Children's Dentistry Tips

Recent research into the dental health of Kindergarten and Primary School aged students has revealed the following important facts:

  • tooth decay affects 50% of first-graders
  • throughout Australia we estimate that more than 5,000 days of work and 1.2 million hours are lost each year due to dental-related illnesses in children
  • good oral health is important for child growth, development, and self-esteem
  • students who miss school due to dental issues are at greater risk of falling behind in their studies.

The above reinforce the importance of good oral health from a young age which can be influenced by factors such as good nutrition, oral health including regular teeth brushing/flossing and visits to your dentists.

A proactive approach to childrens dentistry, from general preventative to management of trauma or dental emergency in a fast & clinically appropriate way, are integral in looking after a child’s oral health in both the short- and long-term.

Child Dental Benefits Schedule

Eligible children (aged 2 – 17 years old) needing to see a dentist can now do so without any out-of-pocket charges at an Adelaide Emergency Dental partner clinic thanks the Medicare-funded dental scheme – the Child Dental Benefits Schedule!

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) commenced across Australia on the 1st January 2014 and provides eligible families with $1,000 worth of selected general dental treatment per eligible child over a 2 calendar year period.

Bulk Billed dental services for eligible children under this scheme include check-ups, dental examinations, x-rays, teeth cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals & extractions.

Benefits under the scheme are not be available for orthodontic or cosmetic dental work and will not be paid for any services provided for admitted patients in a hospital.

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule has a means test, which requires receipt of Family Tax Benefit Part A (FTB-A).

Eligible families should have received confirmation from the Australian Government in early 2014 as to their eligibility under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (which replaces the previous Medicare Teen Dental Plan).  If you are unsure, you can contact medicare directly.

Further information regarding the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is available online at: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/childdental