How do I use the CDBS benefits?

Using the CDBS is straightforward, and our team at All About Smiles is here to help you through every step. Check your eligibility: Before booking, it's worth confirming your child qualifies. You can do this by logging into your myGov account and checking your Medicare detail or simply calling us. We're happy to check on your behalf before your appointment. Book your appointment: Call your nearest All About Smiles clinic Ettalong or Kincumber, and let our team know you'd like to use the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. We'll note this on your child's file and prepare everything in advance so the process is seamless on the day. Bring your Medicare card: On the day of your appointment, bring your child's Medicare card (or have your Medicare details handy on the Medicare app). That's genuinely all you need - we take care of the rest. We'll handle the claiming for you: At All About Smiles, we bulk bill all CDBS-covered services directly to Medicare. There's no paperwork for you to complete, no forms to submit, and no bills to follow up. Your child receives their treatment, and Medicare is billed on the spot. We'll also keep you informed of what's been used and what's remaining so you can plan future visits accordingly.

How do I know if my child is elgibile for the CDBS?

Your child needs to be aged 2–17, enrolled in Medicare, and your family must receive a qualifying government payment such as Family Tax Benefit Part A. The easiest way to check is to call us , we can verify your child's eligibility through Medicare before booking, so you know exactly where you stand.

How much is the benefit and how long does it last?

Each eligible child can access up to $1,158 (as of 2026) worth of dental services across two consecutive calendar years. The benefit resets in line with the CDBS schedule, and unused amounts do not carry over indefinitely, so it's worth using your entitlement each year to stay on top of your child's dental health.

When should I take my child for their first visit to the dentist?

Baby teeth are the foundations for the adult teeth that will follow so it makes good sense to start visiting your dentist once the baby teeth start erupting but no later than 3 years. Often we suggest that little ones come along to a routine appointment that another family member is having and experience sitting in the chair and get used to sounds and smells, just to get them acquainted with it. Our dental therapists are highly experienced with children and have the extra time that some children may need to build that important relationship and the balloons and stickers don’t hurt either!

What will happen on your child's first dental visit?

A gentle but thorough examination of the teeth, jaw, bite, gums and oral tissues to monitor growth and development and observe any problem areas If indicated, a gentle cleaning, which includes polishing teeth and removing any plaque buildup or stains Discuss preventive techniques including fissure sealing of molar teeth and fluoride applications to help keep your children’s teeth free of disease A demonstration on proper home cleaning.

How often should my child visit the dentist?

Just like adults, we recommend regular 6 monthly check-ups. The check-ups will assess that the teeth are all growing correctly, are healthy and, will notify the dentist in the instance that there are more complex dental problems now or in the near future. With regular check-ups and good dental hygiene practices, they may never need major treatment down the track.

What is a fissure sealant?

Fissure sealants are a simple and effective way of protecting young teeth from decay. The grooves in children’s teeth are often one of the most difficult areas to keep clean. As the grooves lengthen, they may leave gaps or “fissures” in the tooth surface where bacteria can grow. These fissures can be difficult to reach with a toothbrush. As a means of protecting the teeth, the dentist will clean thoroughly and then seal over the fissure with a plastic coating. The fissure sealant prevents any future bacteria from settling in the hard to reach places.

My child is anxious about dental visits. What can you do to help?

Dental anxiety in children is very common and nothing to be embarrassed about. Our team is experienced in supporting nervous patients, we use child-friendly language, take things at your child's pace, and never rush. Parents are always welcome to stay in the room, and we encourage it. If you let us know at booking, we'll be fully prepared to make your child's visit a calm and reassuring one.

General Dentistry Archives » All About Smiles

All-On-4

By Ekera Dental | 7 July 2025

What are All-on-4 dental implants? All-on-4 is a modern dental implant technique that replaces an entire arch of missing teeth – upper, lower, or both – using just four titanium implants placed in the jaw. A full set of natural-looking teeth is then securely attached to those implants. Unlike traditional dentures, All-on-4 implants are fixed…

Sleep Apnoea, Snoring & TMJ

By Andrew | 15 April 2025

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What Is Sleep Apnoea & Snoring? Sleep apnoea (also spelled sleep apnea) is a common sleep disorder characterised by repeated airway blockages during sleep, often causing loud snoring, daytime tiredness, headaches, and poor concentration Left untreated, it increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and mood disorders. Oral Appliance Therapy vs CPAP…

Wisdom Teeth

By Andrew | 5 September 2023

When Might You Need Wisdom Teeth Extracted? Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to grow in your jaw and will usually appear within the mouth between the ages of 17-25 years of age (however they are known to have the potential to appear many years later in life). Most people are not fortunate to have…

Children’s Dentistry

By Andrew | 5 September 2023

Bulk billed kids’ dental through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule We’re committed to making quality dental accessible for every family. All About Smiles Ettalong & Kincumber accept the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), a Medicare program that provides eligible children aged 0–17 with up to $1,158 in dental benefits over two consecutive calendar years. The…

Periodontal Gum Care

By Andrew | 5 September 2023

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Gingivitis Many of you may have experienced bleeding gums while you have been brushing or flossing. This is called gingivitis and is preventable and reversible. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar. Commons signs of gingivitis include bleeding, redness, soreness and swelling. Factors that contribute to gingivitis…

Endodontics (Root Canal Therapy)

By Andrew | 5 September 2023

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What Is Endodontics? Endodontics is the area of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating issues within the dental pulp—the soft tissue inside the tooth. When this pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to decay, trauma, or deep fillings, a root canal procedure is often the most effective way to save the tooth and eliminate…

Dental Hygiene

By Andrew | 5 September 2023

A New, Comfortable Cleaning Technique Here at All About Smiles Ettalong and All About Smiles Kincumber, we are excited to announce the arrival of a revolutionary new product that makes your regular professional dental cleaning more effective and comfortable. This new product is called the EMS Airflow Prophylaxis Master and is changing the way you…

Emergency Dentist

By Andrew | 5 September 2023

Emergency Dental Treatments Severe Toothache Persistent, throbbing pain may indicate an infection, decay, or damage to the tooth’s nerve. Our emergency dentists can assess the issue, relieve your pain, and recommend the right treatment to restore your tooth. Broken and Chipped Tooth Accidents happen. Whether it’s a sports injury or an unexpected crunch, a chipped…