Children’s Dentistry

When Should My Child First Visit The Dentist?

We recommend scheduling your child’s first dental visit when their first tooth appears.

Early appointments give your child a chance to become familiar with coming to the dentist. It also allows our children’s dentists to check that their teeth and gums are developing as expected. As your child grows, regular check-ups help us keep an eye on tooth decay, oral hygiene habits, tooth alignment and jaw development.

For many children, a dental check-up every six to twelve months is typically appropriate. However, some children will benefit from more frequent visits. Your dentist will recommend a schedule based on your child’s individual needs.

What Happens at a Child’s Dental Check-Up

Every child is different, so we tailor appointments to their age, comfort level and dental needs.

During a routine visit, your dentist will:

1. Make sure your child is comfortable. We’ll help them settle in and explain what we’re doing in a way they can understand.

2. Check their teeth and gums. We’ll look for signs of decay, damage and other oral health concerns.

3. Monitor their dental development. We’ll check how their teeth are coming through and look for issues such as crowding or bite problems.

4. Provide preventive care. Depending on your child’s needs, this may include professional cleaning, fluoride treatment or advice about brushing and diet.

5. Discuss any next steps. If we notice something that needs attention, we’ll talk through the findings and any recommended treatment or follow-up with you and your child.

What if My Child Needs Dental Treatment?

If we find something that needs further treatment, we’ll explain the options before proceeding with treatment.

For example, a small cavity may be treated with a filling, while a badly damaged tooth may need a different approach. In some cases, monitoring the tooth may be appropriate. The recommended treatment will depend on your child’s age, dental development and the condition of the tooth.

Our team also offers happy gas (inhalation sedation) for suitable patients who feel particularly anxious about dental treatment. Your dentist can explain whether this is appropriate for your child.

If treatment is needed, we’ll explain what to expect during the appointment, any aftercare instructions and whether another visit is required.

Emergency Dental Care for Children

Accidents happen, especially when children are learning to walk, playing sport or enjoying the playground.

If your child has knocked, chipped or broken a tooth, or is experiencing a toothache, it’s important to have them assessed promptly.

Rose Dental provides children’s emergency dental appointments in Five Dock. The treatment required will depend on the injury or dental problem and whether it involves a baby tooth or an adult tooth. If your child has knocked out a permanent tooth, they will need urgent dental care.

Call our team and let us know what has happened so we can advise you on the next steps and appointment availability.

We also offer inhalation sedation as an option (known as Happy Gas and/or Laughing Gas) to young children who are a bit anxious or scared.

How Much Does Children’s Dentistry Cost?

The cost of children’s dental treatment depends on the type of appointment and whether any additional care is needed.

At Rose Dental, we offer gap-free check-ups, or $160 for a check-up, scale and clean and fluoride treatment for children under 12. Conditions and health fund eligibility may apply, so please confirm the details when booking.

If your child requires further treatment, such as a filling or extraction, we’ll always explain all associated costs before proceeding.

We also welcome eligible patients under the Australian Government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).

Is My Child Eligible for Bulk-Billed Dental Treatment?

Rose Dental offers bulk billing for eligible children under the Australian Government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).

The CDBS helps eligible families cover the cost of basic dental care for children aged 0–17 years. This may include examinations, X-rays, cleaning, fillings and extractions.

For children starting a new benefit period in 2026, the CDBS provides up to $1,158 in benefits over two consecutive calendar years. Please note that this is subject to eligibility, available balance and service restrictions.

You can check your child’s eligibility and remaining benefits through your Medicare online account via myGov or by contacting Services Australia.

For more information, visit the Services Australia Child Dental Benefits Schedule page.

Whether it’s your child’s first dental visit, a regular check-up or a specific dental concern, our team at Rose Dental is here to help.

We’re located at 209 Great North Road, Five Dock, with after-school and Saturday appointments available.