Healthy smiles start early for regional kids

NSW Health is urging families in regional and rural areas to make the most of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, which offers up to $1,132 in dental care per child over two years.

The national program supports children aged 0 to 17 who have a Medicare card and are part of a family receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A, or who receive an Australian Government payment.

Benefits can be used at most private dentists, public dental clinics, NSW Health school-based dental services and some Aboriginal community health organisations.

NSW Health said regular check-ups are key to a child’s wellbeing, and public dental clinics remain free for those not eligible or who have used their full benefit.

Parents and guardians can visit health.nsw.gov.au/cdbs to check eligibility.