Specialised Care
Children's Dentistry in Wellington
At Newtown Dental, we love welcoming families to our clinic. We understand that early experiences at the dentist shape a child's attitude towards oral health for the rest of their life. That is why our team is dedicated to providing gentle, patient, and fun dental care for children of all ages.
From their very first tooth to their late teens, we focus on preventative care, education, and creating a positive environment so your child actually looks forward to visiting the dentist.
Free Dental Care for Under 18s
Did you know that basic dental care is free for eligible children and teenagers in New Zealand?
Under the Ministry of Health's dental benefit scheme, eligible children from Year 9 (usually age 13) up until their 18th birthday can receive free basic dental care at Newtown Dental. (Younger children are typically seen by the Community Oral Health Service at their school, but we can see them privately or by referral).
Free services for under-18s typically include:
- Routine dental check-ups and examinations
- X-rays (if necessary)
- Preventative treatments like fissure sealants and fluoride applications
- Dental fillings for cavities
- Simple tooth extractions (excluding orthodontic extractions)
- Professional cleaning and scaling
Please contact our friendly reception team on 04 389 3808 to confirm your child's eligibility and enrol them in the free dental scheme.
Our Approach to Paediatric Dental Care
Children are not just small adults; their teeth, jaws, and emotional needs require a specialised approach. Our Oral Health Therapist, Abhishek Kumar, and our team of dentists are highly experienced in paediatric care.
- Preventative Focus: We believe prevention is better than cure. We focus heavily on teaching your child proper brushing and flossing techniques in a way they can understand. We also apply fissure sealants (a protective coating on the chewing surfaces of back teeth) to prevent cavities from forming.
- Gentle and Patient: We explain every step of the process using kid-friendly language (no scary dental jargon!). We take the time to build trust and ensure your child feels safe and in control.
- Monitoring Development: Regular check-ups allow us to monitor the growth of your child's adult teeth and jaw. If we spot early signs of crowding or bite issues, we can intervene early or recommend orthodontic evaluations.
- Emergency Care: Kids are active, and accidents happen. If your child chips or knocks out a tooth playing sports, our emergency dental team is available 7 days a week to provide immediate care.
When should my child first visit the dentist?
We recommend that children have their first dental visit by the time their first tooth erupts, or no later than their first birthday. These early visits are usually quick and informal—they are primarily about getting your child used to the sights, sounds, and friendly faces of the dental clinic, while allowing us to check that their teeth are developing normally.
Next Step
Book Your Child's Appointment Today
Set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Whether they are due for a routine check-up, need a sports mouthguard, or you have concerns about a toothache, our Wellington team is here to help.
Call us at 04 389 3808 or book online to schedule an appointment for your child.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What happens if my child is very anxious about the dentist?
Dental anxiety in children is very common. We take things slowly, use "tell-show-do" techniques to explain the equipment, and encourage parents to stay in the room. Our goal is to build trust over time.
Are fissure sealants safe for my child?
Yes, fissure sealants are a completely safe, painless, and highly effective preventative treatment. A thin, protective plastic coating is painted onto the deep grooves of the back molars, sealing out the food and bacteria that cause cavities.
What should I do if my child knocks out an adult tooth?
This is a dental emergency. Find the tooth, hold it by the crown (not the root), and gently rinse it with milk if it is dirty. Try to place it back in the socket. If you cannot, store it in milk or saliva (not water) and call us immediately on 04 389 3808. Time is critical to saving the tooth.