Impact of CDBS on Kids’ Dental Health in Australia

Oral health is very important for children, as it affects their well-being and quality of life. However, the cost of dental care can often be a barrier for many families, preventing children from receiving the necessary treatments and services for maintaining healthy teeth. 

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) in Australia has proven to be an important tool in tackling this problem by increasing access to dental care for low and middle-income families.

In this blog, we’ll explore the impact of CDBS on kids' dental health in Australia, shedding light on its benefits and how it is improving dental care for children across the country.

What is the CDBS Program for Kids?

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is an Australian government-funded initiative that aims, among other things, to reimburse dental coverage to eligible children. It was first presented in 2014 by the Australian Government's initiative to enhance dental health services in Australia. The program is for children from 0 to 17 years of age and is provided on a fee-for-service basis for standard dental services including examinations, fillings, and extractions. With the use of CDBS, eligible children can receive dental care without the cost that normally accompanies private dental care.

The CDBS program is managed by the Department of Human Services and is presented to families that meet various requirements including Medicare eligibility. The objective of this programme is to close the gap between the oral health of children from low and higher-income families, offering access for all children to screen and treat their dental health regardless of what economic access they have.

The Benefits of CDBS (Child Dental Benefit Schedule) for Kids’ Dental Health

From the period since its introduction, CDBS has had a big positive affect on children's oral health in Australia. Here are some of the key benefits:

Increased Access to Dental Services

A significant advantage of CDBS is its utility for increasing access to dental health care services for children. Many families, especially those from low-income backgrounds, may not have the financial means to afford regular dental check-ups and treatments. This exclusion may lead to an unmet need for dental care with untreated dental problems (eg., cavities or gum disease) that may create more serious problems over time. Compact basic dental services allowed by CDBS guarantee that pediatric patients have access to the right preventive and therapeutic care to minimize serious dental diseases.

Prevention of Long-Term Dental Issues

Routine dental examinations and early intervention are very important to avoid late dental morbidities. Through CDBS, children can receive routine dental exams, fluoride treatments, and cleaning, which help identify and address dental issues before they escalate. 

As a preventive measure, this drastically decreases the necessity of more expensive and complicated treatments much later in life, like root canals or braces.Thus,CDBS is assisting in promoting early care and in turn, promoting more positive dental outcomes for Australian children as they age.

Improved Oral Hygiene Habits

In addition to providing access to essential treatments, CDBS also plays a role in educating kids and their families about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. There is a tendency on the part of dental care professionals involved in CDBS to teach young patients the basics of proper tooth brushing, tooth flossing, and the role of a healthy diet in dental health. It is important to teach children these habits very early in life so that they develop a lifelong sense of oral health responsibility.

Cost-Free or Low-Cost Treatment

The Children's CDBS program provides significant cost savings to families by delivering services either free or at a very low cost. Benefits are provided to eligible families up to $1,132 for dental services over 2 consecutive calendar years. This means that families have more opportunities to obtain the necessary dental care without the fear of cost, which is an important factor. For a child’s oral health in many families, this support guarantees that they are provided with the care that they need promptly, which, in turn, has a positive impact on their future dental health.

Reduction in Dental Anxiety

Dentist visits for children are unnecessarily scary, in particular, if they've previously experienced and dealt with unpleasant or expensively done procedures. CDBS makes dental visits more accessible and less stressful by offering preventative treatments that are generally less invasive and more comfortable. Further, through regular visits, the dental environment is familiarized to children which in turn reduces dental fear. This can gradually result in the development of more favorable feelings towards receiving dental care and a higher likelihood of maintaining regular dental visits into adulthood.

Improved Health Outcomes

Good oral health is directly linked to overall health. Less-than-ideal dental health is associated with an array of other diseases and can result in infections, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory issues. By providing routine dental care to children, the CDBS program helps to improve overall health outcomes. Children with healthy teeth are more likely to eat a balanced diet, speak clearly, and feel confident in social situations. In addition, the early prevention of dental problems can decrease the incidence of more serious diseases later on.

The Role of Dental Health Services in Australia

Dental health services in Australia play an important role in providing all children with the care they require. Although CDBS greatly contributed to the indirect access to low-income families, Australia's general dental health infrastructure is still in development to serve the requirements of adults and children.

CDBS is just one of the many initiatives that support the country’s dental health services, with private and public clinics working together to provide affordable and comprehensive care. Beyond CDBS there are state-of-the-art dental services that provide free or partially free services to children, which also eases the access to dentistry services in Australia.

In recent decades, increased attention has been given to the need to integrate oral health education into the school curricula, with children being taught from a very early age the value of oral hygiene and the steps to care for their teeth. This comprehensive approach to dental health, which combines public health programs, government initiatives, and educational efforts, helps to create a culture of dental care that supports healthier generations of Australians.

Role of CDBS in the development of child dental health in Australia

CDBS has already made a considerable impact on kids’ dental health in Australia, but its long-term benefits will be even more apparent as more children receive regular dental care throughout their formative years. As the program continues to evolve, it will likely expand to include additional services, such as orthodontic care or more advanced treatments, to further address the dental needs of Australian children.

Overall, the introduction of CDBS has been a game-changer for kids’ dental health in Australia, providing families with the financial support they need to ensure their children receive high-quality dental care. By making dental services more accessible and affordable, CDBS is helping to foster a healthier and happier future for kids across the country.

Conclusion

The oral health care program for children part of CDBS is a promising event towards improved oral health of the population in Australia. Through enhanced access to basic preventive dental services, the prevention of complications that can lead to long-term dental problems, and encouraging oral hygiene practices, CDBS has already had a significant affect on the oral health of Australian children. With an increasing number of families who are taking advantage of this tremendous program, the future for children's oral health in Australia appears to be much better, with children throughout the country being able to smile healthily as well as with a commitment to lifelong dental care.

See the official government website for details about CDBS and find out if your child is eligible, or have a conversation with us at Franklin Bright Smiles to see if the program can benefit your child’s dental health.

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FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions for CDBS

‍What dental treatments are covered under CDBS?

CDBS covers basic dental services such as examinations, X-rays, cleaning, fluoride treatment, fillings, root canals, and extractions. However, orthodontic or cosmetic dental work is not covered.

‍Who is eligible for the CDBS program?

Children aged 0 to 17 years who are eligible for Medicare and whose families receive certain government benefits like Family Tax Benefit A are eligible for CDBS.

‍How much is the benefit cap under CDBS, and how long does it last?

As of 1 January 2025, the benefit cap is $1,132 per child, available over two consecutive calendar years.

‍Can unused funds from the first year of the two-year period be carried over?

Yes, unused funds from the first year can be used in the second year, as long as the total amount does not exceed the benefit cap.

‍How do families access dental care under CDBS?

Families can visit a participating public or private dental provider, who will inform them of the costs and check the child’s eligibility for CDBS before proceeding with the treatment.

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