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Paediatric Dentistry · Berala

Dental Care for Children with Special Needs

Patient, understanding dental care built around your child — at their pace, in a calm and supportive way.

Tailored to your child Calm & patient Bulk-billed under Medicare CDBS*
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Do you treat children with special needs?

Yes. We care for children with a wide range of physical, developmental, genetic, sensory and motor needs, as well as learning differences, anxiety and dental phobia. Because some children are at higher risk of dental problems and find appointments harder, we take extra time, adapt the visit to your child, and build a care plan around their individual needs.

Tailored care planPace, comfort and communication shaped around your individual child.
Extra timeUnrushed appointments so your child can settle and feel safe.
Sensory-awareA calm, quiet space, mindful of sounds and sensations.
Works with parents/carersWe plan each visit together with you and your child's carers.

How we adapt the visit for your child

Every child is different, so no two visits look the same. We start by getting to know your child, then shape the appointment around what helps them feel calm and in control. Small, familiar steps build confidence — so each visit tends to get easier than the last.

If your child is feeling anxious, happy gas (nitrous oxide) is available to help them relax — though plenty of children settle without it.

Ways we make dental visits easier:

  • Unrushed appointments with extra time built in
  • A calm, quiet, sensory-aware approach
  • Clear, simple steps using “show-tell-do”
  • Familiarisation and desensitisation visits before treatment
  • Consistent, friendly faces your child can get used to
  • Happy gas available if it helps your child relax
An inclusive, welcoming clinic

Who we support

We warmly welcome children with many different needs and abilities, and we tailor our care to each child rather than to a label. Over the years our team has supported children with conditions including:

  • Autism spectrum (ASD)
  • ADHD
  • Down syndrome
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Sensory processing differences
  • Physical or motor impairments
  • Learning differences
  • Dental anxiety or phobia

This list isn’t exhaustive — if your child has a need that isn’t mentioned here, please get in touch and we’ll talk through how we can help.

A plan built around your child

We work closely with you and your child’s carers to create a tailored management plan — covering pace, communication, comfort options and day-to-day prevention. The plan grows with your child, so every visit can build on the last and gradually become easier.

Prevention matters even more for children who find treatment harder, because keeping teeth healthy means fewer fillings and procedures down the track. A gentle, regular check-up & clean is one of the kindest things you can do for your child’s smile.

Our plan typically covers:

  • Pace — how much we do in each visit, and when to pause
  • Communication — the words, signs or visuals that work for your child
  • Comfort — sensory supports and calming options, including happy gas if helpful
  • Prevention — home care and check-up routines that prevent problems early

Please tell us about your child before the visit — what helps them feel safe, any sounds or sensations to avoid, and how they communicate best. The more we know, the better we can prepare and make the appointment a calm, positive one.

Medicare CDBS

Is treatment bulk-billed under CDBS?

Yes — for children who are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), treatment is bulk-billed, so there’s no out-of-pocket cost to you for that care. CDBS gives eligible children up to $1,158 in dental benefits over two calendar years, and Medicare pays the clinic directly.

Not sure if your child qualifies? It only takes a moment to find out.

Check eligibilitySee our fees

*Eligibility is set by Medicare and changes from time to time. We’ll always confirm your child’s eligibility with you before treatment.

Related children’s dental care at Berala

Caring for a child with special needs often goes hand-in-hand with these gentle services:

Paediatric dentistry hubAll our gentle children’s dental servicesHappy gas for anxious kidsCalm, relaxed visits when it helpsFriendly check-up & cleanGentle prevention that means fewer proceduresKids dental emergencyQuick, calm help when your child is in pain
Parents often ask

Special needs dentistry FAQs

Do you see children with autism or ADHD? +

Yes. We regularly care for children on the autism spectrum and children with ADHD, and we adapt each visit to suit your child — extra time, a calm and predictable routine, and clear, simple steps. Tell us what helps your child and we’ll build the visit around it.

Can we visit first to get familiar before any treatment? +

Absolutely. Familiarisation and desensitisation visits are very welcome. Your child can meet our team, see the room and the chair, and get used to the surroundings — with no treatment at all — so the real appointment feels much less daunting.

Do you offer happy gas for anxious children? +

Yes, where it’s suitable. Happy gas (nitrous oxide) can help an anxious child relax during treatment. Many children settle without it, and we’ll always discuss the gentlest option for your child before we begin.

How should I prepare my child? +

Let us know in advance what helps your child feel safe, any sounds or sensations they find difficult, and how they communicate best. At home, simple, positive language about the visit helps. We’ll do the rest, going at your child’s pace on the day.

Is treatment bulk-billed under CDBS? +

For eligible children, yes — treatment is bulk-billed under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, with no out-of-pocket cost for that care. You can check your child’s eligibility in a moment.

What if my child can’t tolerate treatment in the chair? +

That’s okay — we never force a visit. We’ll break things into smaller steps, use familiarisation visits, and consider comfort options like happy gas. If a child needs more support than the chair allows, we’ll talk you through suitable alternatives and the next gentle steps.

Let’s make dental visits easier for your child

Tell us about your child and we’ll build a calm, patient plan around their needs — at their pace, with no pressure. We’re here to help your whole family feel at ease.

Book onlineMessage on WhatsAppCall (02) 9649 6468

Berala Dental · 184 Woodburn Rd, Berala NSW 2141 · caring for local families since 2002