Little smiles welcome · St Kilda Road, Melbourne
A children’s dentist for your family’s next chapter
Children’s dentistry at Enhance Dental combines a gentle, friendly approach with preventive care and clear explanations. Dr Joseph Paino and our team welcome new children, brothers, sisters and the children of our existing patients.
Most children can start their dental care here without a referral. We will discuss specialist support if an assessment shows it is needed.
Level 2, Suite 219 · 566 St Kilda Road · Melbourne VIC 3004
Meet · explore · learn
Children’s dentistry can be a positive introduction
Enhance Dental is committed to providing children’s dentistry, preventive dental care and treatment to our young patients. Our relaxed approach is gentle, friendly and engaging. We aim to reduce apprehension and help children become familiar with dental care at their own pace.
The first dental examination your child experiences involves explanation in a way they can understand, combined with encouragement and motivation. Building a positive experience can help develop a foundation of good dental habits and a proactive approach to future visits. Every child is different, and we avoid promising that a visit will feel the same for everyone.
A friendly hello
Tell us your child’s age, the reason for the visit and what helps them feel at ease. We listen to parents and children.
Show and explain
We explain the examination in everyday words. Ask about the planned steps and let us know if your child needs a pause.
A plan together
Discuss what we find, home care and any recommended treatment. We explain fees before you agree to proceed.
The Australian Dental Association recommends a first visit when the first tooth appears or by age one, whichever comes first. If your child is older and has not visited yet, we welcome you to make a start. Read the ADA’s first-visit guidance.
Prevention and care as children grow
What does children’s dentistry include?
Children’s dentistry at Enhance Dental is provided in a relaxed, professional environment. The appropriate children’s dentistry care depends on your child’s age, oral health, development and ability to manage an appointment comfortably.
- Examinations and prevention: assess teeth and gums, discuss cleaning and food or drink habits, and plan reviews around individual needs.
- Tooth-coloured fillings: consider suitable white filling materials when decay or damage needs restoration.
- Fissure sealants: protect selected grooves on teeth where indicated. Not every tooth or child needs a sealant.
- Comfort during treatment: discuss topical numbing cream, appropriate local anaesthetic and other practical measures when relevant to the procedure.
- Further assessment: discuss concerns about tooth development, dental injuries or complex needs, including referral when appropriate.
We choose anaesthetic and treatment options after considering the child’s health and the procedure. We explain what is proposed rather than guaranteeing “pain-free” care. Clinical photographs, X-rays or other investigations are used when indicated, and any recommended services and fees should be discussed with you.
Learn about fissure sealants or explore our check-up and clean information.
A familiar dentist as your family grows
Good habits start with small steps
Dr Joseph Paino, the principal dentist at Enhance Dental, has long emphasised the importance of developing good dental habits early. Healthy baby teeth matter for chewing, speech and everyday comfort, and help maintain space for developing adult teeth.
Preventive children’s dentistry includes looking after baby teeth, even though they are later replaced. Preventive care supports oral health, but does not guarantee that a child will never need fillings or orthodontic treatment.
Dr Paino graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1988 and established Enhance Dental in 1995. Meet Our Team and learn about Our Difference.
Parents · brothers · sisters
Already visit us? Your children are welcome too
Children’s dentistry can be part of your family’s care at the same practice. You do not need to wait until a child has a problem to ask about an appointment. If you already see Dr Joseph, tell our team you would like to introduce your child or arrange visits for other family members.
Let us know how many people need care, their ages and the reason for each visit. We can discuss available times and whether appointments can be coordinated. Each person has their own assessment and care plan; consecutive or same-day appointments depend on availability.
Our team can also explain what to bring to children’s dentistry visits, appointment fees and how to check CDBS eligibility. If there are access, sensory, communication or medical needs, raise these before booking so we can discuss the right arrangements.
Helping your child feel prepared
A gentle approach to children’s dentistry
We explain things in language children can follow, with encouragement and a relaxed manner. Children’s viewing choices and a small show bag at the end of a visit can provide encouragement. Ask the team about current entertainment and reward options when arranging your appointment.
At home, a positive story about the dentist or a game of counting teeth may help make the visit feel familiar. Avoid frightening descriptions or using dental visits as a punishment. Tell us about previous difficult experiences so we can discuss them sensitively.
Between children’s dentistry visits, regular brushing and age-appropriate home care matter. Parents should help with brushing and flossing while children are learning; the ADA advises assistance until around eight or nine years. Ask us to demonstrate techniques and discuss suitable fluoride toothpaste for your child’s age and needs. ADA information on dental care for children.
Australian Government benefits · checked 3 November 2026
Children’s dentistry and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) can help eligible children access specified basic dental services. It is a government benefit with eligibility and claiming rules, rather than an automatic free appointment for every child.
