Many parents delay their child's first dental visit until their little one has most or all of their baby teeth. However, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children visit the dentist within six months of their first tooth appearing, or by 12 months of age, whichever comes first.
That often surprises parents. Twelve months feels early, but that first visit is less about treatment and more about prevention, familiarity and catching small issues before they become big ones. Here's what to expect, how to prepare, and how the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) can help cover the cost.
Why should you take your child to the dentist from a young age?
Prevent decay and other oral health issues
Contrary to popular belief, a dentist won't only look at your baby's first few teeth. They'll also check inside your child's mouth, including their gums and lips, to make sure everything is developing as it should.
Building healthy oral habits from a young age is also important in helping your child avoid decay, infection and other oral health concerns. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 42% of children aged five to 10 had experienced decay in their baby teeth.
Help your child feel comfortable at the dentist
Starting dental visits early is one of the best ways to reduce dental anxiety and help your child feel comfortable in the dentist's chair. At Nest Dental, our children's dentistry appointments are built around gentle, unhurried visits so your little one can get to know the environment at their own pace.
Further below, we share some simple tips to help make their first visit as exciting and stress-free as possible.
What can your child expect during their first dental visit?
What happens during the appointment will depend on your child's age and individual needs.
Your baby's first visit
If you're bringing a young bub to the dentist, they may fuss or cry during the visit. This is completely normal. It's a new environment with unfamiliar sights and sounds. Rest assured, our dentists are gentle and will do everything they can to keep your baby comfortable.
For babies, the dentist may discuss:
- Teething
- Caring for teeth that have broken through
- The soft tissues of the gums and cheeks
- Thumb or dummy sucking
- The risk of baby bottle tooth decay
Your child's first visit
Are you bringing an older child into the clinic? If so, the dentist may offer a gentle clean and polish to remove plaque, tartar and stains.
Children don't usually need X-rays unless the dentist needs to diagnose possible decay or check whether a stuck baby tooth is preventing an adult tooth from growing correctly.
The dentist will also assess your child's bite and how their teeth are developing overall, and your child will have an opportunity to learn how to brush and floss correctly at home. These visits generally last between 25 and 40 minutes.
How often should I take my child to the dentist?
Usually, the dentist will recommend seeing your child every six to 12 months, just like adults. Regular visits help prevent oral health issues and allow your child to build a comfortable relationship with their dentist.
After the appointment, your dentist will advise how often they would like to see your little one. If they need to monitor a particular stage of dental development, they may recommend more frequent visits.
How much will my child's dental visit cost?
Please ask our friendly reception team for an estimated cost when booking your appointment.
Your child may be eligible for $1,000 in free dental care
The Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) offers up to $1,000 in dental care for each eligible child aged between two and 17.
Treatments covered by the schedule include:
- Regular dental examinations
- Cleans
- X-rays
- Fissure sealants
- Root canal treatments
- Tooth extractions
To learn more about the program and who qualifies, see the Department of Health's CDBS page, or check the NSW Health public dental options. You can check your child's eligibility and balance through your Medicare online account, or ask our team when you call and we'll help you check.
Health insurance
If you have extras health insurance that includes cover for your child, you may be able to claim part of the appointment cost. Be sure to check your policy inclusions before the visit.
How do I prepare my child for their first dental visit?
Visiting the dentist for the first time is an exciting milestone for your child, and for you. Whether they have one little tooth or many, it's important to make the experience feel as happy and relaxed as possible. Here are a few simple ways to help prepare and reassure your child before their dental appointment.
Nine tips to prepare your child for the dentist
- Tell younger children that you're visiting the tooth fairy's friend.
- Avoid saying that the dentist won't hurt or might hurt. Mentioning pain may make your child feel anxious.
- Don't use the dentist as a deterrent. For example, avoid saying, “The dentist won't be happy if you eat that piece of chocolate.” This can create a negative image of the dentist in your child's mind.
- Tell your child about the fun activities designed just for kids at our clinic and get them excited about the visit.
- Play “dentist” with your child and their favourite toy before the appointment. You could also bring the toy along and ask the dentist to give it a pretend check-up.
- Avoid telling your child that they need to be brave. Although well-intentioned, this may leave them wondering why and make them feel nervous.
- Try not to show anxiety about the appointment or share your own dental fears. Even a young bub can pick up on your emotions, particularly if you're feeling worried or stressed.
- Schedule the appointment around your child's usual nap and mealtimes. A tired or hungry little one may find it harder to feel comfortable and settled.
- Consider bringing your child along to one of your regular check-up and clean appointments. Letting them sit in the chair after your appointment can help build familiarity before it's time for their own visit.
Frequently asked questions
When should my child first see a dentist?
The Australian Dental Association recommends a first visit within six months of the first tooth appearing, or by 12 months of age, whichever comes first. Early visits focus on prevention, development checks and helping your child feel comfortable at the dentist.
Isn't 12 months too early for a dental visit?
No. Even with only a few teeth, a dentist can check that everything is developing normally, spot early signs of decay and give you practical advice on teething, cleaning, feeding habits and thumb or dummy sucking. It's also far easier to build a positive association with the dentist before any treatment is ever needed.
What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?
The CDBS is a Medicare program that provides up to $1,000 in dental benefits over two calendar years for each eligible child aged two to 17. It covers examinations, cleans, X-rays, fissure sealants, root canal treatments and extractions. Eligibility is generally linked to families receiving certain government payments.
How do I check if my child is eligible for the CDBS?
You can check eligibility and your remaining balance through your Medicare online account, the Express Plus Medicare app, or by calling Medicare. Our reception team can also help you check when you book your appointment.
What happens if my child cries or won't sit in the chair?
That's completely normal, especially for babies and toddlers. Our dentists are gentle and patient, and the visit will move at your child's pace. Sometimes the whole first appointment is simply a look around, a ride in the chair and a chat. Building comfort matters more than getting everything done in one visit.
How much does a child's dental visit cost without the CDBS?
Costs vary depending on what your child needs, so please ask our reception team for an estimate when booking. If you have extras health insurance that covers your child, you may be able to claim part of the appointment cost.
How often should my child see the dentist?
Most children should visit every six to 12 months, just like adults. Your dentist will recommend a schedule after the appointment based on your child's development and any areas they want to monitor.