For many people, the end of the year is a good time to check their dental cover. Most Australian health funds reset extras limits on 1 January, and some families also have a Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) period ending on 31 December.

This checklist helps you find out where you stand. It isn't a reason to book treatment you don't need. If you're due for a check-up, or your dentist has already recommended treatment, knowing your limits can help you plan when to have it.

Your year-end checklist

Tick off each step as you go.

When do health fund extras reset?

Extras limits are the maximum your fund will pay towards services like dental in a benefit year. Most funds use the calendar year, so limits reset on 1 January. Check your own policy, because the date isn't the same for everyone.

In most policies, unused limits don't carry over to the next year, although a small number of funds let you carry over part of them. If you've changed funds during the year, your new fund may count what you've already claimed with your old fund.

What your fund will pay

Extras usually pay part of the cost of each service, not all of it. What you get back depends on your level of cover, the item number for each service and any limits on that service. The difference is your gap.

You can also check whether you're still in a waiting period, which applies when you first join or upgrade your cover.

Using the Child Dental Benefits Schedule

The CDBS helps eligible families pay for basic dental services for children and teenagers aged 0 to 17. A child is eligible when a parent receives Family Tax Benefit Part A or another eligible government payment.

The CDBS benefit is a cap over two calendar years. The period starts on 1 January of the year your child is eligible and first uses the benefit. Any amount left at the end of the period expires.

If your child's period started in 2025, it ends on 31 December 2026. If it started in 2026, any amount left can be used in 2027, as long as your child is still eligible.

The CDBS covers check-ups, X-rays, cleaning, fissure sealants, fillings, root canals and extractions. It doesn't cover orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry or dental services in hospital. Before treatment, your dentist will explain the costs and ask you to sign a consent form.

To check your child's balance, sign in to your Medicare online account through myGov and go to History and statements, or call Medicare.

What happens at a check-up and clean?

At a check-up, your dentist examines your teeth, gums and mouth, and may take X-rays if they're needed. A scale and clean removes plaque and tartar that brushing can't reach. Your dentist will then tell you if any treatment is needed and when to come back.

How often you need a check-up depends on your oral health, so it may not be every six months. Ask your dentist what suits you.

Planning treatment across two years

If your dentist has recommended treatment that takes several visits, such as a crown, ask your fund how each stage is claimed. Depending on your fund, some stages may come under this year's limits and others under next year's.

Don't rush or delay treatment just to suit a benefit year. Ask your dentist whether timing makes any clinical difference, and follow their advice.

Booking at Gosnells Dental Centre

We accept all major health funds and claim on the spot with HICAPS, so you pay only the gap. We see eligible children under the CDBS at our kids dentist service, and you can spread the cost of larger treatment with Afterpay or Zip.

We're at 2/16 Fremantle Rd, Gosnells, and open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturday from 9am to 1pm. We also see patients from nearby suburbs, including Maddington, Thornlie and Kelmscott.

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Frequently asked questions

This article is general information and doesn't replace advice from your dentist or health fund. Health fund rules vary by fund and policy, so check yours before booking. All dental treatment carries risks.