Question 1

At what age should my child first see a dentist?

Accepted Answer

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children visit a dentist when their first tooth appears, or by their first birthday — whichever comes first. Many families wait until problems arise, but early visits allow your dentist to monitor tooth and jaw development, guide parents on cleaning and diet, and help children become comfortable with dental care before any treatment is ever needed. Starting early may also help reduce dental anxiety. Research in the Australian Dental Journal suggests that a child who has had several positive dental visits by age three is significantly more likely to approach dental care with confidence throughout their life. The AIHW reports that only about 55% of children aged 5—6 have visited a dentist in the preceding 12 months, indicating room for earlier engagement. If your child is older and has not yet seen a dentist, there is no need for concern — simply book their first appointment. Your dentist will assess their current oral health and create a plan appropriate for their age and stage. Our [check-up and clean](/general-dentistry/check-up-and-clean) appointments for children are gentle and thorough. Australian Dental Association. Dental health for children — when to start. 2024.

Question 2

What happens at my child's first dental visit?

Accepted Answer

The first visit at Sienna Smiles is about getting to know your child and building trust — not about performing procedures. For very young children, much of the appointment takes place with the child on a parent's lap. A gentle count of erupted teeth and assessment of gum health. A review of how the bite, jaw, and spacing are developing. A conversation with parents about brushing techniques, diet, and fluoride. A brief polish if the child is comfortable and clinically appropriate. A home care plan and recommended recall interval There is no pressure at the first visit. If your child is anxious or uncooperative, that is completely normal — our team is experienced in working with children at their own pace. The goal is to end on a positive note so the next visit feels familiar and safe.

Question 3

Are baby teeth really that important?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Baby teeth (primary teeth) serve several critical functions that support your child's development: **Speech development** — teeth are essential for forming sounds correctly. Early tooth loss can affect how children learn to pronounce letters and words.. **Nutrition** — healthy teeth allow children to chew a wide range of foods, supporting proper nutrition and growth.. **Space maintenance** — baby teeth hold space in the jaw for the permanent teeth developing below. Early tooth loss can cause neighbouring teeth to drift and reduce the space available for adult teeth.. **Jaw development** — the pattern of chewing forces during the primary dentition stage contributes to healthy jaw and facial development. Untreated decay in baby teeth can progress rapidly and cause pain, infection (dental abscess), and difficulty eating. According to the AIHW, dental conditions are the most common cause of preventable hospital admissions among Australian children aged 5–10. Treatment of a child in acute discomfort is typically more complex, more costly, and more distressing than early preventive care. Addressing caries early — or preventing it altogether — is the recommended approach. HealthDirect Australia. Children's teeth (baby teeth). 2025.

Question 4

How can I prepare my child for their first visit?

Accepted Answer

Preparation before the appointment can make a significant difference to how your child experiences dental care. A few approaches that may help: **Use positive language** — say "the dentist checks your teeth to keep them healthy and strong" rather than introducing any concept of discomfort. **Avoid negative language** — even well-meaning reassurances that mention discomfort can plant worry. Keep explanations brief and matter-of-fact.. **Play pretend dentist at home** — counting teeth together, opening wide, and looking with a torch can make the process feel familiar. **Read a book or watch a video** — children's books about first dental visits are widely available and can normalise the experience. **Stay calm yourself** — children often read and mirror a parent's anxiety. A calm, matter-of-fact approach can help set the tone. If your child has specific concerns or has had a difficult experience in the past, please mention it when booking. Our team can adjust the approach before the appointment. For children with significant anxiety, [sedation dentistry](/sedation-dentistry) options may also be discussed at consultation.

Question 5

Does my child qualify for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is assessed by Services Australia, not by Sienna Smiles. Your child may be eligible if they meet all of the following criteria: Aged 2 to 17 years (inclusive) at some point during the calendar year. Either the child or a parent or guardian is eligible to receive a relevant Australian Government payment — the most common qualifying payment is **Family Tax Benefit Part A (FTB-A)**. The child is a Medicare card holder Services Australia sends eligible families a notification each calendar year. According to Services Australia data, the most common qualifying payment is Family Tax Benefit Part A (FTB-A), which covers the majority of CDBS-eligible families. If you are unsure whether your child qualifies, you can verify eligibility via myGov or call Services Australia on 132 011. Bring your Medicare card to the appointment and our team will confirm the available benefit balance before treatment begins. Services Australia. Child Dental Benefits Schedule — eligibility. 2025.

Question 6

What is covered under the CDBS?

