After hard-fought negotiations in Canberra, funding for the Child Dental Benefits Scheme has been secured saving the essential service from the Federal Government’s budget cutting Omnibus legislation.

Local Member of Federal Parliament Madeleine King said cutting the scheme’s funding would mean local children risked missing out on much-needed dental care.

“The Child Dental Benefits Scheme provides eligible children with up to $1,000 in dental services every two years,” Ms King said.

“The reality is many parents and caregivers struggle to find the money to visit the dentist and if this scheme was cancelled they would be forced on to already long pubic dental waiting lists.

“It is shameful for the Federal Government to even consider cutting funds from children’s dental care and I am proud that Labor has managed to save this scheme.”

Ms King encouraged eligible families to utilise the Child Dental Benefits Scheme which provides $1,000 per child every two year period to pay for dental services.

The scheme covers the costs of a range of dental services at participating dentist practices including examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fillings, root canals and extractions.

To check a child’s eligibility you can contact the Department of Human Services on 132 150.