What age should your child first go to the dentist?
We are often asked at what age children should start visting the dentist. Regular dental examinations are an essential component of lifelong dental health. Starting on a solid footing will make this process much easier over time. We recommend a child’s first dental examination should be as soon as we can get some basic cooperation in the chair- for most children this is usually in the range of 2-3 years. If an initial examination is quite easy, the probability of a child having a positive attitude towards dental health increases significantly. Parents should also discuss an initial visit in the same context. If a child approaches a new experience in a relaxed manner, outcomes are improved. Apprehensive and worry tend to be learned behaviours. Being positive will set the tone for an equally positive first dental experience.
Some children will be eligible for Medicare’s Child dental benefit schedule. The Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule covers a broad range of basic dental services. You can call our friendly staff on (03) 5134 1311 to see if your child is eligible.
