Australian Dental Industry Association

Bite Sized Beginnings

Bringing oral health prevention to families earlier

Bite Sized Beginnings is a program connecting children and their families at early learning centres with oral health education, dental check-ups and ongoing care. Through practical education, support and guided referral pathways, the program aims to increase awareness of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) and help children access preventive dental care earlier.

ADVOCACY

Why It Matters

Too many eligible families are missing out.

Since 2014, participation in the CDBS nationally, has remained below 40% of eligible children. Low awareness remains a key barrier.

Bite Sized Beginnings brings clear information and practical support directly to families through early learning centres. Many families do not know their child may be eligible, what the scheme covers or how to use it.

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule provides eligible children aged 0-17 with access to up to $1,158 in basic dental services over two consecutive calendar years. Eligibility is linked to Medicare and certain Centrelink payments such as Family Tax Benefits A.

Below 40%Participation nationally among eligible children has remained below 40% since the scheme began in 2014.

0-17 years Eligible age range

Up to $1,158For basic dental services over two consecutive calendar years.*Eligibility and benefit amounts are determined by the Australian Government and may change.

Delivered where families already areThe program reaches families through trusted early learning centres.

How The Program Works

From Education to Ongoing Care

1. Learn Children, parents and educators take part in oral health education delivered at their early learning centre. Sessions are delivered by a registered dental practitioner.

2. Connect Families receive information about the Child Dental Benefits Schedule and assistance to understand whether their child may be eligible and how the scheme can be used.

3. ContinueEligible families are offered a free dental check-up and a pathway for regular preventive care at a local dental clinic. Eligible children are bulk billed through the CDBS. Children who are not eligible are offered a free dental check-up as part of the program.

Delivered In Partnership With

Bite Sized Beginnings is delivered by the Australian Dental Industry Association in partnership with: Goodstart Early Learning, Primary Dental, a division of ForHealth Group and Colgate.

For More Information

FamiliesCould your child be eligible for free dental care?
Check your child's CDBS eligibility through your Medicare online account linked to myGov.
CHECK ELIGIBILITY

Government, Early Learning and Oral Health PartnersHelp us reach more families earlier.
Bite Sized Beginnings is building evidence to inform the next stage of the program and its application in more communities.

Contact ADIA Director of Policy and Education, Dr Sarah Raphael by calling us on 1300 943 094 or emailing sarah.raphael@adia.org.au