Serene Family Dental bulk bills eligible children under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) at our practice in Ropes Crossing, western Sydney. If your child is aged 2 to 17 and holds a Medicare card, they may qualify for up to $1,000 in completely free dental care with no out-of-pocket costs to your family. This guide explains exactly how the CDBS works, who qualifies, and what to expect when you bring your child in for a bulk-billed appointment.

Whether you live in Penrith, St Marys, Jordan Springs, Kingswood, Mount Druitt, or anywhere across western Sydney, accessing quality dental care for your children should not be a financial burden. Read on to find out whether your family qualifies and how to make the most of this important government benefit.

Does Serene Family Dental Bulk Bill?

Yes - Serene Family Dental at Ropes Crossing bulk bills eligible children under the CDBS.

To be absolutely clear about what that means: if your child meets the Medicare eligibility criteria for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, you will pay nothing at all for covered dental services at our practice. We claim directly through Medicare on your behalf. There is no gap fee, no upfront payment, and no surprise invoice waiting for you at the end.

This is genuine bulk billing. We do not charge above the Medicare schedule fee for CDBS services, which means your family walks out having paid exactly zero dollars for your child's dental care.

It is worth noting, however, that adult patients are not covered under the CDBS and are not bulk billed. The CDBS is a government benefit that applies exclusively to eligible children aged 2 to 17. For adults, we accept all major health funds and offer flexible payment options - more on that further below.

Our dentists are all fully registered with AHPRA (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency), so you can book with complete confidence that your child is receiving care from qualified, registered professionals.

What Is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a federal government programme administered through Medicare. It was introduced to give Australian families access to basic preventive and restorative dental care for children, without the financial barriers that often prevent families from booking appointments.

Here is the plain-English version of how it works:

  • Who it covers: Children aged 2 to 17 at any point during the relevant calendar year
  • What it requires: A valid Medicare card and eligibility for a qualifying government payment
  • How much it provides: Up to $1,000 in dental benefits per two-year benefit period
  • Where it can be used: At any participating dental practice, including Serene Family Dental at Ropes Crossing

The qualifying government payments include Family Tax Benefit Part A, Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, Austudy, Double Orphan Pension, Special Benefit, Carer Allowance (child), and certain other Centrelink and Veterans' Affairs payments. If you are unsure whether your family qualifies, Services Australia can confirm this, or simply call us on (02) 9053 1995 and our team will help you check.

The programme is specifically designed to reach families who might otherwise skip dental appointments due to cost. For families in areas like Jordan Springs, Kingswood, and St Marys where household budgets are stretched, the CDBS can make an enormous practical difference to children's long-term oral health.

What the CDBS Covers

The CDBS covers a comprehensive range of basic dental services - the kind that form the backbone of good preventive care and keep small problems from becoming big, expensive ones.

Services covered under the CDBS include:

  • Examinations and check-ups - a thorough assessment of your child's teeth, gums, and jaw development
  • Dental X-rays - to identify decay and issues that are not visible to the naked eye
  • Scale and clean (professional cleaning) - removal of plaque and tartar build-up
  • Fluoride treatments - to strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of decay
  • Fissure sealants - protective coatings applied to the biting surfaces of back teeth to prevent decay
  • Fillings - to treat existing cavities and restore damaged teeth
  • Root canal treatment - on both baby teeth and permanent teeth where clinically appropriate
  • Extractions - removal of teeth that cannot be saved or that need to be removed as part of treatment

Learn more about our approach to children's dentistry and check-ups and cleans.

Services NOT covered by the CDBS:

The CDBS does not cover orthodontic treatment (braces, aligners, retainers), cosmetic dental procedures, or any dental treatment provided in a hospital setting. If your child needs orthodontic work, our team can discuss separate referral and payment options with you.

For full details on what falls under the CDBS, visit the Services Australia CDBS page or speak with our team.

The 2-Year Rule Explained

One of the most common sources of confusion about the CDBS is the two-year benefit cap. Here is exactly how it works.

Your child does not receive $1,000 per year. Instead, they receive up to $1,000 across two consecutive calendar years. Once that two-year benefit period ends, the cap resets and a new $1,000 benefit period begins, provided your child still meets the eligibility requirements.

An example to make it concrete:

Suppose your child becomes CDBS-eligible in January 2025. Their $1,000 cap covers any dental services claimed under the CDBS between January 2025 and December 2026. If they use $350 in 2025 and $400 in 2026, they have used $750 of their cap. The remaining $250 does not roll over - it simply lapses at the end of 2026, and a fresh two-year period begins.

This is why we always encourage families to bring their children in regularly rather than waiting until a problem develops. A check-up and clean each year keeps your child's oral health on track and makes good use of the available benefit before it expires.

