Address
7/151 Cowper Street
Dickson ACT, 2602
Opening Hours
Mon-Thu 9-5pm
Fri 8-3pm
Sat (alternating) 9-5pm
Children's Dentistry
At Dickson Park Dental Surgery, we love seeing our youngest patients! We understand that visiting the dentist can be a new experience for children, so we've created a fun, friendly, and gentle environment where kids feel comfortable and excited about their smiles. Our dedicated team is passionate about providing the best possible dental care for infants, children, and teenagers, helping them build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
From their very first visit, we aim to make dental care a positive adventure, ensuring a happy, cavity-free future for your little one!
Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) in Canberra
Good news for eligible families in Canberra! The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is an Australian Government program designed to help cover the cost of basic dental services for eligible children aged 0-17 years. At Dickson Park Dental Surgery, we are pleased to participate in the CDBS, making quality dental care more accessible for your family.
What is the CDBS?
The CDBS provides up to $1,132 in benefits over two consecutive calendar years for basic dental services. This means you can get many common treatments for your child with little to no out-of-pocket cost, provided your child is eligible and you have sufficient funds remaining.
Is Your Child Eligible for CDBS?
Your child is likely eligible if they:
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Are between 0 and 17 years old for at least one day of the calendar year.
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Are eligible for Medicare.
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Receive, or are part of a family receiving, certain government payments (e.g., Family Tax Benefit Part A, Parenting Payment).
We can help you check your child's eligibility and balance when you book an appointment with Dickson Park Dental Surgery. It's quick and easy!
What Dental Services Does CDBS Cover?
The CDBS covers a range of essential services at our Dickson dental clinic, including:
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Dental check-ups and examinations
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Professional teeth cleaning (scale and clean)
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X-rays
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Dental fillings
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Fissure sealants
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Tooth extractions
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Root canal treatments
Please note that the CDBS generally does not cover orthodontic treatment or cosmetic dental work. Our team will always discuss what's covered before any treatment begins.
Make the most of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule for your child's dental health in Canberra. Contact Dickson Park Dental Surgery to learn more and book an appointment!
Why Are Baby Teeth So Important? (Deciduous Teeth)
Sometimes called "milk teeth" or "deciduous teeth," your child's baby teeth play a much bigger role than just chewing! Even though they eventually fall out, these first teeth are incredibly important for several reasons:
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Eating and Nutrition: Healthy baby teeth allow children to chew their food properly, helping them get the nutrients they need for growth and development.
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Speech Development: Correct tooth positioning is vital for learning to speak clearly and form words correctly.
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Space Holders for Adult Teeth: Baby teeth act as natural guides, holding the correct space in the jaw for the adult teeth that will eventually erupt. If a baby tooth is lost too early due to decay or injury, the surrounding teeth can shift, potentially causing crowding or alignment issues for the permanent teeth.
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Self-Confidence: A healthy, bright smile can significantly boost a child's confidence and social interactions.
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Foundation for Permanent Teeth: Decay and infection in baby teeth can sometimes affect the developing permanent teeth underneath. Keeping baby teeth healthy helps ensure the adult teeth come through strong and healthy.
At Dickson Park Dental Surgery, we emphasise preventative care for baby teeth to ensure a strong foundation for your child's lifelong oral health in Dickson, Canberra.
Fissure Sealants: Protecting Little Smiles from Cavities
Even with excellent brushing, some teeth have tiny grooves and pits on their chewing surfaces, especially the back molars. These "fissures" can be deep and narrow, making them tricky for toothbrush bristles to reach, allowing food particles and cavity-causing bacteria to hide. That's where fissure sealants come in!
What are Fissure Sealants?
Fissure sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of these vulnerable teeth. They act like a tiny shield, sealing off the grooves and creating a smooth surface that's much easier to clean and less likely to trap food and bacteria. It's a quick, painless, and highly effective way to prevent cavities.
Benefits of Fissure Sealants for Kids:
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Powerful Cavity Prevention: Fissure sealants can significantly reduce the risk of decay in the chewing surfaces of molars, where most cavities in children occur.
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Painless and Quick: The application process is non-invasive, meaning no drilling or needles are involved. It's a comfortable experience for children.
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Long-Lasting Protection: With proper care, sealants can protect teeth for many years, though they are regularly checked during routine dental visits at our Dickson, Canberra clinic.
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Cost-Effective: Preventing cavities with sealants is often much less expensive than treating a cavity with a filling later on.
Our dentists at Dickson Park Dental Surgery will assess your child's teeth to determine if fissure sealants are a good option to help protect their smile. This preventative treatment is often covered by the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) if your child is eligible!