As of January 1st 2014 Medicare has released a new scheme for children aged between 2-17 years old called the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). The CDBS was introduced to provide financial assistance to families and encourage children and teenagers to care for their oral health and to introduce them to preventive care solutions by having regular examinations and hygiene appointments. The CDBS Schedule provides dental benefits up to $1000 every two years per eligible child to help families with the cost of an oral examination, radiographs, preventive services and treatment. It is a means tested plan and eligible families will automatically receive a letter in the post, usually in mid-January. At Portrush family dental we BULK BILL for all services eligible under the CDBS, meaning there is a NO GAP payment for most services including an examination, hygiene appointment, any necessary radiographs and restorations. Further information for families on the CDBS is available from the Department of Human Services website.