General & Family Dentistry
Friendly, gentle care for every member of your family at every life stage.
Learn more about General & Family Dentistry
Is your child's smile
on track?
A paediatrician can tell you if your child is growing on schedule. Dentistry rarely offers parents the same clarity. At Nest, we can. We check whether your child's dental development is on track, ahead, or behind, so you always know where things stand and why.
Over 184+ five star reviews
Gentle, child-friendly approach
Fun and relaxed environment
Early detection of dental issues
Building lifelong healthy habits
Why we focus here
The teeth that matter most, arrive around age six
Somewhere around your child's sixth birthday, four new teeth arrive quietly at the back of the mouth, without pushing any baby teeth out first. Parents often don't notice them at all. Dentists watch them closely.
These first molars make up a small share of the mouth, but they carry a disproportionate share of the problems. They sit exactly where a toothbrush struggles to reach, with deep grooves that give bacteria somewhere to settle in.
14%
share of the mouth made up by first molars
24%
share of all decay found in first molars
31%
share of all fillings needed in first molars
Based on published 2026 oral health research.
Because decay in these teeth is usually only noticed years later, in the early teens, there's a window of around six years where prevention and early, minimally invasive care can make the biggest difference. Fluoride, sealants, and a bit of coaching on brushing technique in that window can mean the difference between a simple check-up and a filling later on.
This is why we look closely at first molars from the moment they erupt. Not because something is wrong, but because this is the age where a little attention goes a long way.
First molars, the four teeth we watch most closely
Our approach
We look at development, not just decay
A lot of dentistry is reactive: check for cavities, treat what's found. For growing mouths, that's only half the picture. A child's dental age, how their teeth and jaw are actually developing, doesn't always match their age on paper. Most of the time that's completely normal. Development sits on a bell curve, and most kids land somewhere in the middle of it.
But it matters for decisions. A baby tooth that's close to falling out naturally might need nothing more than watching, or a simple stabilising treatment. The same tooth, if development is running behind schedule and it still has years of work left to do, might be better served by a more durable option. Knowing which situation you're in changes the advice we give you, and it's the kind of context most parents never get told.
We factor this into every children's check-up, so that when we make a recommendation, we can also explain the "why" behind it, in plain language, not jargon.
An honest note
Healthy-looking isn't always the same as healthy
Most dental disease doesn't hurt until it's advanced. A tooth can carry unnoticed decay for a long time before anything looks or feels different, which is exactly why regular check-ups matter more than how a smile looks day to day.
It's also why the habits and check-up rhythm we build with your child now matter well beyond childhood. As kids grow into busy teenagers and young adults, dental care is often one of the first things to slip when life gets full. Published 2026 research on young adults shows how quickly this happens: it's the age group with the most untreated dental disease of any age, yet almost none of them believe they have a problem at all.
We can't control what happens once your child is grown. What we can do now is build the kind of relationship with their teeth, and with us, that makes staying on top of it feel normal rather than like a chore.
The Nest Dental difference
At Nest, we focus on smarter dental care with a softer touch. Our team takes a judgement-free, prevention-first approach that puts your child's comfort at the centre of every visit. We're dedicated to building healthy smiles that last, one relaxed appointment at a time.
Over 184+ five star reviews
★★★★★
Convenient location
Modern, mindful dental care
Online appointments
Same day appointments
Evening & Saturday hours
Flexible payment plans
All health funds accepted
Clear aligners & orthodontics
Why people love Nest Dental
★★★★★
"I've been seeing the team at Nest Dental for the past year and have always felt well looked after. From my initial meeting with the team through to my recent visits, the team took time to explain each step clearly and answered all my questions. As someone who feels nervous about the dentist, I appreciated how patient and professional everyone was."
A
Ashley M
St. Leonards
★★★★★
"I recently came back to the dentist at Nest after not visiting for too long. I really appreciated the judgment-free way they engaged with me, no shame, no guilt. The way the whole team dealt with me from start to finish was amazing. They took the time to explain everything, answer my questions and keep me informed throughout. I really felt supported and comfortable during my visits."
E
Elizabeth
Chatswood
★★★★★
"From my first visit to Nest Dental, I've been impressed by how clearly everything was communicated. The team took the time to listen, talk things through, and answer my questions, which helped me feel confident and at ease. Everyone has been consistently friendly and attentive."
