Holistic Kids Dentistry

Creating Healthy Smiles and Lasting Memories

Holistic Kids Dentistry

Creating Healthy Smiles and Lasting Memories

At Dental and Skin in East Bentleigh, we believe visiting the dentist should be a fun and empowering experience, especially when it comes to our kids. For this reason, we’ve created a playful and holistic dental offering just for kids, which allows them to have fun, feel nurtured and even meet the Tooth Fairy.

Creating Positive Dental Experiences for Kids

At Dental and Skin Clinic, we understand that early dental visits can shape how children feel about dental care for life. As dental professionals, we often see how negative childhood experiences can contribute to dental anxiety or dental phobia later in life. We believe that building trust early on is one of the best ways to prevent dental anxiety in the future.

The Tooth Fairy Experience: Meet Dr Rita the Tooth Fairy

We offer a choice between a visit with Dr Rita the Dentist or Dr Rita the Tooth Fairy, a special, magical experience designed to have fun at the dental clinic. With pink wings, a tutu, a fairy headpiece and her magical wand, the Tooth Fairy gently introduces your child to the dental chair and the tooth tickles (dental cleans) all while having fun.

What happens during a kids’ check-up and clean:

A warm welcome and friendly introduction to the space
A ride on the magic dental chair (your child can sit on your lap if they prefer)
The Tooth Fairy counts their teeth together and invited your child to guess how many they have they think they have
A little lip balm for comfort (with your permission)
A gentle polish using a tasty toothpaste – what we call “Tooth Tickles”
Your choice of fluoride or non-fluoride toothpaste
A final ride on the magical chair, just for fun
A gift of gloves and a mask so your child can play Tooth Fairy or dentist at home
A surprise farewell gift at reception

There’s no additional cost for the Tooth Fairy experience. We simply invite families to give a gold coin donation, which we pass on to One Girl, a non-for-profit organisation that supports girls’ education in Sierra Leone.

What Is Holistic Dentistry for Kids?

Holistic dentistry takes into account your child’s overall health and wellbeing, not just their teeth. It involves using materials that are body-conscious, supporting preventive habits, and taking a gentle, child-led approach to care.

We’re here to support your family’s preferences with open, respectful communication, whether that’s discussing the pros and cons of fluoride or fluoride-free options or asking about healthy diet tips for teeth.

Our goal is to make each dental visit happy and empowering, while supporting your child’s dental development in a way that feels aligned with your values.

Holistic Dental Services for Children

We provide a range of services tailored to your child’s age, needs and stage of development.

BPA-Free Fillings:

If your child needs a filling, we use tooth-coloured, BPA-free composite materials. These are chosen for their durability and aesthetic appearance, and are often used as part of a conservative treatment plan.

Fluoride or Fluoride-Free Options:

We provide you with the choice of fluoride or non-fluoride polish as part of your child’s dental clean. We’re happy to discuss the benefits of each option so you can make the decision that’s right for your family.

Preventative Dental Sealants:

Dental sealants can be applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to help reduce the risk of dental decay. They’re a preventive treatment commonly recommended for the back molars in children’s adult teeth. There is no drilling involved, it’s a fast and effective treatment.

Orthodontic Consultations:

We offer early orthodontic assessments to help track your child’s growth and development. If needed, we can write a referral with a trusted local orthodontist for further care.

Dental X-Rays (If Needed):

We use low-radiation digital X-rays, only when clinically necessary. For example, to check between teeth or monitor how adult teeth are coming in. We’ll always explain the reason and ask for your consent first.

Dental Trauma:

If your child has had a knock to the teeth or the mouth, we offer gentle care and support. From wobbly teeth to broken teeth, we’re here to help assess and provide next steps.

Nutritional Support:

We’re happy to provide guidance around sugar, acidity and snacks to help reduce the risk of dental cavities.

Gentle Tooth Removal:

Sometimes a baby tooth needs a little help letting go, especially if it’s blocking an adult tooth or infected. We offer gentle extractions, with lots of reassurance and care along the way.

Story Time with Dr Rita The Tooth Fairy – Watch Before Your Visit

Ease your child into the idea of visiting the dentist with our Story Time with Dr Rita The Tooth Fairy videos. Dr Rita reads the two children’s books she wrote herself, designed to introduce little kids to dental visits in a playful and reassuring way.

These stories help:

Reduce fear of the unknown
Build excitement around “Tooth Tickles”

Turn a visit to the dentist into a magical moment and an everlasting memory

Free Dental Check-Up and Cleans Available Through CDBS

We provide free kids’ check-up and cleans under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)

if your child is eligible through Medicare. This includes:

Check-ups
Gentle cleans (“Tooth Tickles”)
Preventive treatments like dental sealants
The choice of fluoride or non-fluoride polish
Oral health education and take-home goodies

Eligibility depends on your family’s Medicare and Centrelink status. We invite you to contact us to check your eligibility for you!

Ready to Book a Magical, Holistic Dental Visit?

Let your child experience the magic of Dr Rita the Tooth Fairy, or enjoy a calm, gentle check-up with Dr Rita the Dentist. Either way, they’ll be in kind, capable hands. Call us or book online today Dental and Skin Clinic, 778A Centre Road, East Bentleigh VIC

FAQ – Kids Holistic Dental Visits

What does “holistic dentistry” mean for kids?

Holistic kids’ dentistry is a treatment philosophy that takes into account your child’s physical, emotional and developmental needs. At Dental and Skin Clinic we believe in supporting overall wellbeing, not just teeth. This includes using safe materials, preventive advice and creating a positive dental experience.

Is the Tooth Fairy option extra?

Nope! There is no additional cost for The Tooth Fairy experience. We just ask for a gold coin donation, which we donate to a charity that supports girls’ education called One Girl.

Can I choose non-fluoride toothpaste for my child?

Yes, you can choose fluoride or fluoride-free tooth polish. We are happy to chat about the benefits of both and support your family’s preference.

What are dental sealants, and does my child need them?

Dental sealants are protective coatings applied to the chewing surface of the back teeth that can help prevent tooth decay. We may recommend them depending on your child’s age and cavity risk. They’re an easy and effective procedure which only takes a few minutes per tooth to apply

Do you bulk bill for kids’ check-ups?

Yes! If your child is eligible through the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule or if your child have private health insurance, we bulk bill for a range of dental services, including check-ups, cleans, dental sealants and more

Holistic Kids Dentistry

Creating Healthy Smiles and Lasting Memories

Holistic Kids Dentistry