Children’s Dentistry

Children’s Dentistry at Ferny Smiles Dental

At Ferny Smiles Dental, we understand how formative early dental experiences can be. A positive, gentle introduction to dentistry helps children develop confidence and healthy habits that support them for life. Our calm, family-friendly environment is designed to make children feel safe, secure, and encouraged at every stage — whether they are infants, school-aged, or teenagers.

Gentle, Friendly and Educational

We approach children’s dentistry with patience, reassurance, and communication tailored to each child’s personality. Our goal is to make visits enjoyable and stress-free by building trust through simple explanations, encouragement, and a gradual approach for more anxious patients.
Many children become genuinely excited about their appointments — and we love watching their confidence grow with every visit.
Kids dental care with bulk bill dentist Ferny Grove at Ferny Smiles Dental
Pediatric dentist providing gentle care to child at Ferny Smiles Dental

When Should Your Child First See the Dentist?

We recommend your child’s first dental visit between 18 and 24 months, or earlier if there are any concerns. Early appointments are focused on helping your child become familiar with the dental setting rather than clinical treatment.
During this visit, we gently assess early tooth development and discuss helpful topics such as brushing technique, feeding habits, thumb-sucking, and diet. Every child is different, so we adjust our approach according to their readiness. If your child needs more time, we take small steps toward building comfort.

Healthy Baby Teeth Matter

Baby teeth play an important role in eating, speaking, and guiding adult teeth into proper alignment. Although temporary, they can still develop decay, infection, and pain if not properly cared for.

Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic conditions in children — yet highly preventable. Routine check-ups and good home care help detect issues early and support healthy long-term habits.

What Happens at a Child’s Dental Visit?

During your child’s regular 6-month appointment, we may:

  • Check teeth and gums for early signs of decay
  • Monitor growth and development of the jaw and bite
  • Perform a gentle clean and apply fluoride (if appropriate)
  • Provide brushing, flossing, and diet tips
  • Discuss habits such as grinding or thumb-sucking
  • Answer any questions you or your child may have


These visits help children understand the value of healthy habits in a positive, supportive way.

Encouraging Good Habits at Home

Daily routines play a major role in protecting your child’s teeth. We recommend:

  • Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
  • Supervising brushing for younger children
  • Opting for water over sugary drinks
  • Limiting snacks that are high in sugar
  • Making brushing part of a consistent daily routine

We’re happy to offer demonstrations, advice, and recommendations suited to your child’s age and needs.

CDBS: Bulk-Billed Children's Dentistry

Ferny Smiles Dental proudly supports the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).

Eligible children aged 0–17 years can access up to $1,132 in dental benefits over a two-calendar-year period.

CDBS covers a range of essential services, including:

  • Examinations
  • Cleaning
  • X-rays
  • Fissure sealing
  • Fillings
  • Extractions


Find Out If Your Child Is Covered

We understand that navigating dental benefits can be confusing. Our team is happy to assist by checking your child’s eligibility for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). Just call us with your Medicare card details, or drop by the practice and we’ll take care of the rest.

Tailored Care for Growing Smiles

Every child’s smile develops differently. That’s why we offer additional treatments to help protect their teeth, preserve space for adult teeth, and reduce the risk of future dental problems.

Space Maintainers

When a baby tooth is lost too early, nearby teeth can shift into the empty space, potentially leading to crowding or alignment issues. Space maintainers are small, custom-made appliances that hold the space open until the adult tooth is ready to come through, helping guide proper dental development.

Fissure Sealants

Children’s back teeth often have deep grooves that can trap food and bacteria, making them more vulnerable to decay.
Fissure sealants are a protective coating applied to these grooves, creating a smooth surface that is easier to clean and significantly reduces the risk of cavities.

Gap-Free Preventive Care for Insured Families

For families with private health cover, we offer gap-free preventive visits — including check-ups, cleans, X-rays, and fluoride — provided you have available benefits.

If you’re uncertain about your cover, our reception team can guide you through your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should my child first visit the dentist?
Ideally between 18 and 24 months, or sooner if concerns arise.
Yes. Fluoride is applied in safe, age-appropriate amounts to help strengthen teeth and prevent decay.
Eligible children aged 0–17 can access exams, X-rays, cleans, fissure sealants, fillings, and extractions.
Absolutely — they support speech, chewing, and correct positioning of adult teeth.
Every 6 months, unless your dentist advises otherwise based on individual needs.
Yes — we offer gap-free preventive care for insured families with available benefits, and bulk bill eligible CDBS patients.