EDIT: The CDBS remains available as of January 2017. This post is an update to the current CDBS program.
The Department of Health has announced that they are intending to close the Child Dental Benefit Scheme (CDBS) from 1 July 2016. Below is an excerpt of their statement about it from their website:
The Government has announced its intention to close the Child Dental Benefits Schedule from 1 July 2016 and provide $2.1 billion over five years to establish the Child and Adult Public Dental Scheme.
The closure of this program is subject to the passage of legislation. Once the changes to the legislation have been finalised, confirmation of the program’s closure will be made available here.
Eligible children will need to receive dental treatment before 1 July 2016 if they wish to access benefits under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule before its intended closure. Claims for dental benefits may be submitted after the closure as long as the service was provided before 1 July 2016. Dental benefits will not be paid under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule for any services provided from 1 July 2016.
Patients already accessing care under the program may wish to discuss the impact of this change with their dentist.
For further information, please visit their website by clicking on the link here.
Where to go from here?
If your child is eligible for the Child Dental Benefit Scheme (CDBS), and you have some remaining funds from the $1000, you may wish to contact your dentist to find out if you have any outstanding treatment required for your child’s teeth.
Also, if your child has not been to the dentist for more than 6 months, now may be a good time to visit them for a check up and cleaning.
As mentioned in their statement, you will not be able to claim from the CDBS for any treatment done after the 1 July 2016.
Give us a ring on 07 3188 9477 if you have any questions or concerns.
