A survey, performed by the University of Adelaide, shows that the dental health of Australian children is far below what it should be.
The study surveyed 24,000 children from ages 5 to 14 and showed that 25% of Australian children, ages ten and below, suffer from untreated tooth decay.
The principal researcher on the project, Associate Professor Loc Do reported, “Tooth decay affected a significant proportion of children.
Over 40 per cent of children aged 5 to 10 years had decay in their primary [baby] teeth. One-quarter of children in that same age group had never received treatment for their tooth decay.
On average, Australian children aged 5 to 10 had 1.5 primary teeth with decay”. The news was only slightly better for older children.
33% of children aged 9-14 years suffered permanent teeth with decay. One-seventh of the children have never received treatment for decayed permanent teeth.
Finally, while Australia targets children with its National Oral Health Plan (which is intended to ensure that every Australian child sees a dentist), nearly 15% of Australian children have never seen a dentist under any circumstances.
At Thornton Dental, we care deeply about the oral health of Australia’s children, particularly those in Thornton and its surrounding areas.
So, if your child, or a child you know, may be one of Australia’s youngsters in need of dental care, Thornton Dental is here to spread the news that the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) exists to help that child receive the dental care they need and deserve.
Child Dental Benefits Schedule
The Commonwealth Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a dental benefits program supporting eligible children from 2–17 years of age.
It provides benefits (up to $1,000) over two years to the child for basic dental services. It covers more than 3 million children, making them eligible for dental care funded through Medicare.
To be eligible, you must be:
- Between 2 and 17 for one day of the calendar year, or more
- Eligible for Medicare, and
- Receiving a payment listed below for at least one day during the calendar year.
Children are eligible if a child’s parent, guardian, or carer receives:
- Family Tax Benefit Part A
- ABSTUDY
- Double Orphan Pension
- Parenting Payment
A child is eligible if they receive:
- Family Tax Benefit Part A
- Parenting Payment
- Disability Support Pension
- Special Benefit
- Youth Allowance
- Carer Payment
- Financial assistance under the Veterans’ Children Education Scheme (under some circumstances), or
- Financial assistance under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (under some circumstances)
You’ll receive a letter confirming your child’s eligibility for the CDBS if you’re a:
- Parent
- Guardian
- Approved care organisation
Older children who receive payments directly may also receive a letter.
This may seem somewhat complicated, but just contact us at Thornton Dental, and we can help you sort it out!
What are the services covered?
The $1000 CDBS funds can be used on these dental procedures and treatments:
- Oral examination
- X-ray
- Dental cleaning (oral prophylaxis)
- Fissure sealing
- Extraction
- Root canal treatments
“Non-essential” services are not covered by the CDBS. These non-covered services include cosmetic and orthodontic treatment.
In addition, dental services provided in hospitals are not eligible for coverage under the CDBS.
Thornton Dental and Children’s Dentistry
At Thornton Dental, children’s dentistry services and more are available to you and your child.
Our office combines a complete range of dental treatments with a skill at treating patients of all ages. And all this is conveniently under one roof.
At Thornton Dental, you can submit your CDBS claim directly.
You can also submit a claim by calling Medicare; or downloading a Medicare claim form and posting it to the Department of Human Services.
Finally, you can submit your claim personally at the local Medicare Service Centre.
Please call us at Thornton Dental, on (02) 4966 2996 to make an appointment for your child and take advantage of your benefits under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
Finding a dentist that your child is comfortable with is their first step towards a lifetime of oral health.
If you reside in the Hunter suburbs of NSW, visit Thornton Dental for gentle, caring dentistry particularly for younger patients.
And remember, your child should get a check-up as soon as the first tooth comes in, or before their first birthday.
More about dentistry for children at Thornton Dental
Why Choose Thornton Dental?
Our mission is to make dentistry affordable without sacrificing the quality of care.
- We focus on patient care
- Friendly, approachable and experienced team
- Exceptional infection control
- Child-friendly and relaxing environment
- Patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction are our primary goals
- Customised care tailored to your specific needs
- Integrity, high standards, premium quality materials
- Anxiety control and pain management
Thornton dentist also serves local communities in Beresfield, Tarro, Woodberry, East Maitland, Chisholm, Green Hills, Metford, Ashtonfield, Tenambit, Morpeth, Lorn and Raworth.
Child Dental Benefits Schedule
Bulk Bill for children who are eligible for MEDICARE CHILD DENTAL BENEFIT SCHEDULE
Up to $1000 worth of dental treatments over two years
Call us on (02) 4966 2996 or visit us at 9/1 Taylor Ave in Thornton.
