What Every Parent Must Know About Children's Dentistry?
Good oral health begins in childhood, and regular dental visits play an important role in helping children develop healthy teeth and confident smiles. At Wide Bay Central Dental, we provide gentle, personalised children’s dentistry in Hervey Bay, creating positive dental experiences in a friendly and welcoming environment.
Whether your child is visiting for their first dental check-up, preventive care or treatment, our experienced team is committed to making every appointment comfortable and stress-free. Conveniently located in Pialba, we proudly care for children and families from Hervey Bay, Urraween, Eli Waters, Scarness, Torquay, Urangan and across the Fraser Coast, helping young patients build healthy oral habits that last a lifetime.
Why does your child need to see a dentist?
Regular dental checks are important for everyone but especially for children and this is because of a variety of reasons. These reasons include:
- If children visit the dentist regularly, small problems can be treated immediately before they become big problems,
- Children can get cavities and gum disease,
- Starting children with dental visits early can prevent them from having a fear of the dentist, which follows them into adulthood,
- Introducing children to the importance of oral hygiene while young can assist them from having dental problems in the future,
- It assists parents with gaining the knowledge to be able to take care of their children’s teeth successfully; and
- It allows parents to speak to the dentist about any questions or concerns they may have.
When should your child start seeing a dentist?
The Australian Dental Association recommends that children begin seeing a dentist when the signs of the first teeth begin to emerge. For most children, the teething process begins between the ages of 6 and 9 months although in some cases the teething process can begin in children as young as 3 months old, and in rare cases, babies can even be born with pre-existing teeth.
After a child’s first trip to the dentist they should have regular 6 monthly trips to the dentist as their teeth begin to grow.
Bringing your child to the dentist is beneficial for both parents and children alike and will help them develop important oral hygiene skills for life.
The Australian Government’s Child Benefit Dental Schedule (CBDS)
CDBS gives access to necessary dental services to eligible families and children in Australia. This program provides a benefit of $1158 to every child for two calendar years.
Any surplus fund that is not utilized within this time period will be carried forward to the following year.
Here at Wide Bay Central Dental, we do accept CDBS payments. In any situation where the cost of treatment exceeds this $1158 limit, our dentists will ensure they get your consent before proceeding with treatment.
Who is eligible for CBDS?
Only children between the ages of 0 and 17 are eligible under the CDBS. To be eligible for this scheme children must also be eligible for Medicare and be receiving one of the following benefits:
- Family tax benefit A
- Youth allowance
- Parenting payment
- Carers payment
- Special benefit
- Disability support pension
- The benefit under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (16 years and older)
- The benefit under the Veterans’ Children Education Scheme (VCES) (16 years or older)
Children's Dental Services & CDBS Coverage
At Wide Bay Central Dental, we’re pleased to support children’s oral health through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). This government program helps eligible children access essential dental care.
Services covered include:
- Check-ups
- X-rays
- Cleaning
- Fissure Sealing (to protect teeth from decay)
- Fillings
- Root Canals
- Extractions
Important Note: While we strive to make dental care accessible, there are some restrictions on certain basic dental services under the CDBS. We encourage you to discuss these with our team before commencing any treatment to ensure clarity regarding item or time limitations.
We’re committed to providing comprehensive and comfortable dental care for your child. Please contact us to learn more about CDBS eligibility and how we can help keep your child’s smile healthy.
What treatments are covered under CDBS?
All dental treatments are covered under the Child Dental Benefit Schedule – CDBS with the exception of orthodontic work (braces, etc) and whitening.
Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Dentistry in Hervey Bay
Common questions parents ask about children’s dental visits, CDBS bulk billing, check-ups and gentle kids dental care at Wide Bay Central Dental.
When should my child first see a dentist?
Children should generally see a dentist when their first teeth begin to appear, or by around their first birthday. Early dental visits help identify small problems early and help children become more comfortable with visiting the dentist.
How often should children have a dental check-up?
Most children benefit from regular dental check-ups every six months. These visits allow the dentist to monitor tooth development, check for decay, clean the teeth if needed and provide advice for brushing, diet and prevention.
Do you offer bulk bill children’s dentistry in Hervey Bay?
Yes. Wide Bay Central Dental accepts Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) payments for eligible children. If your child qualifies, CDBS may help cover basic dental services such as check-ups, cleans, X-rays, fissure sealants, fillings and extractions.
What does CDBS cover for children?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule can help cover many essential dental treatments for eligible children, including examinations, X-rays, professional cleaning, fissure sealants, fillings, root canal treatment and extractions. Orthodontic treatment and cosmetic whitening are generally not covered.
Is my child eligible for CDBS?
CDBS is available to eligible children aged 0 to 17 who meet Medicare and government payment requirements. If you are unsure whether your child is eligible, our team can help check using your Medicare details before treatment begins.
How do you help nervous children feel comfortable?
Our team takes a gentle, friendly and patient approach to children’s dentistry. We explain each step in simple language, give children time to feel comfortable and aim to make each visit positive, calm and reassuring.
Do children need fissure sealants?
Fissure sealants may be recommended for children whose back teeth have deep grooves that can trap food and plaque. Sealants help protect these areas from decay and are commonly used as part of preventive children’s dental care.
What should I do if my child has tooth pain?
If your child has tooth pain, swelling, a broken tooth or dental trauma, contact our clinic as soon as possible. Dental pain in children should be assessed promptly to find the cause and prevent the problem from becoming more serious.
Do you treat children from suburbs around Hervey Bay?
Yes. Wide Bay Central Dental welcomes families from Hervey Bay and surrounding Fraser Coast areas, including Pialba, Urraween, Eli Waters, Scarness, Torquay, Urangan, Kawungan, Wondunna, Point Vernon, Maryborough and nearby communities.
How can I book a children’s dentist appointment?
You can book a children’s dental appointment by calling Wide Bay Central Dental on (07) 4194 2525 or by booking online. Our clinic is located at Shop 20, Melory Place, 53 Torquay Road, Pialba QLD 4655.