Gentle children's dentistry at Lockleys Dental Clinic. Free dental care under CDBS (up to $1,095). Gap-free for kids with private health insurance. Call (08) 8443 7634.
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) provides eligible children aged 2 to 17 with up to $1,095 in funded dental care over a two-year benefit period. Lockleys Dental Clinic is a CDBS provider, which means many of our young patients have access to check-ups, cleans, fillings, and other treatments at no out-of-pocket cost.
We also offer gap-free check-ups and cleans for kids with private health insurance. Families without private cover receive discounted rates. Ask us when you book. If you're unsure whether your child qualifies for CDBS, our team can help you check your Medicare eligibility when you call.
Dr Katherine Rao has a special interest in paediatric dentistry. She understands that how children experience dental visits early in life shapes their attitude towards dental care for years to come, so she takes a calm, unhurried approach with every young patient.
We introduce children to the dental environment gradually. There is no pressure to open wide or sit perfectly still from the first appointment. We explain what we are doing in friendly, age-appropriate language, and parents are always welcome to stay in the room.
A gentle examination of your child's teeth, gums, and bite development. We check that teeth are coming through correctly and that any early signs of decay are identified before they progress. Professional cleans remove build-up that toothbrushing alone cannot reach.
A thin, protective coating applied to the grooves of back teeth, the area where decay most often starts in children. Fissure sealants are quick, painless, and effective at helping prevent cavities in primary and newly erupted permanent teeth.
A fluoride application strengthens enamel and helps protect against decay. We assess each child's individual risk level and advise whether fluoride treatment is appropriate at their stage of development.
Where clinically necessary, low-dose digital X-rays allow us to check between teeth and monitor root and bone development. This information cannot be seen in a visual examination alone. We only take X-rays when they add genuine clinical value.
If a cavity is found, we treat it promptly. We take care to keep the experience as comfortable as possible, explaining each step, using topical numbing before any injection, and going at a pace your child is comfortable with.
We help parents understand the impact of diet, bottle feeding habits, and oral hygiene routines on children's dental health. Practical, easy-to-follow advice tailored to your child's age.
Some children find the dental chair genuinely daunting, and no amount of gentle explanation quite settles them. For those patients we offer nitrous oxide, better known as happy gas, here at the practice.
Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative your child breathes through a small mask that sits over the nose. It helps them feel relaxed and calm while staying awake, aware of what's happening, and able to respond to us throughout. It takes effect within a few minutes and wears off quickly once the mask comes off, so most children are back to themselves before they leave.
Happy gas can suit children who are anxious about treatment, who find it hard to sit still for long, or who need a filling or extraction they're nervous about. Your child's dentist will review their medical history and talk with you about whether it's appropriate. If you think your child might benefit, mention it when you book so we can allow enough time in the appointment.
We recommend a first dental visit around your child's first birthday, or when their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. Early visits allow us to monitor development, answer your questions, and help your child get comfortable in a dental environment from a young age.
Even baby teeth matter. They hold space for permanent teeth, support speech development, and affect your child's ability to chew comfortably. Keeping them healthy protects your child's overall wellbeing.
Whether it's a routine check-up or something more complex, our team is here to help. Call us or drop in. We're on Henley Beach Road.
