Good children's dental care starts with early visits, consistent brushing habits at home, and a dental team that understands how to work with young patients. For families in Croydon and the surrounding eastern suburbs, getting these foundations right during the baby and primary-school years can make a genuine difference to your child's oral health well into adulthood.
At Divine Dental Care on Wicklow Ave, our team of ten dentists sees children of all ages — from first-tooth check-ups for babies through to orthodontic assessments for teenagers. We also process claims under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) for eligible families, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
The Australian Dental Association generally recommends that children visit the dentist by the time their first tooth appears, or by their first birthday — whichever comes first. That timeline surprises many parents, but there are good reasons for it.
A first visit at this age is typically short and straightforward. The dentist will check your baby's emerging teeth and gums, look at jaw development, and talk with you about feeding habits that may affect dental health (such as bottle use at bedtime). Just as importantly, it introduces your child to the dental environment before any treatment is needed — which can help them feel more comfortable as they grow.
For families around Croydon, Ringwood, and Bayswater, early visits also give the dentist a baseline. If something changes — a tooth comes through in an unusual position, or early decay starts — it can be picked up sooner because there is a record to compare against.
What happens between dental visits matters more than the visits themselves. Parents and carers are the primary influence on a child's oral hygiene, and the habits established in the first few years tend to stick. Here is what the evidence supports:
A practical tip that works for many families in our practice: let your child "have a go" first, then follow up yourself to make sure all surfaces are covered. This gives them ownership of the habit while ensuring the cleaning is thorough.
Even with good home care, children's teeth can face challenges. Understanding what to watch for helps you respond early rather than waiting until a problem becomes uncomfortable or more complex to treat.
The Australian Government's Child Dental Benefits Schedule provides eligible children aged 0 to 17 with up to $1,158 in dental benefits over a two-calendar-year period. It covers a range of common services:
For the full detail, including which cap applies to your child and how the two-year period is calculated, see our guide to the CDBS dentist in Croydon.
Eligibility is generally linked to your family receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A or certain other government payments. Not all families realise their children qualify, so it is worth checking — our reception team at Divine Dental Care can verify eligibility when you call (03) 9725 8040 to book.
For many families across the eastern suburbs — from Mooroolbark and Croydon Hills through to Croydon South and Croydon North — the CDBS can cover routine check-ups and preventive treatments with no out-of-pocket cost. Given that preventive care in childhood can reduce the need for more involved treatment later, it is a program well worth using.
Two of the most effective preventive measures in children's dentistry are fissure sealants and professional fluoride application. Neither involves drilling, and both are quick and straightforward.
Fissure sealants are a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars). These surfaces have natural grooves and pits where food particles and bacteria can accumulate, making them particularly susceptible to decay. Sealants fill these grooves, creating a smoother surface that is easier to clean. They are typically applied when the first permanent molars come through (around age six) and again when the second permanent molars appear (around age twelve).
Fluoride treatments strengthen tooth enamel and can help reverse very early decay before it progresses. Your dentist may recommend professional fluoride application at regular check-up intervals, depending on your child's individual risk factors. This is in addition to the fluoride your child receives from tap water (Melbourne's water supply is fluoridated) and age-appropriate toothpaste.
Both fissure sealants and fluoride treatments are covered under the CDBS for eligible children, making them accessible for families throughout Croydon and surrounding areas.
The concept of a "dental home" — a practice where your child is known, where their history is on file, and where the team understands their temperament — matters more than many parents realise. Children who see the same dental team consistently tend to be more relaxed, and their dentist can track development and spot changes more easily than if they move between practices.
At Divine Dental Care, we are open Saturdays for families who find weekday appointments difficult around school and work schedules — whether your children attend Ainslie Parklands Primary, Yarra Road Primary, or one of the many schools across the Croydon and Maroondah area. Our practice on Wicklow Ave is a short walk from Croydon Main Street and the Arndale shopping centre, so you can combine appointments with errands if that helps your day run smoother.
With ten dentists on our team, we can generally accommodate appointments within a reasonable timeframe, including for siblings who need to be seen together. We are a QIP-accredited practice and a Platinum provider for major health funds, which means higher rebates for families with private cover.
Whether your child is due for their very first check-up or needs ongoing care, we welcome families from Croydon and across the eastern suburbs — including Ringwood, Bayswater, Heathmont, Kilsyth, and Mooroolbark. You can reach us on (03) 9725 8040 or book through our website.