A child must be eligible for Medicare, be aged 0–17 for at least one day of the calendar year, and meet qualifying government-payment requirements. Covered basic services may include examinations, X-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals and extractions, subject to item rules. Orthodontics, cosmetic treatment and services in hospital are excluded.
When booking children’s dentistry, tell our team you want to use CDBS. Check eligibility and the balance through your Medicare online account linked to myGov, or call Services Australia on 132 011. Before care begins, confirm the services, whether they will be bulk billed and any gap or private fees.
Services Australia: current amounts and using CDBS · Eligibility · Covered services.
More questions? See our Child Dental Benefits Schedule page and confirm your child’s actual entitlement before treatment.
The right care for each child
When children’s dentistry needs specialist support
Many children can receive routine children’s dentistry and preventive care at Enhance Dental without being referred. If your child needs complex treatment or has significant anxiety, psychological concerns, medical or developmental needs, or difficulty tolerating care comfortably and safely, we can discuss a referral for specialist assessment.
A paediatric dental specialist can consider appropriate ways to provide care, including whether treatment under a general anaesthetic is suitable. Needing extra time or support does not mean a child has done anything wrong. A diagnosis, distress at one visit or a referral does not automatically mean a general anaesthetic is required.
Paediatric dental referral options
We can discuss the following independent specialist practices with families, taking account of clinical needs, location and preferences:
Dr Deb Wong and Associates
Specialist paediatric dental care, with individual assessment and discussion of suitable treatment approaches.
Tooth Fairy Centre
Paediatric dental services, including assessment for children who need additional support or complex care.
Lucas Dental Care
Paediatric dental specialists with services for complex care, trauma and medically compromised children.
Kiddies Dental Care
Specialist children’s dental care and separate medical-facility locations for general anaesthetic treatment.
Special Needs Dentistry: an additional pathway
Western Special Needs Dentistry is led by Dr Helen Marchant, Specialist in Special Needs Dentistry. It may be an appropriate option for older adolescents or patients with complex medical, disability-related, sensory or neurodevelopmental support needs. The practice provides a range of approaches, including hospital general anaesthesia when appropriate.
We can discuss the referral question and coordinate relevant information with consent. The receiving specialist confirms suitability, acceptance, fees, availability and treatment locations. Any general anaesthetic is assessed and planned by the relevant clinical and anaesthetic teams; it is not provided as routine children’s care at our St Kilda Road practice.
Children’s dentistry: 16 helpful questions for parents
Practical answers for first visits, family appointments, preventive care and specialist referrals. Individual recommendations follow an assessment of your child.
Can I book children’s dentistry at Enhance Dental without a referral?
Yes. Families can contact Enhance Dental directly for children’s dentistry and routine dental assessments. Many children can receive their general and preventive care with Dr Joseph Paino at the practice, without needing a specialist referral. Tell us your child’s age, the reason for the visit and any concerns when you book. If the assessment shows that specialist input would be helpful, we will discuss that with you and can arrange an appropriate referral.
When should my child start children’s dentistry visits?
The Australian Dental Association recommends a first dental visit when the first tooth appears or by the first birthday, whichever comes first. You do not need to wait for a full set of teeth or for a problem to develop. If your child is older and has not visited before, you are welcome to start now. Early conversations can cover cleaning, tooth-friendly habits and what to expect as teeth develop.
What happens at a children’s dentistry appointment?
Children’s dentistry begins with getting to know your child and the reason for the visit. The first examination involves explanations in language your child can understand, with encouragement and time for questions. Dr Paino will discuss findings and any recommended next steps with you. The examination and any cleaning, X-rays or treatment depend on age, clinical need and what your child can manage comfortably. Ask which services and fees are included when booking.
How can I prepare my child for a children’s dentistry visit?
Keep the conversation simple and positive. You might practise counting teeth at home or read a friendly story about visiting the dentist. Avoid sharing frightening dental experiences or using the visit as a threat. Tell our team beforehand about anything that helps your child communicate or settle. If they use a comfort item, ask whether you can bring it along. You can also explain that the first step is meeting the team and talking about teeth.
What if my child is anxious or finds it difficult to sit still?
Please tell us before the appointment. Our approach to children’s dentistry is gentle, friendly and engaging, and we can discuss explanations, pauses and practical adjustments. We will work within what can be managed appropriately; a difficult visit does not mean your child has done anything wrong. Significant distress, sensory needs, difficulty tolerating care or complex treatment may lead to a discussion about specialist assessment. A referral does not automatically mean a general anaesthetic is needed.
Do you provide fillings and fissure sealants for children?
Yes, these are among the options considered in children’s dentistry at Enhance Dental when clinically indicated. Tooth-coloured fillings can restore a tooth affected by decay. Fissure sealants cover selected grooves on teeth to help reduce decay risk; not every tooth or child needs them. Dr Paino will explain why a treatment may be recommended, alternatives where appropriate and the expected fees. Preventive care and home-care advice remain important alongside any restoration.
