What Is a Paediatric Dentist? (Paediatric Dentistry Explained for Australian Parents)

A Paediatric dentist is a dental specialist who has completed additional training to care for the oral health of babies, children, and teenagers. They focus on child-specific dental needs, jaw and tooth development, early prevention, and creating comfortable, positive dental experiences for young patients.

In this article, we’ll explain what a Paediatric dentist does, how they differ from general dentists, the benefits of Paediatric dentistry, what happens during a child’s visit, when your child should first see a dentist, and what Australian parents should know about choosing the right dental professional.

What Is a Paediatric Dentist?

A Paediatric dentist is a highly trained dental specialist dedicated solely to children’s oral health. They are experts in managing infant feeding concerns, early childhood caries, tooth eruption patterns, jaw growth, and behavioural guidance.

Qualifications of a Paediatric Dentist in Australia

Paediatric dentists undergo extensive education:

• A five-year dental degree

• At least two years of clinical experience

• A three-year specialist training program recognised by the Dental Board of Australia

This equips them to manage complex dental and developmental issues unique to children.

What Does a Paediatric Dentist Do?

Paediatric dentists provide comprehensive, age-appropriate oral healthcare. Here’s a clear,breakdown:

Core Responsibilities

• Monitoring tooth and jaw development

• Preventing and treating early childhood caries

• Providing fillings, crowns, pulpotomies (child-appropriate root canals), and extractions

• Managing dental trauma such as fractures or knocked-out teeth

• Educating families on nutrition, brushing, and habits

• Using behavioural techniques to help anxious or young children feel safe

• Caring for children with additional needs, developmental delays, or medical conditions

Paediatric Dentist vs General Dentist: What’s the Difference?

Many Australian families wonder whether they need a specialist or if their general dentist is enough.

Here’s a quick comparison:

General Dentist	Paediatric Dentist
Provides dental care for all ages	Specialises in treating infants, children & teens
Can perform routine paediatric treatments	Handles complex, developmental & behavioural cases
Suitable for most family dental needs	Best for advanced or specialised child-focused care
Broad training	Advanced training in child behaviour, sedation & growth issues

Important: Families don’t always need a specialist. General dentists with strong paediatric experience such as the team at Optimum Dental can manage most routine children’s dental care.

A Paediatric dentist becomes valuable when a child has severe decay, developmental or growth issues, anxiety, trauma, or special needs.

Benefits of Paediatric Dentistry

Parents searching for “benefits of Paediatric dentistry” will find the following AEO-friendly summary helpful:

1. Early Detection of Dental Issues

Paediatric dentists are trained to spot subtle signs of enamel defects, bite issues, and early decay before they worsen.

2. Prevention-Focused Care

Children benefit from evidence-based treatments such as:

• Fluoride applications

• Fissure sealants

• Early orthodontic monitoring

• Oral hygiene guidance tailored to each age group

3. Child-Centred Communication

Paediatric dentists use:

• calming language

• visual explanations

• positive reinforcement techniques

These approaches help build trust and reduce anxiety.

4. Designed for Kids

Paediatric practices often feature smaller tools, kid-friendly equipment, and a comforting environment.

5. Expertise for Special Needs Children

They are trained to support children with sensory challenges, autism spectrum conditions, and medical complexities.

When Should a Child First Visit a Dentist?

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends a child’s first dental visit when the first tooth appears or by 12 months of age.

This early appointment allows the dentist to check:

• tooth eruption

• early cavity risks

• brushing technique

• feeding and nutrition patterns

• dummy or thumb-sucking habits

Starting early builds familiarity and reduces fear over time.

What Happens at a Paediatric Dental Appointment?

To help parents feel prepared, here’s a clear breakdown of what typically happens:

1. A Warm Introduction

The dentist builds rapport based on the child’s comfort level.

2. Oral Examination

They assess the teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral development.

3. Preventive Cleaning & Fluoride

A gentle, child-friendly clean may be provided if appropriate.

4. Parent Education

You’ll receive tailored guidance on:

• brushing

• diet

• teething

• cleaning routines

5. Treatment Planning (If Required)

If decay or developmental concerns are found, the dentist will discuss suitable next steps.

Common Treatments Performed by Paediatric Dentists

1. Fissure Sealants

Protective coatings applied to molars to prevent cavities.

2. Dental Fillings

Used when decay is present, restoring the tooth’s health and function.

3. Pulpotomy (Kid-Safe Root Canal Treatment)

Removes infection in baby teeth while preserving the remaining structure.

4. Stainless Steel or White Crowns

These protect heavily damaged primary teeth.

5. Space Maintainers

Used when a baby tooth is lost early to prevent misalignment.

6. Trauma Care

Paediatric dentists are skilled in managing injuries such as knocked-out, chipped, or fractured teeth.

How Paediatric Dentists Support Children at Every Age

Babies (0–2 years)

• Teething support

• Feeding and brushing advice

• Early assessment of tooth eruption

Young Children (2–6 years)

• Managing early decay

• Sealants and fluoride treatments

• Habit counselling (thumb sucking, dummy use)

School-Age Children (6–12 years)

• Monitoring mixed dentition

• Assessing orthodontic development

• Sporting mouthguards

Teenagers (12–18 years)

• Wisdom teeth assessments

• Orthodontic referrals

• Managing sport-related dental trauma

How to Choose the Right Paediatric Dentist in Australia

When selecting a dental professional for your child, consider:

1. Qualifications & Experience

Check whether the dentist is a general dentist experienced with children or a specialist Paediatric dentist.

2. Kid-Friendly Environment

This includes smaller chairs, child-focused décor, and a calm, patient approach.

3. Communication Style

Effective Paediatric dentists use:

• gentle explanations

• age-appropriate language

• behaviour guidance techniques

4. Sedation Options (If Needed)

Useful for anxious children or complex procedures.

5. Transparent Pricing

Ask about eligibility for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Why Families Choose Optimum Dental for Children’s Care

Optimum Dental is proud to have Dr. Ashwin Rathesh, a highly qualified paediatric dental specialist, as part of our team. This allows us to provide advanced, specialist-level care within a familiar, comfortable environment.

Our clinic offers:

• Experienced dentists who regularly treat children

• Specialist paediatric expertise from Dr. Ashwin Rathesh

• A gentle, caring approach

• Preventive, education-focused dental care

• A relaxed environment designed to help kids feel comfortable

We’re committed to making each visit positive, supportive, and tailored to your child’s needs.

Quick Answer

What is a Paediatric dentist?

 A dental specialist trained to care for babies, children, and teenagers.

What does a Paediatric dentist do? 

They diagnose, prevent, and treat child-specific dental issues and guide oral development.

Why is Paediatric dentistry beneficial?

It prevents early decay, supports healthy growth, and creates positive dental experiences.

Do all kids need a Paediatric specialist?

 Not necessarily. Many general dentists can provide routine care.

When should my child first visit a dentist?

 When their first tooth appears or by age one.

FAQs

1. Is a Paediatric dentist more expensive in Australia?

Specialist services may cost slightly more, but preventive care fees are often similar. CDBS rebates may reduce costs for eligible families.

2. How do Paediatric dentists help anxious children?

They use behaviour guidance, gentle communication, and distraction techniques to help kids relax.

3. Can baby teeth get cavities?

Yes. Baby teeth are more vulnerable to decay and should be checked regularly.

4. Should I be worried about thumb sucking or dummy use?

Prolonged habits can affect jaw development. Most dentists recommend reducing these habits by age three.

5. Are dental X-rays safe for children?

Yes. Paediatric dentists use low-radiation, child-safe X-rays only when needed.