Skip to content
Dora Street Dental
Children's Dentistry

Children's Dentistry.

First visits, regular check-ups, and gentle care.

  • 30 to 45 minutes per visit (shorter for very young children)
  • Every 6 months from age 1 onward
  • All major health funds
A happy young patient with a sticker, at Dora Street Dental

From a child's very first dental visit (around age 1) through to teenage check-ups, we make sure every appointment is calm and positive. We're registered providers under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), eligible children can access up to $1,132 of essential dental services over a two-year period at no out-of-pocket cost.

Dr James Bakker placing a bib on a young patient
Dr James Bakker with a young child and his dad, dragon puppet brushing demo
A young patient receiving a sticker reward at Dora Street Dental

What to expect

How a children's dentistry
appointment runs.

We keep things calm and unhurried. Here's the rhythm you can expect from start to finish, no surprises.

  1. Welcome

    We take it slow, especially for first-timers. Kids meet the team, sit in the chair as it goes up and down, and have a look around before anything happens.

  2. Count & check

    Dr Bakker counts the teeth, checks how they're growing in, and looks for anything that needs watching. We use kid-friendly language, no scary words.

  3. Clean & fluoride

    A gentle polish (their favourite flavour), then fluoride. Quick and painless. We pause whenever they need a break.

  4. Talk with parents

    We update you on what we found, brushing technique, what to watch for at home, and when to come back. Kids often get a sticker and a new toothbrush.

What's included

Every appointment, in full.

  • Calm, child-friendly first visit
  • Gentle exam, count and check
  • Age-appropriate clean and fluoride
  • Diet and brushing advice for parents
  • Brushing technique demonstrations for kids
  • CDBS bulk-billed where eligible
  • Plenty of time for kids to ask questions

Common questions

Things people
often ask.

Can't see your question? Call us on (02) 9570 4044 and we'll happily talk it through.

When should my child have their first dental visit?

By age 1, or when the first tooth comes through, whichever is sooner. The first visit is mostly about familiarising them with the chair and us, not invasive treatment. Early positive experiences set the pattern for life.

Is the CDBS scheme available here?

Yes, we're registered providers under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Eligible children (most kids whose family receives FTB Part A) can access up to $1,132 over a two-year period at no out-of-pocket cost. We confirm eligibility before any treatment.

What if my child is anxious?

We see a lot of anxious kids and we go at their pace. First visits can be just a tour and a counting game, no instruments. We've never run out of patience and we never force a treatment.

Should kids floss?

Once teeth are touching (any time from age 2 to 3), yes, gently. We show parents how at the visit. Floss picks designed for kids make it easier.

Are dental x-rays safe for kids?

Yes, when needed. We use low-dose digital sensors and only take x-rays when there's a specific clinical reason, usually every 1 to 2 years for kids at standard decay risk. We always explain why before taking any.

How much sugar is too much?

Frequency matters more than total amount. Sipping juice across an afternoon is far more damaging than the same amount in one go. Water and milk between meals; treats with meals if you have them. We talk through your child's diet at the visit.

Hurstville & St George

Caring for children's dentistry patients across the local area.

We see patients from Hurstville, Penshurst, Allawah, Mortdale, Carlton, Beverly Hills and across the wider St George and Sutherland Shire region. The practice is a short walk from Hurstville Station with on-street parking nearby.

Dr James Bakker at work in the surgery

39 Dora Street, Hurstville

Modern dentistry, the gentle way.

Booking

Ready to book your children's dentistry?

Call us or book online, we'll find a time that suits.