Children’s dental care in Australia

Last reviewed: 31 October 2026

This guide helps parents and carers find dental care for a child. It is general information only. For advice about your child’s teeth, speak to a registered dental practitioner.

Who provides dental care for children?

Many general dental practices see children. Care may also be provided by other registered dental practitioners, such as oral health therapists, dental therapists and dental hygienists, within their scope of practice. When you call a practice, ask whether it sees children and, if your child is very young or has particular needs, how the practice supports them.

How often should my child have a check-up?

Advice varies between sources. The Better Health Channel says it is generally recommended that everyone, including young children, visit the dentist twice a year, while healthdirect suggests a check-up at least once a year. Your child’s dentist can advise how often suits them. The Better Health Channel describes what happens at a check-up: the dentist asks about general health and medicines, checks the teeth, gums and other soft tissues of the mouth, may take X-rays if needed, and explains any treatment options and an estimate of the cost.

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)

Services Australia runs the CDBS, which helps eligible children with the cost of some basic dental services. In general, a child is eligible if they:

• are aged 0 to 17 for at least one day in the calendar year; and
• are eligible for Medicare; and
• they, or a parent, carer or guardian, receive a Services Australia payment at least once in the year.

Services Australia says the schedule provides up to $1,158 per eligible child over two calendar years, and that the amount is indexed each 1 January. Covered services include check-ups, X-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals and extractions. It does not cover orthodontic work, cosmetic work, or dental services provided in hospital. Some services have item or time restrictions, so check with the dentist.

Healthdirect says most CDBS services are bulk billed. Ask the practice whether it bills the CDBS when you book. Check the Services Australia website for the current rules and amount.

Public dental services

State and territory governments run public dental services, and eligibility differs between states and territories. Check your state or territory health department for what is available for children where you live.

Questions to ask a practice

• Do you see children, and from what age?
• Do you bill the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
• What will the first visit involve?
• What are the costs for anything beyond a check-up? Ask for a written estimate before treatment.
• What do I do if my child has a problem out of hours?
• Can you explain the treatment to my child in a way they can understand?

Costs vary by practice and treatment. See our guide to dental costs and payment options.

Preparing for a visit

As a parent or carer you know your child. Some parents find it helps to explain the visit in simple, calm words, and to book a time of day when the child is rested. If your child is anxious, tell the practice before the visit so they can plan how to help. The dentist can also explain items such as fissure sealants and mouthguards for sport, which the Better Health Channel describes.

If your child injures a tooth

Contact a dentist or hospital straight away. The Queensland Government says not to replant a baby tooth that has been knocked out, because it could damage the developing adult tooth. Call 000 or go to a hospital emergency department if your child has trouble breathing, speaking or swallowing, a lot of blood going down their throat, or a very swollen mouth or tongue (healthdirect). Read our emergency dentist guide.

General information, not medical or dental advice. Speak to a registered dental practitioner about your situation.