A little one’s very first dental visit should occur within six months after that shiny first tooth breaks through the gum surface. From here on out, parents will need to schedule appointments regularly. These frequent bookings can teach younger children a lot about dental care, reduce the risk of developing dentophobia, and are important for keeping those tiny teeth healthy and strong.
With treatments like general dental screens, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, fissure sealants, and even protective mouthguards, your child’s dental bills can become very tight very quickly.
At Shire Doctors & Dentists, we have a solution that allows kids to receive the best dental care more affordably, and it all starts with your child’s dental benefits schedule.
What is the Kids’ Dental Benefits Schedule?
The Children’s Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a type of government initiative that supports and helps families with dental care and treatments for their children. If parents are approved for this program, children get instant access to many dental care services. And if this dental program is carefully navigated, parents can get by with little to no cost.
Who is Eligible for CDBS?
Parents of children aged between infancy and 17 can apply for this cover. Here is a quick look at which children, or families, might qualify:
- Children should qualify for care through Medicare.
- Those who are deemed eligible for CDBS can apply.
- Families who receive a Family Tax Benefit, Parenting payment, or Double Orphan Pension Payment can qualify.
- Youngsters need to be between 0 and 17 years old to be eligible.
The eligibility requirements can be a bit complex. The best way to find out if you or your family is eligible is by applying with the CDBS or through a dental practice like Shire Doctors & Dentists.
What Services Can Kids Enjoy?
The program usually runs for about two years per child and can give youths access to up to $1000 worth of dental treatments. This is the total amount offered over a 2-year timeframe and allows children to receive preventive care treatments like the following:
- General dental checkups or examinations.
- X-rays.
- Professional teeth cleaning.
- Fissure sealants.
- Fillings.
- Root canal treatments.
- Tooth extractions.
Treatments That Are Not Covered
It is important to realise that your dental benefits are capped at around $1000. This means parents will need to cover any fees or treatments that exceed this limit. Dental care programs also won’t cover other dental procedures like the following:
- Orthodontic treatments like braces, Invisalign, or other teeth straightening treatments.
- Any cosmetic teeth procedures like whitening, veneers, bonding, implants, crowns, or gum contouring.
- Hospital-based dental procedures are also excluded.
The Best Way to Make The Most of Children’s Dental Benefits
If your child or family is eligible for this type of government aid program, then it is best to work carefully so you won’t exceed your limits too quickly. Here are some tips that can help you get the most out of your treatment plan:
Work With Your Dentist – First, speak with your dentist about the best ways to use your benefits. Dentists can help develop a care plan and will schedule all of the needed treatments over the next 24 months.
Book at Approved Dental Clinics – You will only be able to claim dental benefits if you receive treatments from participating dental clinics that use DDBS.
Confirm Out-of-pocket Costs – Some dental treatments can exceed the limit, or your dental program might not cover some treatments in full. It is best to confirm any out-of-pocket costs before you book an appointment.
Try Not To Over-Use – Because the dental program is capped, it is best not to get any unnecessary treatments during the first year. It is always best to keep reserves for emergencies like tooth extractions or root canal treatments, as children might need.
Schedule Your Visit and Make the Most Of Kids’ Dental Benefits
At Shire Doctors & Dentists, we try our best to make dental care more affordable. Our Caringbah clinic is approved by the CDBS, and we work carefully alongside parents to help children get the best possible care and to help parents make the most out of dental benefits.
Contact Shire Doctors & Dentists to find out if your child is eligible or to book an appointment with our Caringbah dentists.