Child Dental Care at Totally Smiles

Finding a dentist your child feels comfortable seeing can shape how they approach oral health for years to come. Child dental care at Totally Smiles focuses on gentle, age appropriate treatment that helps children and teenagers build healthy habits from their very first visit. With Totally Smiles centres across Victoria and Queensland, including Geelong, Pakenham, Indooroopilly, Morningside and Townsville families can access welcoming children’s dental care closer to home.

Our aim is simple: to make each appointment a calm, positive experience, so children grow up feeling at ease in the dental chair rather than anxious about it.

What Does Child Dental Care Involve?

Child dental care looks after infants, children and teenagers as their teeth develop, with an emphasis on prevention and early intervention. It typically covers routine check-ups and cleans, cavity prevention, fluoride treatments, fissure sealants, monitoring of tooth and jaw development, and support for children who feel nervous about visiting the dentist.

Because a child’s early experiences often shape how they feel about dental care into adulthood, our approach centres on patience, clear communication and a relaxed environment from the very first check-up. Where treatment is needed such as a filling or the management of tooth decay it is carried out gently and explained in a way children can understand.

Our Child Dental Care Services

• Preventive care — regular check-ups, cleans and fluoride treatments to help maintain your child’s oral health and reduce the risk of decay.
• Dental anxiety support — a gentle, unhurried approach and calming techniques to help nervous children feel more comfortable and build trust over time.
• Fissure sealants and mouthguards — protective coatings that help reduce the risk of cavities, plus custom-fitted mouthguards to help protect teeth during sport.
• Emergency dental care — prompt attention for dental injuries, pain and other urgent concerns.

Each of these is delivered with the same goal: helping your child feel safe and supported at every stage. Many parents find that once their child has a few positive visits behind them, future appointments become easier for everyone involved.

How Child Dental Care Works at Totally Smiles

Step one — Consultation. Your child’s visit begins with a friendly assessment of their oral health, including any x-rays that may be needed, and a chance to talk through your questions and any concerns.

Step two — Personalised plan. Based on the consultation, we outline a plan focused on routine check-ups, prevention and education, along with anything specific noted during the visit. Where relevant, we can discuss referrals for treatments such as orthodontics in later years.

Step three — Treatment. From routine cleans to fillings and, where necessary, extractions, care is provided gently and at a pace that suits your child.

Throughout each step, we explain things in simple language and, where it helps, show children the tools involved before treatment begins. This can reduce uncertainty and help your child feel more comfortable during and after their appointment.

When Should Your Child First See a Dentist?

Australian dental guidance, including recommendations from the Australian Dental Association, suggests introducing children to the dentist early often around their first birthday or once their first teeth appear. Early visits help children become familiar with the environment and allow the dental team to monitor development from the outset.

It may be time to book a visit if your child:

• has tooth pain or visible signs of decay
• has never had a dental check-up before
• has concerns around teething, thumb-sucking or the way their teeth are coming through

Regular check-ups from an early age support strong, healthy teeth and gums, offer guidance on oral hygiene for both children and parents, and help make dental visits a familiar, low stress part of family life.

How Much Does Child Dental Care Cost?

The cost of child dental care depends on the treatment involved a routine check-up and clean differs from, for example, a filling or a custom mouthguard. Many families put private health extras cover towards their child’s routine dental visits, and eligible children may be able to access the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), an Australian Government scheme that provides a capped benefit for basic dental services over a set period.

Rebates and eligibility vary depending on your level of cover or CDBS eligibility, so our team is happy to talk through your options and provide an estimate before any treatment begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should my child first see a dentist?

Most guidance, including from the Australian Dental Association, suggests a first visit around your child’s first birthday or when their first teeth appear. Early visits help children get used to the environment and allow us to monitor development from the start.

Is child dental care safe and gentle for young children?

Yes. Children’s dental care is designed to be gentle and age appropriate. Our team takes an unhurried approach, explains each step in simple terms, and adjusts to your child’s comfort level to help keep visits calm and reassuring.

How much does child dental care cost?

It depends on the treatment your child needs, a routine check-up and clean differs from a filling or a mouthguard. We’re happy to provide an estimate before treatment begins so there are no surprises.

Can I use private health cover or the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

Many families put private health extras cover towards routine children’s dental visits, and eligible children may be able to access the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Rebates and eligibility depend on your cover or CDBS eligibility, and we can help you understand what applies.

What if my child feels nervous about visiting the dentist?

This is very common. Our team is experienced in helping nervous children feel more at ease, taking a gentle, unhurried approach and we’re happy to arrange a short introductory visit so your child can settle in before any treatment is needed.

How do I find child dental care near me?

Totally Smiles has centres across Victoria and Queensland, including Geelong, Pakenham, Indooroopilly, Morningside and Townsville. Contact the team or book online to find your nearest practice.