Children’s dentistry in Hobart, Tasmania
Good dental habits start early. Children who have positive experiences at the dentist grow into adults who aren’t afraid to come in. At North Hobart Dental we take a gentle, unhurried approach with kids. We build trust visit by visit, explain things in a way they understand, and make sure parents leave with practical advice for home.
When should my child first see a dentist?
We recommend bringing your child in when their first tooth comes through, or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. An early visit lets us check that teeth are developing normally and spot early signs of decay. It also gets your child used to the dental chair before they ever need treatment. A child whose first visit is for a toothache often finds the dentist much more confronting.
What happens at the first visit?
The first visit is short, gentle and relaxed. Very young children can sit on your lap in the chair. We’ll:
- gently check your child’s teeth, gums and jaw development
- look for early signs of decay
- talk with you about brushing, diet, dummies, thumb-sucking and fluoride
- answer any questions you have
If your child is happy to sit in the chair and open wide, that’s a great first visit. We never rush or force anything.
Regular check-ups as your child grows
As your child gets older, check-ups may include:
- a gentle clean and fluoride treatment to help protect the teeth
- x-rays when needed, to check for decay between teeth and to monitor adult teeth developing
- fissure sealants: a protective coating on the deep grooves of the back teeth, where decay often starts
- monitoring how adult teeth are coming through, and early advice if we see crowding or bite problems (see Orthodontics and Invisalign)
- custom sports mouthguards for kids who play contact sport
Most children benefit from a check-up every six months. We’ll recommend what suits your child.
How to prepare your child
- Keep it positive and matter-of-fact. Avoid words like “hurt”, “needle” or “drill”.
- Read a picture book or watch a short video about visiting the dentist.
- Explain that the dentist will count and look at their teeth.
- Bring them along to a parent’s or sibling’s check-up so they can see what happens.
- If you feel nervous about the dentist yourself, try not to let your child pick up on it.
Looking after your child’s teeth at home
- Start cleaning teeth as soon as the first one appears, twice a day, with a soft, child-sized brush.
- Under 18 months: brush with water only, unless your dentist advises otherwise.
- 18 months to 6 years: use a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride children’s toothpaste.
- From 6 years: use a pea-sized amount of standard fluoride toothpaste.
- Encourage spitting out after brushing, rather than rinsing, so the fluoride keeps working.
- Help with brushing until around age 7 or 8. Most kids don’t have the skill to do it well on their own before then.
- Start flossing once two teeth touch.
- Keep sugary snacks and drinks, including fruit juice, to mealtimes, and offer water between meals.
- Never put a baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice.
Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
Eligible children may be able to receive basic dental care at no cost to you through the Australian Government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
How much does it cover?
The CDBS provides up to $1,158 in benefits over two consecutive calendar years for children who start their benefit period in 2026. The amount is indexed each year.
Who is eligible?
Children aged 0 to 17 who are eligible for Medicare, and whose family receives Family Tax Benefit Part A or another eligible Australian Government payment. Eligibility is assessed automatically by Medicare, so you don’t need to apply. Not sure if your child qualifies? Ask our reception team and we’ll check your child’s eligibility and remaining balance for you.
What’s covered?
Examinations, x-rays, cleans, fissure sealants, fillings, root canals, extractions and partial dentures. Orthodontic and cosmetic treatment isn’t covered.
North Hobart Dental bulk bills all CDBS-eligible treatment, so there’s no out-of-pocket cost to you.
More about the CDBS on the Services Australia website
Call us on (03) 6234 9322 with any questions, or book online.