With the sky-rocketing cost-of-living pressures front of mind for many families, the Australian Dental Association New South Wales (ADA NSW) is keen to see more children aged under 18 take up the full $1026 allocated every two years to them through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) before it expires on 31 December 2022.

The CDBS is an Australian Government means-tested program established since 2014 that provides access to up to $1026 in benefits over two consecutive calendar years, covering most basic general dental services - but not specialist services like orthodontics or services provided under general anaesthetic.

Many NSW dentists report low uptake of the Schedule which the ADA NSW says only compounds for low-income families or those in regional or remote areas where costs and access to oral care remain a barrier.

Latest studies show the dire state of Australia’s child oral health remains including:

• 27% of children aged 5-10 years have untreated tooth decay in their baby teeth
• 11% of children aged 6-14 years have untreated tooth decay in their permanent teeth
• 32% of people aged 15 years and over have untreated tooth decay

ADA NSW President Michael Jonas says that poor oral health early in life is the strongest predictor of further oral disease in adult life. With many of Australia’s lower-income households have a higher incidence of poor oral health.

“This can have a significant impact on their overall health and wellbeing and contribute to more significant health problems. Regular dental visits and brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste are key to limiting the impact of children’s poor oral health and reducing social inequalities, said Dr Jonas.

“Our advice is to book your child into your local dentist in the next few months and before the end of the year, and do make sure if eligible, you use the government’s Child Dental Benefits allowance or lose it.”

About ADA NSW: https://www.adansw.com.au/Home