Children's dentistry · Bayside Melbourne
Children's dentistry in Cheltenham
Park Road Dental provides gentle children's dentistry at 155 Park Road, Cheltenham, in Bayside Melbourne. We look after first visits, check-ups, cleans, fissure sealants, fillings and habit advice in a calm, family-friendly setting. Eligible children are bulk-billed under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Call (03) 9584 4949.
Gentle dental care for children
Park Road Dental is a family practice in Cheltenham that welcomes children of every age. Our dentists keep appointments calm and unhurried so young patients feel safe in the chair. We look after baby teeth and adult teeth alike, watch how your child's bite and jaw are developing, and give age-appropriate advice on brushing, diet and habits. New patients are welcome and no referral is needed to bring your child in.
What happens at your child's first visit?
Australian guidelines recommend a first dental visit by around your child's first birthday, or when their first tooth appears. Early visits are short and gentle: we count the teeth, check that they are developing well, and let your child get comfortable with the sights and sounds of the practice. Starting young helps build a positive relationship with the dentist and makes future check-ups easier for the whole family.
Check-ups, cleans, sealants and fillings
Regular check-ups let us spot small problems early, before they need bigger treatment. A professional clean removes plaque a toothbrush can miss. Fissure sealants are thin protective coatings painted onto the grooves of back teeth to help prevent decay, and they are quick and simple to apply, with no drilling or needles. If a tooth does develop a cavity, we place gentle children's fillings. We also offer practical habit advice on thumb-sucking, dummies and grinding when it is helpful.
Helping nervous children feel at ease
Some children feel anxious about the dentist, and that is completely normal. We keep the pace slow and let your child look, touch and ask questions before anything happens. Our dentists explain each step in simple words and use a calm, encouraging tone throughout. Short, positive visits build trust over time, so a check-up feels routine rather than daunting. Parents are welcome to stay alongside their child in the room.
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) provides eligible children aged 0 to 17 with access to up to $1,158 in basic dental services over two consecutive calendar years, subject to Medicare eligibility and the child's remaining CDBS balance. Not every child qualifies — eligibility is linked to certain government payments, so we confirm your child's eligibility, what is covered and their remaining balance with Medicare before treatment. The benefit can be used towards check-ups, cleans, X-rays, fissure sealants, fillings and extractions; it does not cover orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry or dental services in hospital. Park Road Dental bulk-bills CDBS-covered treatment for eligible patients, so there is no out-of-pocket cost for covered services within the remaining balance. For children who are not eligible, all major Australian health funds are accepted and claimed on the spot, with a written quote after assessment.
Family dentists — and a very good dog
Dr Wei-Hun Tjio has looked after Bayside families at this practice since 2003, with more than 20 years in general and family dentistry, and all four of our AHPRA-registered dentists see children. Our hygiene team — Shirani Marks and Liz Fetherstonhaugh — handle cleans and fissure sealants with the patience little patients deserve. And on Saturdays, by appointment, nervous kids can meet Toffee, our certified therapy dog, whose whole job is turning white-knuckle visits into something to look forward to.
Getting here with kids in tow
Free on-site parking at 155 Park Road means no juggling car seats on a busy street, and we are close to Westfield Southland and Cheltenham station on the Frankston line. Saturday mornings are our most popular family session, and evening appointments on Wednesday and Thursday mean check-ups don’t have to interrupt the school day. Book siblings back-to-back and get everyone done in one trip.
Children's dentistry FAQs
When should my child first see a dentist?
Australian guidelines recommend a first dental visit by around your child's first birthday, or when their first tooth appears. Early visits let us check that teeth and gums are developing well and help your child get used to the dentist. At Park Road Dental in Cheltenham, first visits are relaxed and unhurried.
Do you accept the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?
Yes. The CDBS gives eligible children aged 0 to 17 access to up to $1,158 in basic dental services over two consecutive calendar years. Not every child qualifies, so we confirm your child's Medicare eligibility, what is covered and their remaining balance before treatment, and bulk-bill covered services for eligible patients. The CDBS does not cover orthodontics or cosmetic dentistry.
How do you help nervous children?
We keep the pace slow and let children look, touch and ask questions before any treatment. Our dentists explain each step in simple words and use a calm, encouraging tone. Short, positive visits build trust over time, and on-site parking plus Saturday-morning appointments make visits easier for families.
Are dental check-ups for kids bulk-billed?
For children eligible under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, we bulk-bill covered check-ups, cleans and other basic treatment directly to Medicare, so there is no out-of-pocket cost up to the CDBS cap. If your child is not eligible, all major Australian health funds are accepted on the spot.
Can my child meet Toffee the therapy dog?
Yes — Toffee, our certified therapy dog, is in on Saturdays by appointment. If your child would feel braver with Toffee there, mention it when you book and we will arrange a Saturday time.
Is there parking when I bring the kids?
Yes, free on-site parking at the practice — park at the door, with no street-parking dash with children in tow. Saturday mornings and Wednesday and Thursday evenings are popular family times.
Book your child's dental visit in Cheltenham
New patients are welcome and no referral is needed. We are open six days, including Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings, with on-site parking to make family visits easy.
Book Now →