Children's Dentistry in Kiama
- CDBS eligible patients bulk billed
- Calm, supportive approach for kids
- Preventative care aligned with ADA standards
Children’s dentistry focuses on building positive early dental experiences and developing lifelong oral health. At Kiama Family Dental, we provide calm, consistent care for children of all ages – from their first visit through to the teenage years. These appointments may include check-ups and cleans, monitoring of baby and adult teeth, oral hygiene guidance and preventative treatments such as fissure sealants and fluoride application.
Our approach is designed to help children feel at ease, with clear communication, gentle care and plenty of time to ask questions. We understand that early dental visits can shape a child’s attitude towards oral care well into adulthood.
We also focus on oral health education – helping children learn proper brushing techniques, understand the role of nutrition in dental care and feel confident about visiting the dentist. Where needed, we may refer to a local orthodontist for braces or alignment treatment, but we continue to support the child’s general dental care throughout.
To arrange a gentle, supportive appointment with Dr Salmon, call our practice on
(02) 4233 1313.
What Children’s Dentistry May Involve
Children’s dentistry includes both routine and preventative care tailored to your child’s stage of development. Regular check-ups allow the dentist to monitor the growth and alignment of the teeth and jaw, identify concerns early and provide gentle cleans to remove plaque or staining. Preventative treatments such as fissure sealants may be applied to molars and premolars to reduce the risk of decay – these are quick, non-invasive and don’t require anaesthetic or drilling.
We also focus on oral health education – helping children learn proper brushing techniques, understand the role of nutrition in dental care and feel confident about visiting the dentist. Where needed, we may refer to a local orthodontist for braces or alignment treatment, but we continue to support the child’s general dental care throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should a child first visit the dentist?
It’s generally recommended that children visit the dentist by the age of one, or within six months of their first tooth erupting. These early visits are more about familiarity and guidance than treatment – they give the dentist a chance to check tooth development, offer tips on home care and help your child feel at ease in a dental setting. Starting early also allows for prompt detection of potential issues, such as early decay or oral habits like thumb-sucking, which can impact jaw and tooth development.
How often should children have dental check-ups?
Most children benefit from a dental check-up every six months. These regular visits help monitor the growth and alignment of the teeth and jaw, remove plaque that’s hard to reach at home and provide ongoing guidance around brushing, flossing and diet. Children who are at higher risk of dental problems – for example, those with frequent snacking habits, a history of decay or medical conditions affecting oral health – may be advised to visit more frequently. Your dentist can provide a tailored schedule based on your child’s needs.
What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a government program that provides eligible families with access to basic dental services for children aged 0–17. It covers up to $1,095 over two consecutive calendar years for services such as check-ups, X-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings and extractions. The program is available to families receiving certain government payments. If your child is eligible, many practices – including those registered under the scheme – can offer bulk billing so there’s no out-of-pocket cost. You can check your eligibility through Medicare or the Services Australia website.
