Children’s Dentist in Austral

Why Your Child’s Oral Health Matters

Many children feel nervous about seeing a dentist, especially during their first visit. This anxiety can lead to missed appointments and ongoing issues that may impact their confidence and oral health.

At Austral Smiles, our children’s dentist in Austral focuses on creating calm and supportive early experiences. We use gentle techniques and clear explanations to help children understand their care. Our welcoming, kid-friendly environment is designed to reduce fear and help them feel more relaxed during their visit.

Could Your Child Benefit From Dental Care?

Children benefit from early dental care through prevention, education, and the formation of healthy habits. Your child might be ready to see a dentist if they fit one of the following categories:

How Kids Benefit From Regular Dental Care

Routine dental visits with a kids’ dentist in Austral support your child’s health, comfort, and dental awareness. These early experiences shape positive habits and build confidence over time.

Get Started With CDBS Covered Dental Care

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule supports eligible families by covering a range of basic dental services. At Austral Smiles, we bulk bill eligible visits and help families check their child’s CDBS status during the appointment.

Where Your Smile Feels Right at Home

At Austral Smiles, we combine professional dental care with genuine local hospitality, creating a positive, trusted experience for families in Austral and surrounding suburbs.

Where Your Smile Feels Right at Home

At Austral Smiles, we combine professional dental care with genuine local hospitality, creating a positive, trusted experience for families in Austral and surrounding suburbs.

A Relaxing, No-Judgement Space

Dental visits can feel daunting — we get it. That’s why we’ve created a calm, welcoming environment where you can take a deep breath, feel heard, and leave the nerves behind.

Results That Go the Distance

We focus on high-quality care using proven techniques and durable materials to support long-term results, helping you smile with confidence.

Flexible Payment Options

We offer flexible payment options to help you access necessary dental care in a way that suits your circumstances.

Experienced Dentists

With over 30 years of combined experience, our dental team brings a steady hand and a caring heart to every treatment. Whether you’re 6 or 60, you’re in good hands with us.

Payment Options

We offer a range of flexible payment options to help make your dental care more manageable.

We Accept All Health Funds

We’re a CBHS Choice Network and a nib First Choice Network preferred provider, and we accept all major health funds. Our clinic processes eligible CDBS and government programme claims on the spot for your convenience.

Meet the Experienced Dentists at Austral Smiles

Get to know our friendly dental team, each dedicated to providing personalised care to improve your smile and oral health.

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Dentist

Dr. Sushmita Dahal

With over 18 years of experience, Dr. Sushmita Dahal has worked across private, public, and not-for-profit clinics in Australia. She combines technical precision with creative skills in dental artistry and smile rehabilitation.

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Dentist

Dr. Mamata Maharjan

Dr. Mamata Maharjan has over 15 years of clinical experience in Sydney’s public and private sectors. She focuses on preventive dentistry, root canal therapy, and clear aligner orthodontic treatments for adults and teens.

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Dentist

Dr. Bandana Shakya

A graduate of Progressive Orthodontic Seminars (USA, 2015), Dr. Bandana Shakya offers implants and orthodontic treatments. She provides Invisalign®, ClearCorrect®, Spark®, ClearPath® aligners and performs complex wisdom teeth extractions. She also completed implant training with Osstem.

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Dentist

Dr. Sarita Adhikari

Since graduating in 2004, Dr. Sarita Adhikari has delivered preventative, cosmetic, and restorative dental care. She promotes patient education, empowering individuals to take active roles in managing their long-term oral health.

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Common Questions Parents Often Ask

Many parents have questions about their child’s dental care. Here are some of the most common concerns we hear from families during their first few visits.

At what age should a child first see a dentist?

Children should see a dentist by the time their first tooth appears or by their first birthday—whichever comes first.

Here’s why early visits to a children’s dentist in Austral matter:

Early checks allow your dentist to monitor tooth eruption and jaw development. This can help detect any potential concerns before they progress.
You’ll receive personalised advice on caring for baby teeth at home. This includes brushing techniques, choosing the right toothbrush, and understanding how much toothpaste to use.
It helps your child feel comfortable in a dental setting. A familiar, friendly environment reduces dental anxiety later in life.
Your dentist can offer guidance on nutrition and teething symptoms. They can help you understand how diet and habits affect your child’s teeth and gums.

The team at Austral Smiles creates a calm, supportive environment to help children feel comfortable from their very first visit.

Can you take a 4-year-old to the dentist?

Yes, a 4-year-old can and should see a dentist regularly to check their oral development and support healthy habits. Dental care is important during the early years, as baby teeth play a key role in speech, chewing, and guiding adult teeth into place.

During a dental visit, you can expect:

Your child’s teeth and gums will be gently examined. The dentist will look for signs of decay, early crowding, or other common childhood dental issues.
You’ll receive guidance on brushing routines and oral hygiene. This includes how to support your child in brushing properly and making it a fun part of their daily routine.
The visit helps build trust with the dental team. Regular appointments help children become familiar with the sights and sounds of a dental clinic, making future visits smoother.
You can ask questions about habits such as thumb sucking or dummy use. Your dentist can provide advice if these behaviours are affecting tooth development.

Routine visits during this stage are key to building a strong foundation for long-term oral health.

What happens at a child’s first dental visit?

Your child’s first visit is all about comfort and gentle education. We greet them warmly and explain the process in simple terms. The dentist will visually check their teeth and gums, discuss hygiene and nutrition, and answer your questions.

Our team includes a gentle dentist for children who takes time to explain each step calmly. This approach helps your child feel more at ease in the dental setting.

