Is your child in need of dental care? Most parents want what is best for their children but it is no secret that sometimes the cost of dental care can be frustrating.
This doesn’t always have to be the case, especially when you benefit from the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) and get the services of a bulk-billing dentist. Here in Townsville, we accept this government-funded benefit and you should take advantage of it.
Before You Seek a Bulk-Billing Dentist
You should first determine whether your child is eligible for the CDBS. You are eligible for this program if your child is between 2 and 17 years old, if they are eligible for Medicare, and if you or they can get an eligible payment at least once within the year you plan to get CDBS. Once you have established eligibility, go ahead and find a dentist that accepts bulk billing, and reap the following benefits.
You Do Not Have to Worry About Varying Costs
Remember that there are no standard fees for services that are not covered by Medicare. This is why fees for dental services can vary from state to state. Although dental practice is regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) via the Dental Board of Australia (DBA), their jurisdiction extends to registration standards, codes of conduct, and guidelines for professional practice. Their mandate is only to ensure the quality of care, not set any standard for pricing dental services.
That is why dental fees across Australia can vary so much. Factors like location, cost of overhead, and costs of methods used for procedures are considered. When you take your child to a bulk-billing dentist, the difference in price does not matter as the government pays up to $1,000 for your child’s dental services.
Your Child Gets Practical Dental Services
Another great benefit to going to a bulk-billing dentist is that they can provide basic dental services like check-ups, X-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, root canals, tooth extractions and fillings. Costly, out-of-pocket dental procedures may not become necessary as long as your child also practices proper dental hygiene.
Bulk Billing can Work like Insurance
As your child can benefit from the services of a bulk-billing dentist from ages 2 to 17, it is almost like having a dental insurance. They are covered during the years when they are more likely to have accidents, and most likely to lose their baby teeth. With the help of the CDBS and a bulk-billing dentist, your children are provided with a service that may also address some dental emergencies, without you having to pay additional premiums. Remember that your child can get $1,000 worth of dental services within two calendar years, which then resets to another $1,000 for as long as they are eligible.
Bulk Billing is Fast
All it takes to process bulk billing is to swipe your Medicare card and fill out a form. You pay nothing to a bulk-billing dentist up front; the government pays 85% to 100% of the cost, and is considered full payment.
Apart from helping you save money, your children can grow up with the security of basic dental treatment without worry. They have a greater chance of having healthier, better-looking teeth that can be good for their overall well-being.
Casey Dentists makes dental health accessible to everyone in Townsville. We offer bulk dental billing for our dentists and services. Book an appointment or contact us to get more information.