Gentle, Stress-Free Dentistry for Your Children
We know that taking your child to the dentist can be stressful. At Westlake Dental, Dr Gilbert Stehbens and our team create a calm, welcoming environment to ensure your child's dental visits are positive, building healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Is Your Child Afraid of the Dentist?
Many children are anxious about visiting the dentist, and as a parent, it is hard to watch them feel scared or overwhelmed.
Sometimes this fear comes from a previous bad experience at a busy, noisy clinic. Other times, it is simply the fear of the unknown — strange sounds, bright lights, and unfamiliar tools.
When children are frightened, parents often delay booking their check-ups. But waiting too long means small issues, like early decay, can develop into painful cavities that require more invasive treatment. This only reinforces the child's fear, creating a vicious cycle that is hard to break.
You just want a dentist who is patient, who takes the time to explain things, and who will not rush your child.
A Calm, Patient Approach to Kids' Dental Care
At Westlake Dental, we do things at your child's pace.
We are a private, single-dentist practice. That means no crowded waiting rooms, no rushed appointments, and no unfamiliar faces every time you visit. Your child will see Dr Gilbert and Practice Manager Shaleen at every appointment, allowing them to build genuine trust over time.
We use a "tell, show, do" approach. We explain what we are going to do in kid-friendly language, show them the tools we will use, and only proceed when they feel comfortable. Our goal is to make every visit as easy and tear-free as possible.
Why Trust Westlake Dental With Your Child's Smile?
Treating children requires more than just clinical skill; it requires empathy and experience.
35+ Years of Family Care
Dr Gilbert has treated generations of families. He knows how to read a child's body language and adjust his approach to keep them relaxed.
Continuity of Care
Because we are a family-owned practice, your child will not be passed between different associate dentists. They get to know us, and we get to know them.
Focus on Prevention
We believe in stopping problems before they start. We focus heavily on education, teaching both you and your child the best ways to brush, floss, and protect their teeth at home.
CDBS Providers
We proudly participate in the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, making essential care more accessible for eligible families.
Our Paediatric Dental Services
First Dental Visits
We recommend bringing your child in for their first visit by their first birthday, or when their first tooth appears. These early visits are all about getting them used to the environment and checking that their teeth are developing correctly.
Comprehensive Check-Ups and Cleans
Gentle examinations to monitor growth, check for early signs of decay, and professionally clean their teeth.
Fissure Sealants
A safe, painless protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent food and bacteria from getting trapped in the deep grooves, significantly reducing the risk of cavities.
Custom Sports Mouthguards
If your child plays contact sports, a custom-fitted mouthguard provides far superior protection against dental injuries compared to store-bought options.
Eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?
We want to make high-quality dental care accessible for your family.
Westlake Dental participates in the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). If your family is eligible, your child can receive up to $1,095 in bulk-billed basic dental services over a two-year period. Learn more about CDBS eligibility and what to bring to your appointment.
This covers essential preventive and restorative care, including:
- Check-ups and cleans
- X-rays
- Fissure sealants
- Fillings
- Extractions
Not sure if you are eligible? Call us on 0431 664 633 with your Medicare card details, and Shaleen can check your balance for you instantly.
Convenient After-School Appointments Fill Fast
We know how busy family life can be, balancing school, work, and extracurricular activities. Because we are a boutique practice, our highly sought-after before-school and after-school appointment slots book out weeks in advance. If your child is due for their six-monthly check-up, or if you have noticed them complaining of a sore tooth, please book early to secure a time that fits your family's schedule.
The Westlake Promise to Parents
1. No Rushing
We book adequate time for children's appointments so we never have to rush them if they are feeling nervous.
2. Total Transparency
We will always explain any recommended treatments to you clearly and provide a written quote before proceeding.
3. Parental Involvement
You are always welcome and encouraged to stay in the treatment room with your child.
Ready to Book Your Child's Visit?
Give your child the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Book their gentle, stress-free check-up with Dr Gilbert today.
Do Not Ignore "Baby" Teeth
A common misconception is that decay in baby teeth does not matter because they will eventually fall out anyway.
In reality, baby teeth are crucial for your child's development. They hold the space for adult teeth to come through correctly, aid in speech development, and allow your child to chew nutritious food properly. Severe decay in baby teeth can cause intense pain, lead to infections that affect the developing adult teeth underneath, and result in early tooth loss that requires complex orthodontic correction later.
Protecting their primary teeth is the best way to ensure a healthy adult smile.
P.S. Even if you are not eligible for the CDBS, we offer a special New Patient Offer for families: $50 off your first comprehensive check-up and clean. Mention this offer when you book!