G
Gabby H.
North Sydney
Our Children's Dental Services
Comprehensive dental care designed specifically for children of all ages.
First Dental Visit
We make your child's first visit a calm, positive experience, so trust is built in before treatment is ever needed.
Children's Check-up & Clean
Gentle examinations and professional cleans tailored for little mouths, with an eye on how development is tracking, not just what's visible today.
Fissure Sealants
A protective coating for first molars and other back teeth, sealing off the deep grooves where decay tends to start.
Fluoride Treatments
Strengthening enamel during the years it matters most, to help prevent cavities before they form.
Kids Fillings
If a cavity is found, we use tooth-coloured fillings and a gentle approach to keep the experience as comfortable as possible.
Oral Health Education
Teaching proper brushing and flossing in a way kids actually take in, so good habits carry through to the years we won't be watching as closely.
Our Team
Meet Our Dentists
Our dentists have each been practising for over 25 years. That's thousands of treatments, thousands of conversations, and a deep understanding of what patients actually need.
Download our welcome brochure with transparent pricingWhy parents choose us for
their kids' dental care
Patient & Gentle Team
Our dentists are experienced with children of all ages and temperaments. We go at your child's pace, ensuring a calm and positive experience every time.
Fun, Kid-Friendly Environment
From the waiting room to the dental chair, we've created a welcoming space that helps kids feel comfortable, and even a little excited, about their visit.
Prevention-First Approach
We focus on preventing dental problems before they start, with education, sealants, and regular check-ups tailored to growing smiles.
Development-Aware Care
We track how your child's teeth are developing against typical benchmarks, so recommendations are based on their actual stage of development, not just their age.
We accept all health funds
No matter which health fund you're with, you can claim your benefits at Nest Dental. We also hold Preferred Provider status with NIB, CBHS, TUH, Union Health and smile.com.au, which may mean lower out-of-pocket costs for you.
CBHS Health
NIB
smile.com.au
Union Health
TUH Health Fund
As a Preferred Provider with these funds, your out-of-pocket costs may be reduced on routine check-ups, cleans, x-rays and preventive care. Every health fund is welcome here.
Find Nest Dental in
St Leonards
Our St Leonards studio is conveniently located near public transport. We offer a spa-like space where you can unwind and get expert dental care.
Suite 99 (Ground Floor), 545 Pacific Highway
St Leonards NSW 2065, Australia
How to get here
Nest Dental is located in the heart of St Leonards, just moments from St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro.
St Leonards Station
T1
3 min walkCrows Nest Metro
M
1 min walkChildren's dentistry
questions
Common questions about dental care for kids.
We recommend bringing your child for their first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears - whichever comes first.
Our team is specially trained to work with nervous children. We use a tell-show-do approach, take things slowly, and create a fun, pressure-free environment.
Yes, digital X-rays use very low radiation and are safe for children. We only take X-rays when clinically necessary.
Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, dental sealants, and regular check-ups are the best ways to prevent cavities.
Most health funds cover children's dental check-ups under general dental. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) may also provide bulk-billed dental care for eligible children.
When You Visit
We accept all health funds. Simply bring your digital or physical health fund card to your appointment and we'll process your claim on the spot using HICAPS.
How to Use Your Health Fund Benefits at Nest Dental
Schedule an Appointment
Bring Your Card
Claim Process
That's It - You're Done
How Much Will I Have to Pay?
We understand that working out how much your dental care will cost can sometimes be unclear. We are committed to helping you understand the costs associated with your care.
What does a check-up and clean actually cost?
Ways to Pay
Through HICAPS, we empower you to instantly claim your cover entitlements from your Healthfund.
We accept all major cards, including American Express.
mastercard
VISA
AMERICAN EXPRESS
CASH
Related treatments at Nest Dental
Other treatments and conditions our team commonly cares for alongside this one.
Check-up & Clean
Routine examinations and professional cleans to keep your mouth healthy long-term.
Learn more about Check-up & CleanSports Mouthguards
Custom mouthguards for contact sports — designed to protect teeth and jaws.
Learn more about Sports MouthguardsCustom Night Guards
Custom-fitted night guards to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching damage.
Learn more about Custom Night GuardsNew Patients
Everything you need to know about your first visit to Nest Dental.
Learn more about New Patients