CDBS(Medicare) Billing Update

Dear Parents and Carers,

We would like to share an important update about how our practice will be billing Medicare services going forward. These changes are effective from 1 April 2026.

For many years, we have worked hard to make dental care as accessible as possible for families, including offering bulk billing for eligible Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) services. This commitment has always been guided by our belief that children deserve timely, high-quality dental care in a safe and supportive environment.

However, over time, the costs involved in providing our quality dental care with the high infection control and independently accredited standards have risen significantly. At the same time, the level of Medicare and private health fund rebates has not kept pace with these increases at all.

Medicare CDBS consistently covers between 40-70% less of the actual costs. That means as practices, we have been running at a steady loss for years with parents and patients blissfully unaware of the financial cost, loss to us personally.

To ensure that we can continue to provide the standard of care our patients and families expect — safely, sustainably, and without compromising quality.

Our practices will no longer operate as a purely bulk-billing clinic for Medicare services.

What this means going forward:

• Some dental services provided at our practices may continue to be bulk billed under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, where eligible.

• Other dental services are not eligible for Medicare benefits or are not bulk billed by the practice and will be charged privately. For instance, from 1 April 2026 there will be a minimum $20 administrative fee per visit. This is not covered under the CDBS scheme and will need to be paid on the day of attendance.

• Bulk-billed services and privately charged services are separate, even when provided on the same day.

• We will always discuss any fees with you before treatment, so you can make informed decisions about your child’s care.

• When you are charged an administrative or fee outside of the CDBS it is because the code is not covered under the CDBS list of codes. This does not breach the Medicare code of conduct.

Please be reassured that this change is not made lightly. It reflects our commitment to providing safe, ethical, and high-quality dental care now and into the future, rather than reducing appointment times, limiting treatment options, or compromising on infection control, equipment, or staffing.

Our team is always happy to answer questions, explain treatment options, and discuss fees with you. We value the trust you place in us and remain committed to caring for your children with the same compassion, professionalism, and attention we always have.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Warm regards,  

The Team at Family Dental Yamba and Grafton