Children’s dentistry covers dental care from the first baby teeth through to the teenage years. Early, regular visits help children get used to the dental chair and allow small problems to be found while they are still easy to treat.
When to bring your child in
A good time for a first visit is when the first teeth come through, or by around their first birthday. After that, most children are seen for a check-up every six to twelve months, depending on their needs. Please come in sooner if you notice a toothache, a dark spot or hole in a tooth, swelling, or a chipped or knocked tooth.
Common care for children
- Check-ups and cleans, with simple advice on brushing, flossing, snacks and drinks.
- X-rays when needed, to check between teeth and see adult teeth coming through.
- Fissure sealants to protect the grooves of back teeth.
- Fluoride treatments to help strengthen tooth enamel.
- Fillings and extractions when a tooth needs treatment.
- Help with dental injuries, such as a chipped or knocked tooth, which should be seen as soon as possible.
- Growth checks, to monitor how the teeth and jaws are developing, and to advise whether orthodontic treatment is needed and the best time to start.
Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a Medicare program that helps pay for basic dental care for children aged 0–17 whose family receives Family Tax Benefit Part A or another eligible Australian Government payment at least once during the calendar year.
The CDBS covers basic services such as check-ups, X-rays, cleaning, fissure sealants, fillings, root canals and extractions, up to a capped amount over two consecutive calendar years. The cap is set by the Australian Government and is updated from time to time. It does not cover orthodontic or cosmetic treatment, or dental care in hospital.
A child’s Medicare card is needed to claim under the CDBS.
Making visits easier
It helps to talk about the visit in a positive, matter-of-fact way beforehand, and to book a time of day when your child is usually rested.
Health funds
If a child is not eligible for the CDBS, many health fund extras policies cover check-ups and cleans.
Book a visit
1st Floor, 5 Patrick Street, Blacktown, next to Westpoint. Call (02) 8814 9888 or book online.