Kids Dentist
Support your little one’s future health by visiting a children’s dentist early
Our kids dentists in Newcastle have extensive experience in treating children, catering our environment to the entire family. Our team creates a relaxing environment so you can relax while your children play in our educational and stimulating practice.
At Charlestown Dental Centre, we believe in building a quality relationship with your child from a young age. This will build the foundations for a trusting relationship with their dentist and will discourage fear of the dentist or dental phobia.
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule
The Australian Government is now assisting more than three million children receive important dental treatments, with $1,000 in capped benefits being offered to eligible families via the new Medicare funded scheme – The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).
Here at Charlestown Dental Centre in Newcastle, we are proud to support this new scheme to help children receive the dental care they need and deserve. Launched at the beginning of the year, the CDBS replaced the Teen Dental Voucher System, and assists children between the ages of two – 17 receive $1,000 of Medicare-funded general dentistry over a two year period.*
- Dental check-ups
- Teeth cleaning
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Fissure seals
- Extractions
- Root canal treatment
- Partial denture
Preparing your child for the dentist
As a parent, there are ways you can help ease your child into their first dental experience. For some small children, the first visit to the dentist can seem scary – strange instruments, loud noises, and new faces. However, with a little planning on your part, a trip to the dentist can be easy and even fun!
Below are some tips to prepare your child for a trip to the dentist.
- Run through the appointment process at home in advance, using teddy bears and role play to help your child understand what to expect.
- Stay positive, avoiding words around pain or needles and focusing instead on how the dentist can help your child to form strong and healthy teeth.
- Take your child’s favourite toy along to the appointment – this will be a source of comfort and familiarity if they begin to feel afraid.
- Talk to your child about the dentist. Make sure to tell them what’s going to happen, and practice brushing their teeth together beforehand. Be prepared to ask the dentist about any questions or concerns you may have.
- Practice what you preach, ensuring your child sees you brushing your teeth twice a day and remaining calm throughout the dentist visit.
What to expect at your kid’s first dental appointment
At Charlestown Dental Centre, we understand that some children feel anxious about visiting the dentist – especially for the first time. That’s why we strive to create a welcoming environment, ensuring your child feels nurtured as soon as they walk into our practice. Our compassionate and caring children’s dentists aim to make the experience as educational and fun as possible.
At the first appointment, you can expect the dentist to thoroughly examine your child’s mouth, show you how to clean your child’s teeth (and let you practice), and answer any questions or concerns. Before leaving our office, you should have a clear idea about your child’s oral health development and your responsibilities.
Book a kids dentist appointment at Charlestown Dental Centre
If you have any further questions or concerns regarding your child’s first dental visit or when to book their appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact our office to speak with one of our family dental professionals. In fact, you could even save $1000 on your child’s dental treatment!
Frequently asked questions
When do children go to the dentist for the first time?
Most dental professionals recommend your child see the dentist by age 1 or within six months after the first tooth appears. The general rule of thumb for child dental is that their first visit is booked by their first birthday.
However, earlier kids’ dental is okay too. Primary teeth usually begin to grow at around 6 months of age. The goal is to have your child visit the dentist before there is a problem with their teeth. This way your dentist will be able to catch any small problems early on.
An age 1 dental visit lets parents discuss with the dentist:
- How to care for an infant or toddler’s mouth
- Proper use of fluoride
- Oral habits, including finger and thumb sucking
- Ways to prevent dental accidents
- Teething
- The links between diet and oral health
How often should your child visit the dentist?
In a child’s developing years (6 months – 3 years), they should visit the dentist regularly to have their teeth and gums checked. At Charlestown Dental Centre, we recommend a checkup every 6 months in order to prevent cavities and other dental problems.
What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CBDS) is a means-tested program that offers children basic dental services via the public healthcare system. Capped at $1,000 per child within two consecutive years, services include check ups, cleaning, X-rays, fillings, fissure sealing, root canals and extractions.
To be eligible, your child must be:
- Aged two to 18 years old
- Eligible for Medicare
- Receiving at least one Government payment per year, or have a parent who does.
To see whether your child qualifies under the means-tested CBDS, visit the Services Australia website or call 132 150.
Who is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule and how long does it last?
To be eligible, your child must be:
- Aged two to 18 years old
- Eligible for Medicare
- Receiving at least one Government payment per year, or have a parent who does.
This includes parents in receipt of the Family Tax Benefit Part A or any of the below government payments:
- ABSTUDY
- Youth Allowance
- Parenting Payment
- Disability Support Pension
- Special Benefit
- Carer Payment
- Double Orphan Pension
- Veterans’ Children Education Scheme, if the child is 16 or over
- Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme, if the child is 16 or over.
To see whether your child qualifies under the means-tested CBDS, visit the Services Australia website or call 132 150.
Children won’t even have to be on a waiting list – the young patient will be given the next available appointment.
CALL : (02) 4943 9177
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*Terms and conditions apply:
- Patients can use their full benefits within the first year if required; however, additional benefits will not be made available in the second year.
- If you do not use the $1000 capped benefit within the first year it will roll over to your second year for future use.
- If you do not use the $1000 in the two year time period, any remaining benefits cannot be carried over to the following year.
- The benefits can only be used by the eligible patient. This means that benefits cannot be shared amongst family members.
- Even if your child is turning two or 18 throughout the year, they will still be eligible that year, for the full year.
- If for any reason you stop receiving the aforementioned government benefits, your child is still entitled to the Child Benefit Scheme as long as you received government funding sometime throughout that year.