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Children's Dentistry
Building Healthy Oral Habits Early

Early dental visits help children get started on the right path to healthy smiles.

Children's Dentistry | Dentist

Children's Dentistry

Regular dental visits help your child’s teeth stay healthy as they grow. At Ava Dental, we welcome children from their first tooth through to their teenage years. If your family is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), we bulk-bill your child’s eligible treatment with no gap to pay. Our team speaks English, Farsi, Arabic, and Korean so that you can ask questions in your preferred language.

When Should Your Child First See a Dentist?

The Australian Dental Association recommends a first dental visit when your child’s first tooth appears or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. An early visit lets your child get used to the dental chair before any treatment is needed.

What Does Children’s Dentistry Include?

Children’s dentistry covers the care your child needs to keep their baby teeth and adult teeth healthy. At Ava Dental, this can include:

  • Check-ups to look for early signs of tooth decay
  • Professional cleans to remove plaque and tartar
  • Fluoride treatments to help strengthen tooth enamel
  • Fissure sealants, a thin coating that helps protect the grooves in back teeth
  • Tooth-coloured fillings if decay is found
  • Custom sports mouthguards for children who play contact sport
  • Checks on how teeth and jaws are developing, with orthodontic advice when needed

Why Children's Check-Ups Matter

Baby teeth fall out, but they still play a big role in how your child eats, speaks and grows.
Finding Problems Early
Tooth decay can progress quickly in baby teeth because their enamel is thinner. Regular check-ups help us catch decay early. Small problems are usually simpler and quicker to treat.
Building Good Oral Habits
Children who visit the dentist regularly often feel more relaxed in the chair as they grow. We show your child how to brush and give you practical tips to use at home.
Protecting Adult Teeth
Baby teeth hold space for the adult teeth underneath. If a baby tooth is lost early because of decay, nearby teeth can shift. This may affect how the adult teeth come through.
  • Dr Samin Zarei | Narre Warren Dentist

    Dr Samin Zarei

    (DEN0001659049) Registered Dentist, General Registration

     

    Dr Zarei graduated with a Doctorate in Dental Surgery in 2004 and has been a dentist for 14 years. Over the years, she has gained experience in handling dental emergencies and performing different aspects of dental care that are personally tailored to each unique individual.

    She enjoys treating children and helping patients of all ages overcome their fear of dentistry. She also provides conscious sedation to those who find it difficult to cope with general dentistry. Samin believes that dentistry has given her a chance …

    Read More

What Happens at Your Child’s Dental Check-Up?

We start by talking with you about your child's health and any concerns you have. The dentist then checks your child's teeth and gums. Our intraoral camera, a small camera that shows pictures on a screen, lets your child see what we see. If X-rays are needed, we use digital technology with a low radiation dose.

Dr Christina Thevapalan has a particular interest in children's dentistry. Dr Samin Zarei enjoys caring for children and helping nervous young patients. If your child is anxious, please let us know. We can take things slowly and explain each step.

Does the CDBS Cover Your Child's Dental Care?

The CDBS is a Medicare program for children aged 0 to 17. Your child may be eligible if your family receives Family Tax Benefit Part A or another relevant government payment. It covers basic services such as check-ups, cleans, x-rays, fillings and fissure sealants. It does not cover orthodontic or cosmetic treatment. Benefits are capped over two calendar years.

Our team can check your child's eligibility using your Medicare card. If your child isn't eligible, we accept private health funds and offer on-the-spot HICAPS claiming.

Book Your Child's Visit at Ava Dental

If you would like to book a check-up for your child, we invite you to call us on (03) 8790 2500 or book online. We are open six days, including Saturday mornings. Ava Dental is in the Pound Road Medical Centre and welcomes families from Narre Warren South, Berwick, Cranbourne and nearby suburbs.