Children’s Dentistry
Kids’ Dentist in Albury and Wodonga, SJ Dental.
(& FREE* Dental for Kids: Child Dental Benefits Schedule)
Some of our dentists here have a special focus on children’s dental (paediatric dentistry)– and they’re always popular with the kids! Plus, you can access your Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) here.
When should my child first go to the dentist?
The ADA recommends you should take your baby to the dentist for their first visit when they are approximately 12 months old, or their first tooth has appeared – whichever happens first. You might think of the dentist as just caring for your children’s teeth, but dental care also involves checking the inside of the mouth, gums and lips.
Your child’s first visit to the dentist
Your child’s first visit to our Wodonga dental clinic won’t involve a lot of dental work, but it will be a time to discuss and do the following:
- Teething
- How to brush teeth
- Preventing dental decay
- Preventing trauma to your child’s mouth
- Checking the bite, along with soft tissues, e.g., gums and cheeks
- Habits such as thumb sucking
- Nutritional advice
- Become familiar with the dentist
- Begin to make the activity a habit for both parent and child
- Answer questions
Six tips to keep kids happy at the dentist
- Your child’s first visit is a momentous occasion, so enjoy the event and be excited about it! They’re about to meet a new friend who’s going to count their teeth and teach them good habits.
- If you’ve been anxious at the dentist, don’t let your anxiety rub off on your child
- Do not tell your child they are “brave”, as this will instill fear. Instead, make the visit something exciting to look forward to.
- Never used the dentist as a deterrent or punishment. “If you don’t look after your teeth, the dentist will have to pull them out!”
- Choose your words wisely: avoid “needle”, “pain”, “drills”, “don’t panic.”
- Don’t ‘reward’ your child afterwards as if they have endured a horrible event.
Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS): Free Dental For Kids*
Like the sound of free dental for kids? The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) provides eligible children aged between 2-17 years access to up to $1026 in benefits for dental treatment over 2 consecutive calendar years & is available for families that receive Family Tax Benefit Part A or a relevant Australian government payment. If you qualify, you’ve probably already received a letter in the mail about CDBS. But if you’re unsure, it’s easy to find out.
Are my kids eligible? They must be:
- Eligible for Medicare,
- Receiving (or having a parent that is receiving) an Australian payment at least once a year, or
- Aged between 2 to 17 years for at least one day that year
Most basic services are covered by CDBS, except cosmetic & orthodontics.
- Check-up, Scale & clean/x-ray
- Tooth extractions
- Root canal (endodontic treatment)
- Fillings
Useful CDBS information
Not sure if your child is covered with CDBS? Not sure how much of your $1000 allowance is left? Call the Medicare general enquiries line
FAQs about Kids’ Dental
When should I first take my child to the dentist?
How much will a dental checkup cost for my child?
How do I claim my child’s CDBS?
How do I take care of my children’s teeth?
Book An Appointment
Our Preferred Providers
Dr Stephen Jiang
Dr. Stephen Jiang is a highly skilled and experienced dentist with over 20 years of private practice experience. He obtained his dental degree from the University of Adelaide, where he excelled in his studies and received comprehensive training in various dental procedures. He also holds a PhD in medical and dental research.
Prior to establishing SJ Dental, Dr. Jiang worked in the public sector where he provided dental care to the general population. He has a passion for oral health and prevention, and he is committed to educating his patients on how to maintain optimal oral health.
Dr. Jiang has a broad range of expertise in all general dentistry, and he has a keen interest in oral surgery and complex dentistry. He is also experienced in both orthodontics and implant dentistry, and he is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques.
Outside of work, Dr. Jiang enjoys playing golf and spending time with his family and grandkids. He believes in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and he brings that philosophy to his practice by creating a warm and welcoming environment for his patients.
Patients describe Dr. Jiang as a compassionate and skilled dentist who puts their comfort and well-being first. With so many years of clinical experience behind him, he is sure to provide the best care for the entire family. Whether you need routine dental care or more complex treatments, you can trust Dr. Jiang to provide the highest quality dental care while keeping your overall well-being in mind.
Dr John Xu
Patients have always appreciated Dr. Xu's gentle and polite personality, and many have found him to provide excellent service for all aspects of dentistry. Dr. Xu has a keen interest in preventative care, root canal treatment, and Invisalign treatment, and he is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques.
Outside of work, Dr. Xu enjoys cooking, and he has worked as a Japanese chef in the past during his university years. He continues to pursue his passion for cooking in his free time. He also enjoys spending time with his young children and family.
Patients describe Dr. Xu as a caring and skilled dentist who puts their comfort and well-being first. With his gentle approach and dedication to excellence, he is sure to provide the best possible care for all of his patients. Whether you need routine dental care or more complex treatments, you can trust Dr. Xu to provide the highest quality dental care while keeping your overall well-being in mind.
Dr Louise Chew
Dr. Chew has a keen interest in preventative dental care, cosmetic procedures, and Invisalign treatment. Patients appreciate her gentle touch and compassionate approach to dentistry, and she is dedicated to providing the highest quality dental care to all of her patients.
Outside of work, Dr. Chew enjoys spending time with her family, and she loves to travel with them. Her passion for exploring new places and cultures has taken her to many different parts of the world, and she brings that same sense of adventure and curiosity to her work as a dentist.
Whether you need routine dental care or more complex treatments, Dr. Chew is committed to providing the best possible care for all of her patients. With her gentle touch, compassionate approach, and dedication to excellence, you can trust Dr. Chew to help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.