How to check your child's remaining CDBS balance:

You can check the remaining balance at any time through your Medicare online account via myGov. Alternatively, call Medicare on 132 011 or ask our reception team - we can often check this for you at the time of your appointment.

If you have not used your child's CDBS entitlement yet and the two-year period is running out, call us on (02) 9053 1995 as soon as possible to book before the balance lapses.

How to Check If Your Child Is Eligible

Eligibility for the CDBS comes down to two straightforward criteria.

Criterion 1: Age

Your child must be aged 2 to 17 years at some point during the relevant calendar year. A child who turns 2 in December is eligible for that full calendar year. A child who turns 18 during the year is eligible for the part of the year before their birthday.

Criterion 2: Government payment eligibility

Your child (or someone in your family) must receive at least one dollar of an eligible government payment in the relevant calendar year. The most common qualifying payments for families in western Sydney are:

  • Family Tax Benefit Part A (FTB-A)
  • Youth Allowance (for eligible teenagers)
  • ABSTUDY
  • Austudy
  • Carer Allowance (child)
  • Double Orphan Pension
  • Special Benefit
  • Certain Veterans' Affairs payments

If you receive Family Tax Benefit Part A - which is very common across communities like Mount Druitt, Penrith, and Blacktown - there is a good chance your children are already eligible and you may not even know it.

Services Australia notifies eligible families by letter, but these letters are easy to miss. The safest approach is to check your Medicare account online through myGov, or simply call our practice on (02) 9053 1995 and we can help you determine eligibility before your appointment.

What About Adults?

We want to be completely transparent: Serene Family Dental does not bulk bill adult patients. The CDBS is a children's programme and adult bulk billing for dental care is not available at private practices.

That said, we are committed to making dental care as accessible as possible for every member of your family, not just the kids.

For adults, here is what we offer:

  • All major health funds accepted - if you have private health insurance with extras cover, we process your claim on the spot using HICAPS. We accept Medibank, Bupa, HCF, nib, CBHS, and all other major Australian health funds.
  • Transparent fees - our full fee schedule is available on our fees page so you can understand the cost of treatment before you commit. No surprises.
  • Payment plans - we understand that dental treatment can represent a significant cost, particularly for families already managing tight budgets. Speak to our reception team about flexible payment arrangements.
  • Preventive focus - the most cost-effective dentistry is the dentistry that prevents problems before they start. A regular check-up and clean is far less expensive than treating decay or gum disease that has been left to progress.

If cost is a genuine barrier, we encourage you to speak openly with our team. We will always outline your options honestly and help you prioritise treatment in a way that works for your circumstances.

Affordable Dental Care for Western Sydney Families

Serene Family Dental is located at Ropes Crossing, in the heart of western Sydney. We are proud to serve families from across the region, including Penrith, St Marys, Jordan Springs, Kingswood, Mount Druitt, Blacktown, Erskine Park, St Clair, and the surrounding suburbs.

Western Sydney is one of Australia's most diverse and rapidly growing regions. Families here work hard, budgets are real, and the idea of spending hundreds of dollars on dental appointments can easily result in care being deferred - sometimes until a small problem becomes a serious one. The CDBS exists precisely to break that cycle for children, and Serene Family Dental at Ropes Crossing bulk bills eligible children under the CDBS to ensure cost is never a reason to skip your child's dental care.

We are a family dental practice in the truest sense. Our team understands the particular needs of children and families, and we have built our practice around making dental visits as comfortable and stress-free as possible for patients of all ages. From toddlers having their very first check-up to teenagers getting a clean before school photos, we treat every young patient with the patience and care they deserve.

Our practice is conveniently located on Ropes Crossing Boulevard, making us easily accessible for families in Jordan Springs and Kingswood in particular, as well as those travelling from further afield in Penrith or St Marys.

We also have a listing on HotDoc if you prefer to manage bookings through that platform, and we welcome Google reviews from patients who want to share their experience.

Ready to book? Book your child's appointment online or call us on (02) 9053 1995.

What to Expect at Your Child's Bulk-Billed Appointment

If this is your child's first dental visit, or if your family has not been to the dentist in a while, it is completely normal to feel a little uncertain about what to expect. Here is a straightforward rundown of what happens at a typical CDBS bulk-billed appointment at Serene Family Dental.

Before the appointment:

When you call or book online, let us know you would like to use your child's CDBS entitlement. We will ask for your child's name and Medicare card details so we can confirm eligibility in advance. There is nothing complicated about this step - our reception team handles it every day.

At reception:

Bring your child's Medicare card on the day. Our friendly reception team will check you in and confirm the CDBS details. You will not be asked to pay anything upfront for covered services.

The examination:

One of our AHPRA-registered dentists will conduct a thorough examination of your child's teeth and gums. For younger children especially, we take a gentle, patient approach - explaining what we are doing in child-friendly language and never rushing. If your child is nervous, tell us before the appointment and we will take extra care to make them feel comfortable.

