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Reviewed by the Bilby Dental Clinical Team

If you have kids under 18, there’s a good chance you’re eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) — a Medicare program that covers up to $1,158 in basic dental services over two consecutive calendar years. Yet many families in Yarrabilba and the surrounding Logan area have no idea it exists, or assume they don’t qualify.

Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

The CDBS is a federal government program that provides Medicare-funded dental treatment for eligible children aged 0–17. It’s designed to help families access preventive and basic dental care without the full out-of-pocket cost.

The $1,158 cap applies over a two-year period (not per year), and any unused balance carries over. So if your child only uses $400 in the first year, the remaining $695 rolls into the following year.

Is My Child Eligible?

Your child is eligible for the CDBS if they:

• Are aged 0–17 at any point during the calendar year
• Are eligible for Medicare
• Receive a qualifying government payment — such as Family Tax Benefit Part A, or a range of other Centrelink payments

Medicare will notify you by letter if your child qualifies. You can also check your eligibility through your Medicare online account via myGov, or simply ask us at Bilby Dental — we can check on your behalf at the time of your appointment.

What Services Are Covered?

The CDBS covers basic dental services, including:

• Examinations and x-rays
• Scale and clean (professional cleaning)
• Fissure sealing (to protect back teeth from decay)
• Fillings
• Root canal treatment on baby teeth
• Extractions

It does not cover orthodontic treatment (braces/Invisalign), cosmetic procedures, or hospital-based dental care.

How Do I Use It at Bilby Dental?

Using your child’s CDBS entitlement at Bilby Dental is straightforward:

1. Book an appointment — let us know when booking that you’d like to use the CDBS
2. Bring your Medicare card — we’ll confirm eligibility on the day
3. We bulk bill where possible — meaning no out-of-pocket cost up to the benefit limit

It really is that simple. Many families are surprised at how easy it is to use.

Why It Matters: Preventing Problems Early

The CDBS exists for a reason — early dental care prevents bigger problems later. Tooth decay in children is one of the most common chronic health conditions in Australia, and it’s almost entirely preventable with regular check-ups and good habits.

For families in Yarrabilba, Jimboomba, and the broader Logan growth corridor, having a local dentist who bulk bills under the CDBS means there’s no reason to delay your child’s dental care.

Book Your Child’s CDBS Appointment

If you’re not sure whether your child qualifies, or you’d like to book a CDBS check-up and clean, contact Bilby Dental today. We’ll take care of the paperwork and make sure your child gets the care they need — without the stress of a big bill.

Call us or book online — we’re your local family dentist in Yarrabilba.

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Ready to Use Your Child’s CDBS Benefits?

Bilby Dental is a children’s dentist in Yarrabilba that bulk bills under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Book a dental check-up and clean for your child today — we also serve families from Jimboomba and Logan Village.

Book an appointment

Reviewed by the Bilby Dental Clinical Team

If you’re a new parent, you might wonder when to book your child’s first dental visit — and whether it’s really necessary this early. The short answer is yes. Getting your child to the dentist early sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth, and at Bilby Dental in Yarrabilba, we love helping little ones start that journey on the right foot.

When Should Your Child First See a Dentist?

The Australian Dental Association recommends that children visit a dentist when their first tooth appears — usually around six months of age — or by their first birthday at the latest. Many parents are surprised by this, but early visits are about much more than just checking teeth.

At this first appointment, we’ll assess how your baby’s teeth are coming through, check for any early signs of decay, and give you practical advice on feeding habits, dummies, and oral hygiene for little ones.

Why Early Dental Visits Matter

Baby teeth aren’t just temporary placeholders. They help your child chew properly, speak clearly, and hold space for the adult teeth that follow. If baby teeth decay early (a condition known as early childhood caries), it can cause pain, infection, and problems with the incoming permanent teeth.

Regular dental visits from a young age also help children become comfortable in the dental chair. Kids who visit their children’s dentist in Yarrabilba regularly tend to grow into adults who don’t avoid dental care — and that makes an enormous difference to their long-term health.

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Visit

We keep first visits calm and low-key. Depending on your child’s age, this might include:

• A gentle look at the teeth and gums
• Checking jaw and bite development
• Talking through your child’s diet and feeding routine
• Demonstrating how to clean little teeth at home
• Answering any questions you have as a parent

There’s no pressure. Our goal is simply to make your child feel safe and relaxed so that dentistry feels normal — not scary.

Tips to Prepare Your Child for the Dentist

A little preparation can go a long way. Here are a few things that help:

• Talk positively about the dentist — avoid using words like “hurt” or “needle” that might trigger anxiety
• Play pretend dentist at home — let your child look in your mouth and count your teeth
• Read books about the dentist — there are plenty of great children’s books that make dentistry fun
• Come well-rested and fed — a hungry or tired toddler will find any experience harder
• Stay calm yourself — kids pick up on parental anxiety, so your relaxed attitude helps enormously

How Often Should Children See the Dentist?

After the first visit, we typically recommend six-monthly check-ups for children — the same as adults. This lets us catch any small issues early before they become bigger problems. As your child grows, we’ll monitor the development of their jaw and bite, check for habits like thumb sucking, and guide you through the transition from baby teeth to permanent ones.

Book Your Child’s First Dental Visit in Yarrabilba

At Bilby Dental, we’re passionate about children’s dental health in Yarrabilba and the surrounding area. Whether you’re booking your baby’s very first check-up or bringing in a nervous toddler, we’ll make the experience as gentle and positive as possible.

Call us or book online today — we’d love to meet your little one.

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Book Your Child’s First Visit at Bilby Dental

Our children’s dentist in Yarrabilba makes first visits easy and comfortable. We offer check-ups and cleans and bulk bill under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule for eligible children. Conveniently located for families from Jimboomba and Logan Village.

Book an appointment