- How do I know whether my child is eligible for the CDBS?
- Services Australia assesses it and generally notifies families directly at the start of a calendar year. Eligibility usually follows a qualifying payment such as Family Tax Benefit Part A. You can check in your Medicare online account, or ring us and we will check the balance when you book.
- Does the benefit reset every year?
- It is a capped amount across a two-calendar-year period rather than an annual allowance, so an unused balance can carry into the second year. It does not roll on indefinitely, which is the reason it is worth using rather than saving.
- Can I use the CDBS and private health cover together?
- Not on the same item. Where a treatment is claimed under the CDBS, it is not also claimed from your fund. Where a child needs something the schedule does not cover, private extras can contribute to that instead, and we will tell you which applies to what.
- Is there anything to pay at the appointment?
- For treatment within the schedule and within the remaining balance, generally nothing. We bill Services Australia directly. If the balance runs out partway through a plan we will tell you before continuing rather than afterwards.
- My child turned 18 partway through treatment. What happens?
- Eligibility ends, and any remaining balance goes with it. If your child is approaching 18 and has a balance left, it is worth booking a check-up before the birthday rather than after.
- Do you take patients on a public dental waiting list?
- We are a private practice, so we are not part of the public system and cannot move you up a list. What we can do is see you privately for an examination so you know what is actually going on, which some people find worth doing while they wait. Ring us and we will tell you what that costs before you book.
