A&M Dental Group · Balcatta
Children's Dentistry in Balcatta
Dental visits are a chance to understand how your child's teeth and mouth are developing. At A&M Dental Group, we offer age-appropriate check-ups, practical advice for families and dental care when it is needed.
We explain what we find, answer your questions and discuss suitable options before any treatment is planned.
GROWING TEETH, CHANGING NEEDS
What is children's dentistry?
Children's dentistry looks after the teeth, gums and oral development of babies, children and teenagers. Baby teeth matter for eating, speaking and the development of the mouth, even though they eventually make way for adult teeth.
A visit may include an examination, a conversation about brushing and diet, and preventive or restorative care if indicated. The Australian Dental Association recommends a first dental visit when the first teeth appear. The timing of later visits can be tailored to your child's needs.
Tell us if your child has pain, swelling, a dental injury, particular sensory needs or concerns about a visit. This helps the team discuss the appropriate appointment and approach.
YOUR CHILD’s VISIT
What can happen at a check-up?
01
Listen
We ask about your child's health, dental concerns, diet, brushing habits and any questions you both have.
An infant's first visit may look different from a teenager's check-up. Depending on age and clinical need, it may include:
02
Look
The practitioner can examine teeth, gums and the mouth, and consider how the teeth are developing.
03
Explain
We can describe what we are doing in everyday language. A clean, fluoride treatment or X-ray is considered only when appropriate
04
Plan together
We discuss findings, home-care advice, options, costs, potential risks and when to return.
CARE AVAILABLE AT A&M
Our children's dental services
Care is based on your child's assessment. Not every child needs every treatment listed here.
01/ First Visits
First dental visits
An introduction to the dental setting and a chance to discuss your baby's or young child's teeth, feeding, brushing and development.
02 / Check-ups
Examinations
Age-appropriate assessment of the teeth, gums and mouth, with advice on any concerns you have noticed.
03 / Home Care
Brushing and diet advice
Guidance on supervised brushing, suitable fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth and everyday food and drink habits.
04 / Cleaning
Professional scale and clean
Cleaning may be recommended where plaque or hardened deposits need professional removal. The approach depends on your child's age and oral health.
05 / Decay Risk
Fluoride and fissure sealants
These preventive options may be discussed when a child's teeth or risk of decay indicate they could be useful. Sealants are commonly considered for susceptible grooves in back teeth.
06 / Diagnostic Care
Dental X-rays when indicated
X-rays may provide information that is not visible in an examination. They are recommended according to individual need, not automatically at every visit.
07 / Treatment
Care for tooth concerns
If a tooth is damaged or decay is found, the dentist can explain suitable options, which may include a filling or other care. Treatment is discussed before proceeding
08 / Development
Monitoring and referral
We can discuss tooth development and bite concerns. If specialist assessment or care is appropriate, we can explain referral options
BETWEEN VISITS
Everyday steps for growing smiles
01
Brush morning and night
Use an age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste as advised by your dental practitioner.
Small routines can support oral health. Ask your practitioner to tailor advice to your child's age and needs.
02
Help with brushing
Children commonly need an adult's help with brushing and flossing until about age eight or nine.
03
Clean between teeth
Once neighboring teeth touch, ask how to clean between them appropriately.
04
Make water an easy choice
Consider the frequency of sugary drinks and snacks, and discuss practical choices for your family.
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
Child Dental Benefits Schedule
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) may help with the cost of eligible basic dental services. It is an Australian Government benefit, with eligibility and a remaining balance checked for each child.
Eligibility
Who may qualify?
Generally, a child must be eligible for Medicare, be aged 0 to 17 for at least one day in the calendar year, and the child or their parent, carer or guardian must receive an eligible government payment in that year. Services Australia confirms eligibility.
2026 cap: If 2026 is the first year of a child's two-calendar-year benefit period, up to $1,158 may be available across that period for eligible basic services. A period that began in 2025 has a different cap. Eligibility, balance and item restrictions apply.
The cap is indexed each January. Check the current figure and your child's balance before booking.Cover care and costs
How does it work?
Covered services can include check-ups, X-rays, cleaning, fissure sealants, fillings, root canal treatment and extractions, subject to rules. Orthodontic and cosmetic dental work, and dental services in a hospital, are not covered.
Check eligibility and balance in your linked Medicare account on myGov, or ask the practice to check.
When booking, mention that you wish to use CDBS.
Before treatment, ask which items are covered, the fee and any amount you may need to pay. You will be asked for informed financial consent.
CDBS does not automatically mean a no-gap or bulk-billed visit. Ask A&M about its current billing and claiming arrangement.Official details:
COMMON QUESTIONS
Children's dentistry FAQs
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The Australian Dental Association recommends a first dental visit when the first teeth appear. This provides an opportunity to check the mouth and discuss home care with a dental practitioner.
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Yes. Baby teeth play a part in eating, speaking and oral development. Their health is worth assessing, even though they will eventually be replaced by adult teeth.
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It varies with age, oral health and individual risk factors. Your practitioner can recommend a review interval for your child after an assessment.
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Tell us when you book. You can talk with your child about the visit and practise looking at teeth at home. We can explain the steps in age-appropriate language and discuss the approach with you.
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No. X-rays, professional fluoride and other preventive measures are considered according to clinical need and suitability.
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No. Services Australia determines eligibility, and only specified services and item limits are covered up to the child's available balance. Ask about fees and any out-of-pocket cost before agreeing to care.
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Call (08) 6285 9007 and describe the concern so the team can discuss appointment availability and the appropriate next step. Read more about urgent dental care.
VISIT A&M DENTAL GROUP
Questions about your child's teeth?
Suite 4, Level 1, 275 Wanneroo Road, Balcatta WA 6021
Call (08) 6285 9007 or book an appointment online.
Treatment needs and outcomes vary. Your practitioner will discuss suitable options, potential benefits, risks, alternatives and costs before treatment.