- 102 Highfield Rd, Camberwell Vic 3124
- dentist.highfieldpark@gmail.com
- 03 9836 6624
- 04 9165 1092
It might surprise you, but paediatric dental guidelines suggest bringing your child in earlier than most parents expect. The general rule of thumb, recommended by both the Australian Dental Association and international paediatric dentistry bodies, is:
By their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth erupting — whichever comes first.
This might mean a visit at 6 months, 8 months, or 12 months, depending on when those first little teeth make their appearance. Some parents wait until school age, assuming baby teeth “don’t matter” since they’ll fall out anyway. But baby teeth play a crucial role in speech development, chewing, and holding space for adult teeth — so early check-ups help catch decay, alignment issues, or feeding-related concerns before they become bigger problems.
An early first visit also helps your child build positive associations with the dentist, long before any actual treatment is needed. It’s much easier to introduce a calm, friendly environment at 12 months than to overcome dental anxiety at age 6.
If your child is already a few years old and hasn’t had a first visit yet, don’t worry — it’s never too late to start. A good family dentist in Camberwell will simply adjust the approach to suit your child’s age and comfort level.
First appointments are designed to be gentle, brief, and low-pressure. Here’s a general idea of what to expect, step by step:
1. A warm welcome and settling-in period. Your child will usually be invited to explore the room, sit in the chair (sometimes with your help or on your lap for very young toddlers), and get familiar with the surroundings before anything else happens.
2. A simple visual check. The dentist will gently look at your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw development. For babies and toddlers, this might just mean a quick peek using a mirror or gloved finger — no tools, no drama.
3. A chat about feeding, brushing, and habits. The dentist will usually ask about bottle or breastfeeding, teething, thumb-sucking, diet, and your current brushing routine. This is a great time to ask any questions you’ve been wondering about.
4. Guidance tailored to your child’s age. You’ll get practical tips on brushing technique, fluoride use, teething relief, and what to expect as more teeth come through.
5. A positive send-off. Most paediatric-friendly clinics end the visit on a high note — a sticker, a high five, praise for being brave — so your child leaves associating the dentist with something positive rather than scary.
For older children attending their first visit, the appointment might also include a light clean, a look at any early signs of decay, and a conversation about the next steps if the CDBS applies.
You can read more about what’s included in ongoing paediatric care on our children’s dental care page.
A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth first visit. Here are some practical, parent-tested tips:
Use positive, neutral language. Avoid words like “hurt,” “pain,” “needle,” or “drill,” even in reassurance (“it won’t hurt!”). Children pick up on the underlying worry more than the words themselves. Instead, try: “The dentist is going to count your teeth and show you how strong they are.”
Read books or watch videos about visiting the dentist. There are plenty of children’s books and short videos designed specifically to introduce the concept in a fun, low-stakes way.
Play “dentist” at home. Take turns counting each other’s teeth with a soft toothbrush or torch. This turns an unfamiliar experience into a familiar game.
Book a morning appointment. Kids are generally more cooperative and less tired earlier in the day, before nap time or after-school fatigue sets in.
Stay calm yourself. Children are remarkably good at sensing parental nerves. If you’re relaxed and matter-of-fact about the visit, your child is more likely to mirror that ease.
Bring a comfort item. A favourite toy, blanket, or even a sippy cup can help toddlers feel more secure in an unfamiliar chair.
Avoid bribery framed around fear. Rather than “if you’re good, you’ll get a treat,” try framing rewards around the fun of the outing itself — “after the dentist, we’ll go to the park.”
A dentist experienced with children — like the team at Dentist on Highfield Park — will also have their own techniques for keeping things calm, including child-friendly language, a gentle pace, and plenty of patience. You can learn more about the clinical team on our meet the doctor page.
One of the most useful things for Camberwell parents to understand is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) — a government-funded program that can significantly reduce, or completely eliminate, the out-of-pocket cost of your child’s dental care.
To be eligible for the CDBS, your child generally needs to meet all of the following:
Eligibility is reassessed every calendar year, so it’s worth checking annually even if your child qualified previously.
Eligible children can access up to $1,158 in benefits over two consecutive calendar years for basic dental services, including check-ups, cleans, fillings, and X-rays. This two-year period begins on 1 January of the year your child first receives an eligible service. Any unused balance doesn’t carry over once the two-year cycle ends, but a new cycle begins automatically if your child remains eligible.
Keep in mind the CDBS doesn’t cover orthodontic treatment, cosmetic dentistry, or hospital-based procedures — it’s designed for essential preventive and restorative care.
Claiming is simple and doesn’t usually require any paperwork on your part:
If you’re not sure whether your family qualifies, our reception team is happy to help you check before you book.
Regular dental visits matter, but daily habits at home do most of the work in preventing decay and building healthy routines. A few fundamentals:
Yes. Baby teeth guide the growth of the jaw, help with speech development, and hold space for adult teeth. Decay or early loss of baby teeth can affect how permanent teeth come through.
This is completely normal, especially at a first visit. Paediatric-friendly dentists are used to this and won’t force anything — they’ll take things at your child’s pace, even if that means a shorter visit or a follow-up appointment to build familiarity.
Not exactly, but they often work together. The CDBS is the government benefit itself, while bulk billing means the practice claims that benefit directly from Medicare so you don’t pay out of pocket. Ask your child dental benefits scheme Camberwell provider whether they bulk bill CDBS services.
Generally every six months, though your dentist may recommend a different schedule based on your child’s individual risk factors, such as diet, brushing habits, or existing decay.
At Dentist on Highfield Park, we understand that a calm, positive first experience sets the tone for a lifetime of healthy dental habits. Our friendly team specialises in making young patients feel comfortable, and we’re proud to support bulk billing for CDBS-eligible children across Camberwell and the surrounding suburbs.
Find our clinic details and opening hours on our locations page, or get in touch today to book your child’s first appointment. We’d love to welcome your family to the practice.
At Dentist on Highfield Park, we’re dedicated to providing quality dental and specialist care for the whole family.
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