Children's Dentist in Coffs Harbour — Gentle, Supportive Dental Care for Young Patients
Gentle, positive care for growing smiles.
About Children's Dentistry
Looking for a children’s dentist near you in Coffs Harbour? The Cosmetic & Holistic Dentistry Centre provides gentle dental care for children of all ages — from their very first tooth through to their teenage years. Our approach is designed to make every visit as calm and comfortable as possible, and to help build positive dental habits that support lifelong oral health.
Dr Changho (CJ) An, our Principal Dentist, and William McGeachie, our Dental Hygienist and Therapist, both have a particular interest in paediatric care. William’s warm and patient approach helps younger patients feel at ease, while Dr CJ brings the clinical expertise to manage everything from routine preventive care to more complex restorative work for children and teenagers.
We also take a holistic view of children’s oral health — assessing breathing patterns, tongue posture and jaw development alongside teeth and gums — as these factors can influence everything from tooth alignment to sleep quality. Early assessment gives us the best opportunity to support healthy development.
FREE* Children's Dental Care
The Federal Government's Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) provides eligible children aged 2–17 with up to $1,095 in dental benefits over a two-year period. We bulk bill eligible patients for all covered services.
$1,095
in benefits over two years · children aged 2–17
The Cosmetic & Holistic Dentistry Centre bulk bills eligible patients under the CDBS for covered services — meaning no out-of-pocket cost for those services, subject to eligibility and annual benefit limits.
* No out-of-pocket cost for CDBS-covered services only, subject to eligibility and annual benefit limits.
Covered services include
- Dental examinations and check-ups
- X-rays
- Professional cleans and scale and polish
- Fissure sealants
- Fluoride treatments
- Fillings
- Root canal treatment on baby teeth
- Extractions
Your Child's First Dental Visit
We recommend children attend their first dental check-up around age 2, or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing. Early visits are short, gentle and focused on building familiarity — not completing lots of procedures.
A warm welcome
We take the time to introduce your child to the dental environment — the chair, the light and our friendly team — at their own pace, with no rush.
A gentle look
We take a gentle look at your child's teeth and gums and explain what we are doing in simple, reassuring language throughout.
No pressure, ever
We will not proceed with any procedure if your child is not comfortable. Some first visits are simply about meeting our team — and that is completely fine.
Our Children's Dental Services
Check-Ups & Cleans
Regular check-ups every 6 months allow us to monitor jaw growth, tooth eruption and gum health, and to keep your child's teeth clean. Professional cleans remove plaque and tartar that brushing alone cannot address.
Covered under CDBSFissure Sealants
The deep grooves in children's back teeth are where decay most commonly begins. Fissure sealants coat these grooves with a thin protective layer, significantly reducing decay risk. Quick, painless and non-invasive.
Covered under CDBSFluoride Treatments
Topical fluoride strengthens developing tooth enamel and supports protection against decay. We use child-appropriate concentrations at every check-up.
Covered under CDBSFillings
If decay is detected, we treat it early to prevent it spreading. We use tooth-coloured, mercury-free composite resin fillings and take a gentle, reassuring approach — explaining every step before we begin.
Mouthguards
Custom-fitted sports mouthguards provide important protection for teeth, gums and jaw during contact sport. We also make night guards for children who grind their teeth during sleep. Significantly more protective than over-the-counter options.
Early Orthodontic Assessment
From around age 7–8, we assess jaw development, bite patterns and tooth eruption for early signs that may benefit from interceptive treatment. Our holistic approach includes myofunctional therapy and maxillary expansion where appropriate.
Beyond the Check-Up — A Holistic Approach
Children's dental visits at our clinic are an opportunity to look at the full picture of your child's oral health and development.
Beyond teeth and gums, we assess breathing patterns, tongue posture and jaw development — factors that are connected to how children's teeth grow and how healthy they remain long-term.
Mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, restricted airways and prolonged dummy or finger habits can all affect dental development in ways that become harder to address as children grow. By identifying these patterns early, we can recommend simple, effective interventions — including myofunctional therapy and guided exercises — that support healthy development before any significant concern develops.
Baby Teeth Are Important
Baby teeth are softer than adult teeth and can be more prone to decay. They also help guide adult teeth into place, support speech development, and play a role in healthy jaw growth and confident chewing.
To protect and strengthen baby teeth, we offer both:
- Fluoridated remineralising treatments, and
- Non-fluoridated calcium/phosphate alternatives
This allows care to be tailored to your child’s needs and your family’s preferences.
Early Growth & Functional Support
We monitor jaw development, breathing patterns and oral habits as your child grows.
When needed, we may support development through:
- Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) to help create space, improve airflow and support balanced jaw growth
- Myobrace therapy to encourage nasal breathing, correct tongue posture and healthy oral muscle function
These approaches are gentle and aim to guide growth rather than force change.
A Supportive, Child-Led Experience
Our approach is:
- Patient
- Gentle
- Encouraging
- Never rushed or forceful
Children should feel safe, confident, and in control during their visits — not fearful or overwhelmed.
If a child requires treatment beyond what can be completed comfortably in our clinic, we will coordinate care with trusted paediatric specialists. Your child’s emotional wellbeing always comes first.
Book a Consultation
We welcome children of all ages — from first visits to ongoing care.
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Children's Dentistry Coffs Harbour — Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child first see a dentist?
We recommend a first dental visit by age 2, or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits are short and positive — focused on building familiarity with the dental environment and providing preventive guidance. The timing and nature of any treatment will always be guided by your child’s individual needs and comfort.
My child is nervous about the dentist — can you help?
Yes. Supporting nervous patients of all ages is something our team takes seriously. We always go at the child’s pace, explain everything before we do it, and will not proceed with any procedure until your child is ready. Some children need more than one visit before they are comfortable with a full examination, and we completely respect that. Please mention your child’s concerns when you book so we can prepare the most appropriate approach.
Is my child eligible for free dental care under the CDBS?
Children aged 2–17 who receive Family Tax Benefit Part A or a qualifying government payment may be eligible for up to $1,095 in dental benefits over two years. We bulk bill eligible patients for covered services. Please call our reception team on 02 6652 3021 to confirm your child’s current eligibility before booking, as circumstances and benefit limits vary.
How often should children visit the dentist?
Every 6 months is the standard recommendation for most children. This allows us to monitor tooth development and eruption, address any decay early, and maintain good preventive care. Some children with higher decay risk may benefit from more frequent visits — we will advise based on your child’s individual needs.
My child grinds their teeth at night — is this normal?
Some degree of teeth grinding (bruxism) is common in children and often resolves over time. However, persistent grinding can cause tooth wear and disrupted sleep. We also consider whether airway factors such as mouth breathing may be contributing. We may recommend a custom night guard and/or myofunctional assessment depending on your child’s specific situation.