Will children’s dentistry treatment be painless?
Children’s experiences vary, so we do not promise pain-free treatment. Where appropriate, options may include topical numbing cream and local anaesthetic selected for the child and the procedure. We explain what is planned, check how your child is managing and discuss comfort measures. Tell us about previous reactions, medicines, medical conditions and any particular worries. If care cannot be completed appropriately in the practice, we can discuss another approach or a specialist referral.
Why do baby teeth matter in children’s dentistry?
Baby teeth are important for eating, speaking and everyday comfort, and help hold space as the adult teeth develop. Our focus is helping children build good habits and a positive approach to care. Decay or discomfort in baby teeth still deserves assessment. Looking after these teeth is worthwhile even though they are later replaced, and does not guarantee that a child will avoid orthodontic treatment.
How often should children’s dentistry check-ups be planned?
The review interval is based on your child’s oral health, development, decay risk and care needs. Dr Paino will recommend a suitable time to return rather than applying one timetable to every child. Keep a note of any concerns between visits and contact the practice if something changes. Pain, swelling or an injury should be raised promptly rather than waiting for the next planned check-up. Ask the team if you are unsure which appointment to arrange.
Can children’s dentistry be covered by the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
Eligible children aged 0–17 may receive CDBS benefits for specified basic dental services. The two-calendar-year cap is up to $1,158 for a period beginning in 2026, or $1,132 if it began in 2025. Previous claims reduce the balance. Medicare eligibility and qualifying government-payment requirements also apply. Tell us you wish to use CDBS when booking, and confirm eligibility, the available balance and any fees before treatment.
Does CDBS mean every appointment is free?
No. CDBS covers eligible services within the available balance and claiming rules. Ask whether the proposed services will be bulk billed and whether there will be any gap or private fees. If a service is bulk billed, you do not pay for that service. The scheme excludes orthodontics, cosmetic treatment and dental services provided in hospital. Do not assume it will pay for a specialist general anaesthetic pathway; obtain the relevant quotes and benefit information first.
When might you refer my child to a paediatric dental specialist?
A referral may be discussed when a child needs complex treatment, has significant anxiety or psychological concerns, has medical or developmental needs affecting care, or cannot comfortably and safely tolerate treatment in the practice. Specialist assessment can explore suitable ways to provide care, including whether a general anaesthetic is appropriate. The specialist and, where relevant, the anaesthetic team make their own assessment. Many children do not need referral and can continue routine care at Enhance Dental.
Which specialists can you refer families to?
Depending on the child’s needs and your preferences, referral options include Dr Deb Wong and Associates, Tooth Fairy Centre, Lucas Dental Care and Kiddies Dental Care. Their websites are linked in the specialist section above. We can discuss which service may suit the referral question and coordinate relevant clinical information with appropriate consent. The receiving practice confirms acceptance, appointments, fees, locations and available treatment arrangements. These are independent practices, and availability can change.
Is there a Special Needs Dentistry referral option?
Yes. Western Special Needs Dentistry is led by Dr Helen Marchant, a registered Specialist in Special Needs Dentistry. This may be an option when an older adolescent or another patient has complex medical, disability-related, sensory or neurodevelopmental support needs that affect dental care. The practice offers assessment and a range of care approaches, including hospital general anaesthesia when appropriate. The most suitable pathway depends on the person’s needs and the specialist’s assessment, rather than a diagnosis alone.
Can parents, brothers and sisters attend the same practice?
Yes. Enhance Dental provides general dental care for adults as well as children, so existing patients are welcome to ask about bringing their children and other family members. Tell the team how many people need appointments, their ages and what each person needs. We can discuss available times and whether visits can be coordinated. Each family member still needs their own appropriate appointment and individual treatment plan; consecutive or same-day visits depend on availability.
How do I book children’s dentistry on St Kilda Road?
Book online or call (03) 9533 8488. Let us know your child’s age, whether this is a first visit, any pain or concerns, and any support needs that may affect the appointment. Say if you wish to use CDBS and ask what to bring. Enhance Dental is at Level 2, Suite 219, 566 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004. Use our Contact page for current hours, directions, parking and an enquiry option.
Let’s make the first step simple
Book children’s dentistry for your family
If your child would like to experience the Enhance Dental difference, call our friendly and caring team. Tell us their age and what you would like help with, and we can discuss an appropriate appointment.
For tooth pain, swelling or a dental injury, call promptly and describe the symptoms so we can advise on arranging care. See our emergency dental information.
Level 2, Suite 219 · 566 St Kilda Road · Melbourne VIC 3004
Clinical content and referral website information reviewed 3 November 2026. Government benefits, appointment arrangements and specialist services can change; confirm details when booking.