Accepted Answer

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule covers a range of basic dental services for eligible children. The 2026 benefit cap is $1,158 per child over a two-year period. Examinations and check-ups. Dental X-rays. Cleaning (scale and polish). Fissure sealants. Fillings. Root canal treatment (limited to certain teeth). Extractions. Certain preventive dental treatments The CDBS does not cover orthodontic treatment (including braces and aligners), cosmetic dental procedures, or services provided in a hospital setting. According to Services Australia, the benefit is means-tested and the cap accumulates over the two-year period — unused amounts do not carry forward beyond the cycle. If your child requires treatment beyond what is covered, your dentist will explain all available options and itemised costs in writing before proceeding. Services Australia. What the Child Dental Benefits Schedule covers. 2025.

Question 7

How do I claim through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

Accepted Answer

Sienna Smiles bulk-bills the CDBS for eligible patients. This means that for covered services within your child's available benefit, there is no out-of-pocket cost to you. Bring your child's **Medicare card** to the appointment. Our team will check the available CDBS benefit balance before treatment begins. We submit the claim directly to Medicare on your behalf — no paperwork required from you. If the benefit balance is insufficient to cover all recommended treatment, we will confirm the out-of-pocket cost before proceeding The benefit is shared across the two-year period, so the full $1,158 may not be available if some has already been used at another practice or in a previous calendar year. Our team will confirm the remaining balance at your appointment. Visit our [CDBS information page](/patient-info/child-dental-benefits-schedule) for full eligibility details.

Question 8

How often should children see a dentist?

Accepted Answer

The Australian Dental Association recommends that most children see a dentist every six months for a routine examination and prophylaxis. The AIHW reports that children who receive regular dental care are 60% less likely to require invasive restorative treatment. The appropriate recall interval for your child will depend on their individual oral health risk profile — children with a history of caries, high-sugar diets, or developing orthodontic concerns may benefit from more frequent visits. After each check-up at Sienna Smiles, your child's dentist will recommend a recall interval and document it in their oral health plan. If your child is under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, six-monthly visits can help make the most of the benefit within the two-year period. Australian Dental Association. Dental health for children — visiting frequency. 2024.

Question 9

What are fissure sealants and does my child need them?

Accepted Answer

Fissure sealants are a thin protective resin coating applied to the deep grooves (fissures) of the back teeth — typically the permanent first and second molars as they erupt. The deep grooves of these teeth can be difficult to clean effectively with a toothbrush, and may be more susceptible to decay in children who are at higher risk. Sealants are quick, comfortable, and do not require drilling or local anaesthetic. They create a smoother surface over the fissure, which may help reduce the risk of occlusal caries in that area. A Cochrane systematic review (2020) found that resin-based fissure sealants can reduce the risk of pit-and-fissure decay by up to 76% over two years in permanent molars of children and adolescents at moderate to high caries risk. Typically applied to the first permanent molars around age 6–7, and second molars around age 11–13. The application takes just a few minutes per tooth. Sealants are checked at each recall appointment and can be reapplied if needed. Not all children require sealants — your dentist will assess your child's risk profile and discuss whether they are indicated Australian Dental Association. Fissure sealants — patient information. 2024.

Question 10

What should I do if my child knocks out a baby tooth?

Accepted Answer

If your child avulses (knocks out) a baby tooth (primary tooth), the clinical approach differs significantly from a permanent tooth avulsion. Primary teeth should generally not be replanted, as reimplantation may damage the developing permanent tooth bud (successor) within the alveolar bone. HealthDirect Australia advises that prompt professional assessment is still important to rule out associated injuries. **Stay calm** — comfort your child and control any bleeding with gentle pressure using a clean cloth or gauze. **Do not attempt to reinsert the tooth** — primary teeth are not replanted due to the risk of damage to the permanent tooth bud below. **Call Sienna Smiles** on 08 9455 1234 — we will advise you and arrange an appointment if needed. **Bring the tooth** — your dentist may want to examine it to confirm it came out whole (if fragments remain in the socket, these need to be assessed). **Check for other injuries** — if your child has hit their head, lip, jaw, or other teeth, these should also be assessed If a permanent tooth is knocked out, that is a dental emergency — keep the tooth moist, handle it by the crown only, and call us immediately on 08 9455 1234. Time is critical for permanent teeth. A custom [sports mouthguard](/general-dentistry/mouthguards) can help reduce the risk of dental injuries during contact sport. HealthDirect Australia. Knocked-out tooth (avulsed tooth). 2025.

Gentle dental care for little smiles

Children's dental services at Sienna Smiles

Check-ups & examinations

Professional cleans

Fissure sealants

Fluoride treatments

Early orthodontic assessment

Dental X-rays

Your child's first dental visit

What to tell your child

What happens at the first visit

CDBS bulk-billing at Sienna Smiles

Who is eligible

What is covered under CDBS

Questions about children's dentistry

Book your child's first visit

Gentledentalcareforlittle smilesGentle dental care for little smiles