Children’s Dentistry
Children’s Dentistry at Ferny Hills Dental
At Ferny Hills Dental, we believe that a positive dental experience during childhood lays the foundation for lifelong oral health. Our team is passionate about creating a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe, comfortable, and even excited to visit the dentist. From toddlers to teenagers, we are here to support every stage of your child’s dental development.
Gentle, Friendly and Educational
We know that the first few visits to the dentist can shape how children feel about dental care for years to come. That’s why our approach is focused on creating positive, non-threatening experiences through trust, education, and patience. Many of our young patients actually look forward to their appointments — and we love seeing their smiles grow with them.
Our dentists take time to explain each step of the process in age-appropriate ways, helping children build familiarity and confidence. For nervous patients, we introduce care gradually, taking cues from the child’s comfort level. No pressure — just progress.
When Should Your Child First See the Dentist?
We recommend your child’s first dental visit between the ages of 18 to 24 months. These early appointments are not about treatment, but about helping your child get used to the sights, sounds, and people in a dental environment. It’s also a valuable opportunity to detect and prevent potential issues before they develop.
During these visits, we gently check the development of baby teeth and discuss topics such as thumb sucking, bottle use, brushing habits, and diet. Importantly, we tailor each visit to suit your child’s unique personality and readiness. If they’re not ready on the first visit, we take small steps to build trust over time.
Healthy Baby Teeth Matter
Baby teeth play a critical role in speech development, chewing, and guiding permanent teeth into the correct position. Just like adult teeth, they are vulnerable to decay, and problems in baby teeth can lead to infections, pain, and even affect a child’s self-esteem.
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children — yet it is preventable. Regular dental check-ups from a young age help detect problems early, reinforce positive oral hygiene habits, and reduce the need for future treatment.
What Happens at a Child’s Dental Check-Up?
At each 6-month visit, we will:
- Examine your child’s teeth and gums for signs of decay or early-stage problems
- Check the growth and development of their jaw and bite
- Provide a professional clean and fluoride application (where appropriate)
- Offer tips for brushing, flossing, and healthy eating
- Discuss habits such as thumb-sucking or night grinding
- Answer any questions you or your child may have
These appointments are also a chance for us to empower children to take ownership of their oral hygiene in a way that’s fun and rewarding.
Encouraging Good Habits at Home
Consistent home care is essential to protect your child’s teeth between visits. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, reducing sugary snacks and drinks, and supervising younger children’s brushing are all important steps. Our team is happy to provide age-specific advice and demonstrations so that brushing doesn’t feel like a chore — but part of the daily routine.
CDBS: Bulk-Billed Children’s Dentistry
We are proud to support families through the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), which provides eligible children aged 2–17 years with access to up to $1,095 in dental services over two calendar years. This includes examinations, X-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, and extractions.
At Ferny Hills Dental, we bulk bill eligible children under this scheme, meaning no out-of-pocket cost to you for covered services. Our team can check your child’s eligibility and help you understand how to use the CDBS benefits effectively.
Making Dental Care Accessible
We want all children to have access to quality oral health care. That’s why we also offer gap-free preventative care for families with private health cover — including check-ups, cleans, fluoride treatments, and X-rays — provided there are sufficient benefits available.
If you’re not sure what your health fund covers, our friendly reception team is always happy to assist.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child first visit the dentist?
We recommend booking your child’s first dental visit between 18 and 24 months, or earlier if there are concerns.
Is fluoride safe for children?
Yes. In appropriate amounts, fluoride helps protect teeth from decay. We apply it safely and in line with age guidelines.
What services are covered under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?
Eligible children can access examinations, X-rays, cleaning, fissure sealants, fillings, and extractions under CDBS.
Do baby teeth really matter if they fall out?
Absolutely. Baby teeth help with chewing, speaking, and guiding adult teeth. Decay can cause pain and long-term issues.
How often should children have a dental check-up?
Every 6 months is ideal, starting from the age of 2, unless otherwise advised by your dentist.
Do you offer gap-free kids dental care?
Yes. We offer gap-free preventative care for children with eligible private health cover, and bulk billing for eligible CDBS patients.