If your child is comfortable, we may perform a gentle cleaning to remove soft buildup and help them get used to dental tools.

At what age should kids start using fluoride toothpaste?

Children can start using fluoride toothpaste when their first tooth appears, but it should only be used in small amounts. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and protects against early decay.

Here’s what parents should know:

Use only water to clean your baby’s teeth from birth to 18 months. You can use a soft cloth or an infant toothbrush for this stage.
Between 18 months and 6 years, use a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride toothpaste. Teach your child to spit it out after brushing without swallowing.
Brush your child’s teeth for them until they can do it thoroughly by themselves, usually around age 8. This helps cover all areas and supports healthy brushing habits.
If you’re deciding between products, your dentist can recommend a toothpaste suited to your child’s age.

The team at Austral Smiles can guide you in choosing the right toothpaste during your child’s visit.

When should a child get their first teeth cleaning?

A child’s first professional teeth cleaning is usually recommended around age two or three, depending on their comfort level and oral health. This visit helps remove plaque and gently introduces them to regular dental care.

Here’s what to expect during your child’s appointment:

Your child’s teeth and gums will be gently cleaned using soft tools. This helps remove plaque that may not come off with brushing at home.
The dentist or oral health therapist may apply a fluoride varnish. This helps protect the teeth from early decay in between visits.
You’ll receive guidance on brushing and flossing routines at home. This can help you support your child’s daily oral care as their teeth grow in.

Regular cleanings help your child build trust with the dental environment and feel more comfortable during future visits.

How much does it cost to see a children’s dentist?

The cost to see a children’s dentist can vary depending on your child’s needs and the type of appointment. As a general estimate:

If further treatment is needed, additional fees will apply. A personalised care plan and an itemised quote will be provided after your child’s consultation.

For eligible families, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) may help cover the cost of some general dental services. Our team can assist you with confirming eligibility and understanding how the programme works.

Please note that all costs provided are estimates and may vary based on your child’s individual needs. We welcome families in Austral and nearby suburbs like Leppington and Cecil Hills, and can tailor dental care to suit your child’s needs and eligibility.

How do I get dental care for my child if I don’t have a private health fund?

If you don’t have private health cover, your child may still be able to receive dental care through government-funded support. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is available to eligible children aged 0 to 17 and helps cover a range of general dental services. These may include routine checkups, preventive care, and some basic treatments.

Austral Smiles, a Child Dental Benefits Schedule dentist in Austral, provides eligible patients with immediate claim assistance and CDBS guidance. If your child qualifies, our team can help you understand how the programme works and guide you through the process.

Is children’s dental covered by Medicare or bulk billing?

General dental services for children may be covered by Medicare under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), depending on eligibility. These include checkups, X-rays, cleaning, and selected treatments.

As a bulk billing kids’ dentist in Austral, we make care more accessible to families who qualify for CDBS support. Orthodontic treatments like braces or aligners are not covered under Medicare or bulk billing schemes.

*Eligibility for the CDBS is based on Medicare enrolment and family income criteria. You can check eligibility through Medicare or by contacting our clinic.

Who is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?

Children aged 0–17 are eligible for the CDBS if they meet all of the following criteria:

Services Australia assesses eligibility at the beginning of each calendar year, and families are notified if their child qualifies. Once deemed eligible, the child remains eligible for the entire calendar year, even if they turn 18 or are no longer receiving the qualifying payment during that year.

Austral Smiles can assist in checking eligibility and explain how to use the benefits for your child’s dental care.

What is baby bottle tooth decay, and how can I prevent it?

Baby bottle tooth decay (BBTD) is a severe type of early childhood tooth damage. It often affects the upper front teeth and can involve molars. It usually develops before the age of two and is linked to frequent or prolonged exposure to sugary drinks like milk, juice, or formula.

The condition is more than a dental issue. BBTD is considered a preventable nutritional disorder, with outcomes that may require major dental work or tooth removal. In some cases, treatment involves sedation or general anaesthesia in a hospital.

To help prevent baby bottle tooth decay:

Avoid bedtime bottles. Saliva flow drops during sleep, making it harder to clear sugars from your child’s teeth.
Offer only water between meals or naps. This reduces the amount of sugar that sits on the teeth for long periods.
Start oral care from birth. Wipe your baby’s gums daily with a soft cloth. Once teeth appear, use a small toothbrush with water.
Introduce a cup around 12 months. Gradually moving away from bottles supports better oral development.
Visit a children’s dentist early. Regular checks help monitor growth and detect early signs of decay.

With the right habits and support, the risk of baby bottle tooth decay can be significantly reduced.

How often should my child go to the dentist?

Most children should visit the dentist every 6 to 12 months, depending on their oral health needs. Regular dental check-ups for kids help track growth, prevent decay, and reinforce healthy routines from an early age.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

Twice-yearly visits are ideal for most children. These appointments allow the dentist to check for early signs of decay, monitor development, and provide gentle cleaning.
Children at higher risk of dental issues may need to come more often. This includes those with a history of cavities, dietary concerns, or orthodontic needs.
Regular visits help reinforce healthy habits. Your child learns the importance of brushing, proper nutrition, and looking after their teeth at every stage.

Your child’s dentist will recommend the right schedule based on their needs. Ongoing care supports healthy development and helps prevent problems.

Why Your Child’s Oral Health Matters

Could Your Child Benefit From Dental Care?

First-time visitors

Tooth or gum pain

Ongoing dental issues

Speech or bite concerns

How Kids Benefit From Regular Dental Care

Healthy habits

Decay prevention

Confidence building

Growth monitoring