A child’s first dental visits shape how they feel about their teeth for years. If you live in Bentleigh, McKinnon, Ormond or Bentleigh East, here is what to expect, how the Child Dental Benefits Schedule helps, and how to make the chair less scary.
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) explained
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a federal government program that covers part of the cost of basic dental care for eligible children. It is not private health insurance and it is not automatic. You must check eligibility each calendar year because children can become eligible or lose eligibility as family circumstances change.
Eligible children can receive up to a capped amount of benefits over two consecutive calendar years. The cap covers check-ups, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals and extractions. It does not cover orthodontics, cosmetic work or hospital treatment. If you have private health insurance, you can still use CDBS, but you cannot claim the same service twice.
To check eligibility, call Services Australia on 132 011 or log into your Medicare online account. You will need your child’s Medicare number. Many dental practices, including ours, can also check your child’s CDBS status when you book. If your child is not eligible, ask about our children’s examination offer and payment plans.
- Eligibility is usually based on family tax benefit Part A or another relevant payment.
- The benefit cap applies per child, not per family.
- Some children become eligible mid-year, so recheck if your situation changes.
- Bring your Medicare card to every appointment.
What happens at a first visit, from your child’s point of view
A first dental visit for a child under three is short and mostly about familiarisation. We might ask your child to sit on your lap or on the chair. The dentist counts teeth, looks at the gums, and checks how the jaw is growing. Often there is no cleaning or x-ray on the first visit. The goal is to make the room feel ordinary.
For a child aged three to six, the visit includes a gentle examination, a polish with a soft brush, and fluoride varnish if needed. We show the mirror and the slow handpiece before using them. Parents stay in the room. If your child is anxious, we may only look at one or two teeth and stop. That is fine. A positive short visit beats a thorough upsetting one.
At six to seven years, we start taking small x-rays to check for decay between back teeth and to see how permanent teeth are developing. We also apply fissure sealants to the new adult molars. Expect the visit to take about twenty minutes. Your child can hold a mirror and watch.
Age milestones that matter
First tooth: book a dental visit when the first tooth appears, usually around six months, and no later than the first birthday. Early visits catch feeding issues and decay from bottles or breastfeeding at night.
Age six: the first permanent molars erupt behind the baby teeth. These teeth are not shed, so they need sealants and careful cleaning. They often come through with no pain, so parents miss them.
Age seven: an orthodontic check is recommended by the Australian Dental Association. At this age, the dentist can see if the bite is developing normally and whether early intervention might help. Many problems correct themselves, but some need timely advice.
Age ten to twelve: most baby teeth are gone. We check wisdom tooth development and give advice on mouthguards for sport.
Practical tactics for a frightened child
Fear is learned. A child who hears a parent say ‘it won’t hurt’ learns that hurt is a possibility. Instead, describe what will happen in plain words: ‘The dentist will count your teeth with a little mirror.’ Avoid words like needle, drill, pain or pull. Use ‘sleepy tooth’ or ‘tooth pillow’ only if we agree on that language beforehand.
In the waiting room, do not say ‘You’ll be fine’ or ‘Don’t be scared.’ That tells your child there is something to be scared of. Also avoid bribing with treats after the visit. It sets up the idea that dental care is something to be endured for a reward. Bring a comfort object, a small blanket or a favourite toy. Let your child hold it during the appointment.
If your child has a strong gag reflex or a previous bad experience, tell us when you book. We can schedule a longer appointment, use a quieter room, or start with a show-and-tell visit where no treatment happens. We may suggest nitrous oxide (happy gas) for older children. For some children, a referral to a paediatric specialist is the best path.
Timing matters. Book for the morning when your child is rested. Avoid appointments right after school or near nap time. If your child is unwell, reschedule. A runny nose makes lying back uncomfortable and can turn a good visit bad.
- Do not say: ‘It won’t hurt’, ‘Be brave’, ‘Don’t cry’, ‘The needle is tiny’.
- Do say: ‘The dentist will look at your teeth’, ‘You can hold my hand’, ‘We will stop if you raise your hand’.
- Let the dentist be the one to explain each step. Parents who interrupt with too much detail can raise anxiety.
- Praise effort, not just cooperation: ‘You sat still and opened wide. That helped.’
Local options for families in Bentleigh and nearby
McKinnon Dental Care sees children from Bentleigh, McKinnon, Ormond, Bentleigh East and Murrumbeena. We bulk-bill children who are eligible for CDBS for most basic services, subject to the schedule cap. For families without CDBS, we offer a reduced-fee children’s check-up and clean. Ask when you book.
We keep appointments for children at quieter times of day. If you are coming from Ormond, the drive is about five minutes. From Bentleigh East, allow ten minutes in school traffic. Parking is available on site. We can also provide a letter for school if your child needs a dental appointment during class time.
If your child has special needs, let us know. We can arrange a pre-visit tour, adjust lighting and sound, and allow extra time. No child is turned away for anxiety or behaviour. We work with you to find a way.
When to call us sooner
Do not wait for a six-month check-up if your child has tooth pain, a swollen face, bleeding gums that persist, or a broken tooth. These need attention within a few days. A knocked-out adult tooth is an emergency. Put it in milk or saline and call us immediately. For a baby tooth that is knocked out, do not try to reinsert it. Call us for advice.
For children with braces or aligners, follow the orthodontist’s cleaning instructions. Decay under braces moves fast. We can see you between orthodontic visits for a fluoride application.
Check your child’s CDBS eligibility every year, book a first visit by age one, and avoid scary words in the waiting room. A child dentist in Bentleigh can bulk-bill eligible kids and make the first visit gentle. When in doubt, call us before a small problem becomes a big one.
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This article by McKinnon Dental Care is general information only and not a substitute for personalised dental advice. Please book a consultation for advice specific to you.
