Kids dental
We get kids, which means we get kids dental.
At Bupa Dental, we believe in making dentistry as stress-free as possible for kids. Our aim is to make sure kids look forward to their next dental visit.
Likewise, a trip to the dentist shouldn’t be a snoozefest! That’s why we have a range of fun activities and games – from cartoons to colouring in – to keep kids entertained throughout their appointment.
We know kids are keen to feel included, so we involve them at every stage of their treatment – meaning they’ll forever associate a trip to the dentist with an exciting, educational experience.
We get kids, which means we get kids dental
Kid dentist: Another busy one today James
Kid dental assistant: No rest for the wicked
Kid dental assistant: Hello and welcome to Bupa Dental
Kid dentist: It’s important for kids to feel as relaxed as possible… ‘stop wriggling’
Kid dentist: And of course we need to make sure they’re having lots and lots and lots of fun
Kid dental assistant: We involve them at every stage, because kids are smarter than you think
At Bupa Dental we get kids, which means to get kids dental
Do you know about the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
Your child may be eligible for benefits through the Australian Government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), which may reduce or cover the cost of eligible dental services.
Child Dental Benefits Schedule is an Australian Government program that helps eligible children aged 0 to 17 access basic dental services, with benefits up to $1,158 over two consecutive calendar years.
At Bupa Dental, we can help you access and use your child’s CDBS benefits, so they get the care they need without unnecessary delays.
What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a government-funded dental program that helps improve children’s oral health by covering the cost of basic dental services.
It supports early prevention, diagnosis and treatment to reduce the risk of long-term dental issues.
What dental services are covered under CDBS?
CDBS covers a range of preventive and general dental treatments, including:
- Dental check-ups and examinations
- X-rays
- Professional cleaning
- Fluoride treatments
- Fissure sealants
- Fillings
- Silver crowns
- Root canal treatments
- Tooth extractions
These services are designed to keep your child’s teeth healthy and address problems early.
Not covered: orthodontics, cosmetic treatments or hospital-based dental services. Restrictions may apply for some dental item numbers.
How much can you claim?
Eligible children can receive up to $1,158 per child in benefits over two consecutive calendar years.
- The two-year period starts when your child first becomes eligible and receives treatment
- You can use the full amount in year one, or spread it across two years
- Some services may be fully covered, depending on your treatment plan
Who is eligible for CDBS?
Your child may be eligible if they:
- Are aged 0–17 years
- Are eligible for Medicare
- Receive, or are part of a family receiving, certain government payments (e.g. Family Tax Benefit Part A)
You can check eligibility through your Medicare account. (Link Child Dental Benefits Schedule - Services Australia)
Book your child’s dental visit
At Bupa Dental, we can help you check eligibility and explain your child’s benefits.
You can check your child’s eligibility through your Medicare account via myGov, or by contacting Medicare directly.
No, you don’t need to apply separately. If your child is eligible, Services Australia will usually notify you, or you can check via Medicare.
Yes. The CDBS can be used at participating dental clinics across Australia, including Bupa Dental.
Some treatments may result in out-of-pocket costs, depending on your available benefits and the services required.
Your Bupa Dental clinic will always discuss these costs with you beforehand and obtain your consent before proceeding with treatment.
This depends on whether the practice offers bulk billing for CDBS services.
- Bulk-billing practices claim the eligible CDBS benefit directly from Medicare. If there are any costs not covered by the CDBS benefit, you will generally only need to pay the out-of-pocket amount (gap) at the time of treatment.
- Non-bulk-billing practices may require you to pay the full treatment cost upfront and then submit a claim to Medicare to receive the eligible CDBS benefit. As claiming arrangements can vary between practices and clinicians, we recommend confirming how CDBS claims are processed with your chosen practice before your appointment and asking about any potential out-of-pocket costs.
As claiming arrangements can vary between practices and clinicians, we recommend confirming how CDBS claims are processed with your chosen practice before your appointment and asking about any potential out-of-pocket costs.
You can use both your private health insurance Extras cover and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), but you cannot claim benefits from both for the same dental service.
If a dental item is not covered by CDBS, or if you have exhausted your available CDBS benefits, you may be able to claim through your Extras cover. However, payment of benefits is not guaranteed and will depend on your level of cover, applicable waiting periods, annual limits, benefit restrictions, and your fund's policy terms and conditions.
This removes the duplication in the original wording and clarifies that Extras cover may assist with out-of-scope or additional treatment, while making it clear that cover is subject to eligibility and policy rules.
If your child does not use the full CDBS benefit amount during their two-year benefit period, the unused balance does not carry over to the next two-year period. Once the benefit period ends, any remaining balance is forfeited.
For example, if your child has access to a benefit cap over 2026–2027 and only uses part of it, any unused amount remaining at the end of 2027 cannot be transferred to the next benefit period.
No. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) does not reset every year. Instead, eligible children receive a capped benefit amount over two consecutive calendar years.
The two-year benefit period starts when the child first receives a CDBS-funded dental service.
For example, if a child first uses their CDBS benefits in 2026, their benefit cap applies across 2026 and 2027. A new cap only becomes available if they remain eligible when the next two-year period begins.
The CDBS does not cover:
- Orthodontic treatment (e.g. braces)
- Cosmetic dental procedures
- Hospital-based dental services
Your child can access up to the total benefit cap over a two-year period, starting from their first eligible visit.
Their first trip to the dentist – what to expect
Your child will meet their Bupa dentist or oral health therapist. They’ll be shown around the dental surgery and get comfortable in the high-tech moving dental chair. Their first visit mainly involves a routine visual inspection – to make sure there’s nothing unusual with their teeth and gums. The dentist will count their teeth using the dental mirror – of course your child is welcome to count along!
The dentist will assess the growth and development of your child’s teeth, taking time to answer any questions you or your child might have – creating a positive, open experience for everyone.
Finally, the dentist will provide some tips for keeping your child’s teeth healthy at home, including brushing and flossing techniques – as well as how to make healthy snack and drink choices.
To help settle any nerves, your child can read all about their first trip to the dentist, or watch our video below.
What happens in a trip to the dentist
Their trip to the dentist – what to expect
Kid dentist: Open wide!
At Bupa Dental, we get kids dental
Have you been flossing?
Kid patient: yes
Kid dentist: Which means we know how to make a trip to the dentist fun for kids
We start with an examination of your teeth and gums to make sure they’re healthy
To make your smile shine bright, we might give your teeth a clean to remove any nastiest like plaque and tartar
Finally, we’ll show you how to look after your teeth at home
And that’s it
Oh and don’t forget to grab your goodie bag on the way out!
Now it’s your turn! Come and see us today.
Healthy habits at home
We all know brushing twice a day is important – but equally important is helping your child get the right technique. Our dentists will demonstrate how best to brush and floss during your child’s appointment – but they might need a little help from their parents until they’re around seven or eight years old.
Small, circular actions are best – all while keeping the toothbrush angled at 45 degrees towards the gum line. Once your child’s teeth are touching, they’ll need to start flossing. This is usually between the ages of two and three. Kids love a good routine so try to have teeth cleaning take place at the same time each day – for example after breakfast, and just before bed.
The dentist will also give you and your child some tips about the types of food and drink that are good (and not so good) for their teeth. Generally, it’s recommended to give them nutritious foods – particularly fruit and vegetables – and ensure they drink mainly tap water or milk. They should avoid sugary or highly processed foods, and sugary drinks like juice and fizzy drinks.
Learn more about healthy habits at home.
Learn more about kids dental
