CDBS: $1000 Dental Treatment For Children Still Available

We all know that funding for dental health in Australia leaves a lot to be desired. Successive governments have turned a blind eye to the effect our dental health has on our overall health and conveniently left the majority funding of dental treatments to private health insurers. However, the Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS) is a pleasant departure from the government's usual ambivalence. Not least because it entitles your child free dental treatment up to $1000!

The Australian Dental Association has previously warned that "Australia is one of the top 10 countries for high levels of per capita consumption of soft drink.” We concur, because we keep noticing that Heidelberg Dentist's young patients' love of sugary food and drinks shows no signs of reducing.

While it is not news that excess sugar in a child's diet poses many risks to his or her dental health, it is important to understand that the CDBS's $1000 in free dental treatment can go a long way towards helping at-risk children. Treatments that such children might undergo are typically covered under the CDBS program.

Use it or lose it

Unfortunately, the CDBS does seem to be a case of "use it or lose it." With recent and current federal governments increasingly looking to cut health spending, there is no way of knowing just when they will decide to axe the CDBS again.

Don't wait for our unpredictable politicians to tell us that they will again be cutting the CDBS. These decisions are usually announced during the middle of the year on or before budget night, or at the end of the year, close to Christmas. Remember, it never pays to play chicken with politicians!

If you don't know whether your child is eligible for $1000 of free dental treatment under the CDBS, let us help you find out. Visit our CBDS help page to understand more about the eligibility rules and also to help us help you find out if your little ones are eligible for free dental treatment or call us on (03) 9459 6300 or make an appointment online:

Or you can book an appointment by calling us on (03) 9459 6300 during business hours

Publisher: Heidelberg Dentist

5 Reasons Why You Should Have A Family Dentist

Many of us don't realise that a good family dentist is just as important for your family's health and wellbeing as a good family General Practitioner or doctor. Here are the top 5 reasons you should consider when selecting your family dentist:

1. Caring For Every Member of Your Family: every good family dentist should be able to assess, advise on and treat the dental health of your entire family - from babies and children, to elderly grandparents. A good family dentist possesses an array of general dentistry skills which are required to care for all-round dental health of your family.


2. Greater Comfort Levels with Your Dentist: let's be honest, not everyone likes going to a dentist. Ths is why people seek the advice of family and friends when selecting their dentist. We know that if you are comfortable and satisfied with your dentist, then your children, spouse and extended family members are more likely to also feel at ease with that dentist. Increased comfort with your dentist is key to the entire family scheduling and attending regular dental appointments, which will minimise the chances of unforeseen and expensive dental emergencies.


3. Consistent & Accurate Diagnoses & Treatment: a good family dentist maintains accurate records of every patient visit. This enables the dentist to quickly and correctly diagnose, prevent and / or treat the dental issues of their patients. For this to happen, it is important that you and your family members regularly schedule and attend your dentist appointments.


4. Convenient Location Close to Home: location is a very important factor when choosing your family dentist. Google searches are often the first port of call and references from family and friends can also help. Having the same family dentist also allows family members to schedule appointments together, cutting down unnecessary travel and waiting times.


5. Better, More Personalised Care: As your dentists understands you and your family, they will also be able to better anticipate and help with your specific concerns, questions and quirks! 

At Heidelberg Dentist, our team prides itself on being the only dental clinic in the area that focuses on family dentistry. This is why most of our new patients come from referrals from their family and friends who are already our patients.

Why not pop in in for a quick visit of our family-friendly dental clinic. We're located at 34 Rosanna Road, Heidelberg, opposite Warringal shopping centre.

You can also call us on (03) 9459 6300 or book an appointment online for a dental treatment experience your whole family will appreciate:

Publisher: Heidelberg Dentist

Baby teeth will fall out, so should my kids take care of them?

Yes! Dental health in deciduous teeth preempts what is to come in their adult teeth. This why getting into good habits early and eliminating any decay will make for better health.

Decay in baby teeth should be fixed - especially if those teeth are still going to be there for a few years.  Most decay can be restored without anesthetic and is a simple procedure that children react positively to.

However, once the decay has extended to the pulp of the tooth, that’s when it can be really painful for children and a more difficult procedure is required, along with the potential use of anesthetics. This can sometimes be frightening for the child which can lead to a fear of dentists and further neglect of their teeth and general oral health.

We advise parents of all our little patients with baby teeth to instill good oral health habits in their children from a young age. This helps keep the little tackers happy and their parents free of unnecessary headaches.

If you want to keep your child's teeth in the best possible condition, call us on (03) 9459 6300 or book an appointment online for a great dental treatment experience:

Publisher: Heidelberg Dentist

When is the right time to start taking my child to the dentist?

A good time to start bringing children to the dentist is when they are around 3 years old.  All their baby teeth are present by around 24-30 months and this is an ideal time to get used to the dental chair.

It's a good idea to vanquish any fears your child may have about visiting a dentist. So we advise parents to be positive, and if you have any fears of their own, to try not make them obvious as children absorb such sentiments easily.

The first visit is usually just a ride in the chair and a quick count of the teeth.  Even if you just bring your children to your own appointments, it helps take the fear out of the process and they'll be sure to get a reward from us that they can show off during the "show-and-tell" session at their school,  kindergarten or play school.


Call us on (03) 9459 6300 or book an appointment online for a dental treatment experience your child will really appreciate:

Publisher: Heidelberg Dentist