, or their parent/carer/guardian, must receive an eligible Australian Government payment (like Family Tax Benefit Part A) at least once in that year.
If eligible, families don’t need to apply — Services Australia will usually let you know, or you can check eligibility through the myGov website.
How the CDBS Works in 2026
From 1 January 2026, the CDBS benefit cap has been indexed to up to $1,158 over a two-calendar-year period — an increase from previous years. This means eligible children can have up to $1,158 worth of basic dental services covered by the CDBS if their treatment period begins in 2026.
Key things to know:
The CDBS cap applies over a two-year period that starts when your child first receives a dental service under the scheme. Unused balance in the first year rolls over into the second year — but once the two years end, unused benefits expire.
What Dental Services Are Covered
Under the CDBS, dental services include:
- Dental examinations
- X-rays
- Cleaning and scale & polish
- Fissure sealants
- Fillings
- Root canal treatment
- Extractions
- Partial dentures
The CDBS does NOT cover:
- Orthodontic or cosmetic dental procedures
- Dental services provided while in hospital
At Power Dental Practice we bulk-bill CDBS services, meaning you pay nothing out-of-pocket (up to the annual limits)
How to Use the CDBS
You can check eligibility and balance in your myGov account or we can check for you when you arrive for your appointment.
When booking, tell our receptionist that you want to use the CDBS — this gives them a chance to check eligibility and benefits.
Your dental practitioner at Power Dental willexamine your child and recommended any treatment. We will let you know what part is covered under Medicare before we go ahead
Most services can be claimed on the spot, usually with no upfront cost if the dentist bulk bills.
Setting Your Child Up for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles
Here are a few simple tips:
- Take your child for their first dental visit early — ideally when their first tooth appears or at 12 months old.
- Schedule regular check-ups — usually every 6 months or as recommended.
- Teach and model good brushing and flossing habits.
- Use the CDBS where eligible — it’s a free resource designed to support your child’s oral health.
Dental care doesn’t have to be confusing or expensive for families who qualify — with programs like the CDBS helping to bridge the gap, more children can enjoy the benefits of good oral health. Talk to us at Power Dental Practice about how the CDBS might help your family, and make your child’s dental health a priority in 2026!