X-rays (if needed):

Depending on your child's age and the last time they had dental X-rays, the dentist may recommend bitewing X-rays to check for decay between the teeth. These are quick, safe, and covered under the CDBS.

The clean:

Our dental hygienists perform a professional scale and clean to remove plaque and tartar and polish the teeth. For children who have never had a professional clean before, this is often a surprisingly pleasant experience.

Treatment discussion:

If any issues are found - a small cavity, early decay, or gum inflammation - the dentist will explain the findings clearly and recommend the appropriate treatment. All recommended treatment will be covered under the CDBS (up to the $1,000 cap), so there are no unexpected bills.

Billing:

We claim directly through Medicare. You pay nothing for covered services. It really is that straightforward.

The entire appointment for a standard check-up and clean typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour for children, depending on age and any additional treatment needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dentists in Australia bulk bill?

Most private dentists in Australia do not bulk bill adult patients. However, some practices bulk bill children who are eligible under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). Serene Family Dental at Ropes Crossing bulk bills eligible children under the CDBS, meaning families pay nothing out of pocket for covered services up to the $1,000 benefit cap.

What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a Medicare programme that provides eligible children aged 2 to 17 with up to $1,000 in dental benefits over two consecutive calendar years. To be eligible, a child must hold a valid Medicare card and receive, or be part of a family that receives, a qualifying government payment such as Family Tax Benefit Part A.

How much does the CDBS cover?

The CDBS covers up to $1,000 in dental benefits over two consecutive calendar years. This cap resets at the start of each new two-year benefit period. The funds can be used for a range of basic dental services including check-ups, X-rays, scale and cleans, fillings, fissure sealants, and extractions. The benefit does not cover orthodontic treatment, cosmetic procedures, or hospital costs.

What is the 2-year rule for the CDBS?

Under the CDBS, the $1,000 benefit cap applies across two consecutive calendar years, not per year. Any unused balance at the end of the two-year period does not carry forward - the cap resets for the next two-year period. You can check your child's remaining balance through your Medicare online account via myGov.

What dental services are covered by Medicare in Australia?

Medicare in Australia does not cover general adult dental care. For children, the CDBS covers examinations, X-rays, scale and cleans, fluoride treatments, fissure sealants, fillings, root canal treatment, and extractions. Orthodontics and cosmetic dental procedures are not covered. Find out more about CDBS bulk billing at our practice.

Does Serene Family Dental bulk bill under the CDBS?

Yes. Serene Family Dental at Ropes Crossing bulk bills eligible children under the CDBS. If your child is eligible, there is no gap payment for covered services - we bill Medicare directly and your family pays nothing out of pocket, up to the $1,000 benefit cap. Call us on (02) 9053 1995 to confirm your child's eligibility before booking.

What dental payment options are available for adults without health insurance?

Adults without private health insurance can still access dental care at Serene Family Dental. We provide transparent fee information on our fees page and offer flexible payment arrangements for patients who need them. We accept all major Australian health funds for patients with extras cover.

How can I fix my teeth if I don't have money in Australia?

If cost is a genuine barrier to dental care, there are options. For children aged 2 to 17 who are CDBS-eligible, Serene Family Dental at Ropes Crossing bulk bills with no out-of-pocket cost. Adults may be eligible for low-cost dental care through NSW Health's public dental services. Private patients can ask about payment plans to spread treatment costs. If you hold private health insurance with extras, your fund will cover a portion of costs. Call us on (02) 9053 1995 to have an honest conversation about what is possible for your situation.

How do I book a bulk billing appointment at Serene Family Dental?

You can book online at any time through our booking page, or call us directly on (02) 9053 1995 during business hours. Please have your child's Medicare card handy when you call or attend your appointment so we can confirm CDBS eligibility before the visit.

Book Your Child's Appointment Today

Serene Family Dental at Ropes Crossing bulk bills eligible children under the CDBS - and booking could not be easier.

If your child is aged 2 to 17 and your family receives Family Tax Benefit Part A or another qualifying government payment, your child almost certainly has up to $1,000 in free dental care available right now. Regular check-ups and cleans protect your child's teeth, catch small problems early, and set habits that last a lifetime.

Families from Penrith, St Marys, Jordan Springs, Kingswood, Mount Druitt, Blacktown, Erskine Park, St Clair, and across western Sydney are all welcome at our practice.

Two easy ways to book:

Our team at Serene Family Dental is ready to help your family take full advantage of this important Medicare benefit. Do not let your child's CDBS entitlement go unused - book today.

Serene Family Dental | Unit G4/80C Ropes Crossing Blvd, Ropes Crossing NSW 2760 | (02) 9053 1995

Our dentists are registered with AHPRA and we accept all major Australian health funds. CDBS bulk billing is available for eligible children aged 2-17.