If you are searching for a CDBS dentist near you, Sunbury Dental Group accepts the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) for eligible children and teenagers. The CDBS is a Australian Government initiative that provides access to basic dental services for children aged 2 to 17 who meet the eligibility requirements. Our Sunbury practice supports families from across the north-west Melbourne region — helping children access preventive and general dental care through this government-funded program.
Child Dental Benefits Scheme
CDBS Dentist in Sunbury – Child Dental Benefits Schedule Explained
What Is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a Medicare-administered program funded by the Australian Government. It provides eligible children with access to a capped amount of dental benefits for basic dental services over a two-calendar-year period.
The CDBS is administered through Services Australia (Medicare) and is not a bulk billing arrangement — it is a benefit offset program. This means the benefit is applied toward the cost of covered services, and families may or may not have an out-of-pocket expense depending on the practice’s fees. Our reception team can clarify this clearly before any appointment is confirmed.
Who Is Eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
Eligibility for the CDBS is assessed by Services Australia, not by the dental practice. To be eligible, a child must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be aged 2 to 17 years for at least one day during the calendar year
- Be eligible for Medicare
- Receive an eligible Australian Government payment — such as Family Tax Benefit Part A (FTB-A) or another qualifying payment — at any point during the calendar year
Services Australia will notify eligible families each year when a child becomes eligible. Families can also check eligibility through myGov or by calling Medicare on 132 011.
Note: Eligibility is determined entirely by Services Australia. Sunbury Dental Group is not involved in assessing or confirming eligibility. Please verify your child’s eligibility through myGov or Medicare before booking.
Who Is Eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
Eligibility for the CDBS is assessed by Services Australia, not by the dental practice. To be eligible, a child must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be aged 2 to 17 years for at least one day during the calendar year
- Be eligible for Medicare
- Receive an eligible Australian Government payment — such as Family Tax Benefit Part A (FTB-A) or another qualifying payment — at any point during the calendar year
Services Australia will notify eligible families each year when a child becomes eligible. Families can also check eligibility through myGov or by calling Medicare on 132 011.
Note: Eligibility is determined entirely by Services Australia. Sunbury Dental Group is not involved in assessing or confirming eligibility. Please verify your child’s eligibility through myGov or Medicare before booking.
What Services Are Covered Under the CDBS?
The CDBS covers a defined list of basic dental services. Covered services generally include:
Dental examinations and check-ups
X-rays (diagnostic radiographs)
Scale and clean (professional cleaning)
Fluoride treatments
Fissure sealants
Fillings (tooth restorations)
Extractions (tooth removal)
Root canal treatment on certain teeth
Partial dentures (in some circumstances)
What Is NOT Covered Under the CDBS?
The CDBS does not cover orthodontic treatment (including braces or Invisalign), cosmetic dental procedures, hospital-based dental services, or any services delivered under a general anaesthetic in a hospital setting. For services outside the CDBS benefit scope, standard fees apply and our reception team will always discuss costs with you before proceeding.
How to Use Your Child's CDBS at Sunbury Dental Group
Using your child’s CDBS entitlement at our Sunbury practice is straightforward:
- Check eligibility — Confirm your child is eligible via myGov or by calling Medicare on 132 011
- Book an appointment — Contact Sunbury Dental Group on (03) 9717-7311 or book online and mention your child’s CDBS entitlement
- Bring your Medicare card — Ensure you have your Medicare card or digital Medicare details available on the day
- Attend the appointment — Our team will provide the agreed dental services and process the CDBS claim directly through Medicare on your behalf
Review any out-of-pocket costs — Our team will clearly explain any gap fees before treatment begins
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How to Use Your Child's CDBS at Sunbury Dental Group
Using your child’s CDBS entitlement at our Sunbury practice is straightforward:
- Check eligibility — Confirm your child is eligible via myGov or by calling Medicare on 132 011
- Book an appointment — Contact Sunbury Dental Group on (03) 9717-7311 or book online and mention your child’s CDBS entitlement
- Bring your Medicare card — Ensure you have your Medicare card or digital Medicare details available on the day
- Attend the appointment — Our team will provide the agreed dental services and process the CDBS claim directly through Medicare on your behalf
Review any out-of-pocket costs — Our team will clearly explain any gap fees before treatment begins

Children's Dental Services at Sunbury Dental Group
Beyond the CDBS, our Sunbury practice offers a full range of children’s dental services for patients aged 2 and above. Our team is experienced in working with young patients and aims to create a calm, supportive environment that helps children develop positive associations with dental care from an early age.
Services available for children include:
Routine check-ups and cleans — Recommended every six months to monitor oral development and maintain healthy gums
Fissure sealants — A preventive protective coating applied to the grooves of back teeth
Fluoride varnish — Applied to strengthen tooth enamel; frequency and suitability are assessed individually
Fillings and restorations — Tooth-coloured composite options are available where clinically appropriate
Extractions — Including primary (baby) teeth when clinically indicated
Early orthodontic assessment — Identifying alignment concerns early allows for more informed planning; treatment suitability is assessed on a case-by-case basis
Happy gas (nitrous oxide) sedation — Available for anxious young patients; suitability is assessed prior to treatment
Serving CDBS Families Across North-West Melbourne
Sunbury Dental Group serves families from across the north-west Melbourne region, including:
Taylors Lakes | Hillside | Bulla | Sydenham | Keilor | Gisborne | Saint Albans | Burnside | Digger Rest | Gladstone Park | Greenvale | Mickleham | Kurunjang | Aintree | Brookfield | Bulla | Clarkefield | Bonnie Brook | Caroline Springs | Melton
Our central Sunbury location is easily accessible from the Calder Freeway and the Western Ring Road corridor, making it a convenient option for families across the 3037, 3038, 3021, 3036, 3043, and 3337 postcode areas.
Frequently Asked Questions — CDBS Dentist Near Me
Eligibility is determined by Services Australia. Families are notified by Medicare when a child becomes eligible. You can also check via your myGov account or call Medicare on 132 011. Sunbury Dental Group cannot confirm or assess CDBS eligibility on behalf of families.
Whether a gap fee applies depends on the practice’s fees and the CDBS benefit amount for each item number. Our reception team will provide a clear cost estimate before any treatment begins, so there are no surprises. We encourage all families to ask about fees at the time of booking.
The CDBS applies to a specific list of basic dental services defined by the Australian Government. It does not cover orthodontic, cosmetic, or hospital-based treatments. Our team will explain which services fall within your child’s benefit entitlement and what, if anything, would attract an additional fee.
If your child uses their full $1,095 benefit before the two-year period ends, standard fees apply for any further treatment. Our team will always keep you informed of your child’s remaining CDBS entitlement during the course of treatment so you can plan accordingly.
Most children benefit from a dental check-up every six months, though the frequency recommended for your child may vary depending on their oral health needs. Your treating dentist will advise on an appropriate schedule during the initial examination.
