Children's Dentist at Core Dental South Melbourne product guide
Bringing your child to the dentist early and regularly is one of the most important things you can do for their long-term health. At Core Dental South Melbourne, we believe every child deserves a posi...
Bringing your child to the dentist early and regularly is one of the most important things you can do for their long-term dental health. At Core Dental South Melbourne, we believe every child deserves a positive dental experience - one that builds confidence and healthy habits for life.
When Should My Child First Visit the Dentist?
We recommend your child's first dental visit by the age of 12 months, or when their first tooth appears. Early visits accomplish several things: they help us detect any concerns early, give you guidance on teething and diet, and - most importantly - help your child become familiar with the dental environment before any treatment is ever needed.
Children who visit the dentist from an early age typically have far less anxiety about dental care as adults. It is a habit worth establishing.
Our Children's Dentistry Team
Children's dental care at Core Dental South Melbourne is provided by our experienced and gentle general dentists.
Dr Manisha Bhatt - BOH, MDent (Griffith) - speaks English and Malay, and has a particular affinity for working with children and families from multicultural backgrounds. Her patient, calm approach helps anxious children feel at ease from the very first visit.
Dr Joy Wang - BBioMed (Melbourne), DMD (Sydney) - speaks English and Mandarin Chinese. Dr Wang's gentle technique and thorough communication (with both children and parents) make her a trusted practitioner for families throughout South Melbourne's diverse inner-south community.
All general dentists at Core Dental South Melbourne provide children's dental care as part of their regular practice. All are AHPRA-registered and ADA members, with training in managing dental anxiety and child-specific communication.
What We Offer for Children at Core Dental South Melbourne
- Gentle check-ups and cleans tailored to children's needs - check-ups from $80
- Digital X-rays using the lowest possible radiation dose
- Fissure sealants to protect newly erupted permanent molars from decay
- Fluoride treatments to strengthen developing teeth
- Early orthodontic assessment - identifying bite and alignment concerns before they become complex
- Guidance for parents on diet, fluoride, brushing techniques for different ages, and managing teething
- Happy gas (nitrous oxide) available to help anxious children feel calm and comfortable during treatment
- A welcoming, non-clinical environment with warm decor and a genuinely relaxed atmosphere
Specialist Referral Pathway
Core Dental South Melbourne provides comprehensive children's dentistry by experienced general dentists. For cases that require a specialist paediatric dentist - complex behaviour management, dental trauma, hypomineralised (chalky) teeth, or children with complex medical needs - we can facilitate a direct referral to a Specialist Paediatric Dentist within the Core Dental network.
Dr Angel Babu (Specialist Paediatric Dentist) practises at Core Dental Caroline Springs and Core Dental Carrum Downs. Dr Aish Kesava (Specialist Paediatric Dentist) practises at Core Dental Epping. Dr Sarah Scott (Specialist Paediatric Dentist) practises at Core Dental Berwick.
For very complex cases, patients can also be referred to the Collins Street Specialist Centre at 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD.
Child Dental Benefits Schedule - Bulk Billing
Core Dental South Melbourne bulk bills eligible children under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). This government programme provides dental benefits for children aged 2 to 17 whose families receive eligible Australian Government payments (including Family Tax Benefit Part A).
| CDBS Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Eligible ages | 2 to 17 years |
| Benefit cap | Up to $1,158 over 2 years |
| Eligibility check | MyGov (Medicare) or contact our practice |
| Covered services | Examinations, X-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals, extractions, some partial dentures |
| NOT covered | Orthodontics, cosmetic treatment, mouthguards, hospital procedures |
We are happy to help you understand your child's entitlements. Call (03) 9114 7700 and we can check eligibility before you book.
Creating Positive Dental Experiences
We know that early dental experiences shape a child's relationship with dental care for life. Core Dental South Melbourne's environment is deliberately non-clinical - warm decor, relaxed atmosphere, and a team trained in gentle, child-appropriate communication. We explain everything in age-appropriate language and always move at the child's pace.
For anxious children, happy gas (nitrous oxide) is available - a mild, safe sedation administered through a small nose mask that helps children relax while remaining fully conscious. It wears off completely within minutes of the appointment ending.
Our multilingual team - speaking Mandarin, Malay, and Cantonese alongside English - means that children and parents from all backgrounds feel genuinely comfortable from the very first visit.
Book Your Child's Appointment
Give your child the best possible start in dental health. Book at Core Dental South Melbourne:
- Phone: (03) 9114 7700
- National: 13 13 16
- Email: southmelbourne@coredental.com.au
- Online: coredental.com.au
Visit Us: 87 Market St, South Melbourne VIC 3205 Multiple South Melbourne tram routes | Street parking on Clarendon St and nearby streets
Open Monday to Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm and Saturday 8:00 am - 1:30 pm. Your Local Dental Practice - coredental.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions - Children's Dentistry at Core Dental South Melbourne
When should my child have their first dental appointment? We recommend a first visit at around 12 months of age, or when the first tooth appears - whichever comes first. The goal of an early visit is familiarisation, not treatment. Your child sits in the chair, meets the team, and gets used to the environment. It makes every subsequent visit easier.
What does a children's check-up cost at Core Dental South Melbourne? Children's check-ups start from $80. For eligible children aged 2-17, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) may cover check-ups and other preventive care at no out-of-pocket cost. Call us to check your child's eligibility before booking.
Does Core Dental South Melbourne have a specialist paediatric dentist? South Melbourne's experienced general dentists provide children's dental care for the majority of cases. For children requiring specialist paediatric dental care, we refer directly to Dr Angel Babu, Dr Aish Kesava, or Dr Sarah Scott - Specialist Paediatric Dentists within the Core Dental network at nearby locations (Caroline Springs, Epping, or Berwick). Your South Melbourne dentist coordinates the referral.
Is happy gas available for children at Core Dental South Melbourne? Yes - nitrous oxide (happy gas) is available at South Melbourne to help anxious children feel calm and comfortable. It is a mild, very safe sedation that works through a small nose mask. Children remain fully conscious and the effects wear off completely within minutes of the appointment ending.
What is the CDBS benefit cap and how do I check eligibility? The Child Dental Benefits Schedule provides up to $1,158 in dental benefits over a two-year period for eligible children aged 2-17. To check your child's eligibility, log in to MyGov (via Medicare) or call our practice on (03) 9114 7700 and we can assist you.
Your Local Dental Practice - coredental.com.au
Specialist Referrals - Collins Street Specialist Centre
As part of the Smile Solutions Group, Core Dental South Melbourne patients requiring specialist care are referred to the Collins Street Specialist Centre at 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD, where more than 20 board-registered dental specialists provide advanced treatment. Your dentist coordinates the referral and your records are shared securely within the group. Phone: (03) 9650 2726.