Children’s Dentist Sunshine Coast
Helping Little Smiles Grow with Confidence
Gentle, preventive dental care for children of all ages. From baby teeth through to the teenage years, we support families across the Sunshine Coast with calm, compassionate care that helps kids feel safe, comfortable, and confident at every visit.
Your Sunshine Coast Kids Dentist
From Tots To Teens, All Ages Welcome
Children’s dentistry is about more than treating teeth, it’s about building trust and confidence early. At Doonan Dental, our goal is to turn your child’s dental treatments into calm, comfortable and positive experiences.
- Preventive First: We focus on prevention to keep small issues from becoming bigger problems. With regular care, many children require little more than routine check-ups and cleans.
- From Baby Teeth to Teenagers: We care for children through every stage, from their first tooth through to their teenage years and wisdom teeth. Your family is supported every step of the way.
- One Practice, Whole Family Care: There’s no need to visit multiple clinics for different family members. We provide complete care for both children and adults under one trusted roof.
- Gentle & Unhurried Appointments: We never rush children through their visits and always prioritise comfort. Every appointment is paced so your child feels relaxed, informed, and ready before we proceed.
Our Difference
Why Sunshine Coast Families Choose Doonan Dental for Their Kids
There are plenty of dentists on the Sunshine Coast. Here’s why local families keep coming back to us and bringing their children too.
27+ Years of Expert Family Care
Dr. Keith Doonan and the team have been caring for Sunshine Coast families for over two decades. Our depth of experience means your family is in exceptionally capable hands, whatever the treatment.
One Practice for Your Whole Family
No need to split between a children’s specialist and a family dentist. Kids, teens, and adults are all seen by the same trusted team, so we genuinely know your family’s full dental history.
Never Rushed, Always Thorough
We don’t run our appointments like a conveyor belt. Every child is given the time they need to feel comfortable. If that means spending the first visit just getting familiar with the chair, that’s exactly what we do.
Preventive-First Philosophy
Our goal is to keep your children out of the chair as much as possible. Regular check-ups, fissure sealants, and fluoride treatments mean most children under our care need very little beyond routine maintenance.
Local Sunshine Coast Clinic
Nestled in Maleny on Coral Street, just minutes from Montville, Kenilworth, Woodford, and Landsborough. No need to drive to the coast for quality children’s dental care!
CDBS Accepted
We accept the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, removing financial barriers to quality dental care for eligible families. Call us and we’ll check your child’s eligibility before your first visit.
Testimonials
What Our Patients Say
Our Kids Dental Services
Oral Care For Every Smile
From your child’s very first check-up through to their teenage years, we provide comprehensive dental care all under one roof.
Our Dental Treatments
Medicare Rebates
Does Your Child Qualify for Free Dental Care?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a Medicare-funded program that gives eligible children access to meaningful dental benefits, at no cost to you, up to the scheme limit. Here’s what you need to know:
- Who qualifies? Children aged 2–17 who receive Family Tax Benefit Part A, or another qualifying government payment.
- How much? Up to $1,052 in benefits over a two-year period, per child.
- What's covered? Check-ups, cleans, x-rays, fissure sealants, fillings and extractions. (Orthodontic and cosmetic treatments are not included.)
- How do I check? Call our team with your child's Medicare card details. We can confirm eligibility in minutes.
Getting the Timing Right
When Should My Child First See a Dentist?
It’s earlier than most parents realise… and far less stressful than you might expect! We guide you on what’s best for your child, ensuring healthy teeth and confident smiles for life.
- First Tooth Begin gently cleaning with a soft cloth or baby toothbrush as soon as it appears
- 12 Months First dental visit recommended, or within 6 months of the first tooth, whichever is sooner
- Every 6 Months Regular check-ups and cleans throughout childhood. This is the most important habit
- School Age (6–12) Permanent teeth arriving and where fissure sealants, ongoing check-ups and jaw monitoring become important
- Teen Years Wisdom teeth and bite alignment are considered abd continuity with the same trusted practice matters
Every child is unique, so we’ll advise the right visit schedule based on your child’s individual risk profile. Some children benefit from appointments every six months, while others at higher risk of decay may need to come in every three to four months.
Give Your Child a Smile They’ll Love
At Doonan Dental, we make every visit calm, positive, and tailored to your child’s needs. From their very first tooth to their teenage years, our gentle, preventive care helps kids build healthy habits and a lifetime of confident smiles.
More about Sunshine Coast Children's Dentistry
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about kids’ dentistry at Doonan Dental. Have another question? Just give us a call.
What happens at my child’s first dental visit?
The first visit is usually very simple and relaxed. For most young children, it’s just a gentle introduction, a chance to meet the dentist, have a look around, sit in the chair, and become familiar with the environment. No treatment is rushed, and nothing happens until your child feels comfortable.
We never use the dentist as a threat or punishment, even in jest. Children are very perceptive, and we aim to build positive, calm associations with dental care from the very beginning.
At what age should my child first see a dentist?
We recommend your child’s first visit around 12 months of age, or within six months of their first tooth appearing, whichever comes first. Starting early helps prevent problems before they begin and ensures your child becomes familiar and confident with dental visits.
Are baby teeth really important if they fall out anyway?
Yes, very. Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth and guide them into the correct position. If a baby tooth is lost too early due to decay, it can lead to crowding or alignment issues later on. They also play an important role in speech development, eating, and overall comfort. Looking after them properly sets the foundation for lifelong oral health.
How often should my child see the dentist?
Most children benefit from a check-up every six months. However, some children may need more frequent visits, especially if they are at higher risk of decay or still developing strong brushing habits. After your child’s first visit, we’ll recommend a personalised schedule based on their individual needs.
What happens as my child grows and their teeth change?
From around age six, children begin losing baby teeth and developing permanent teeth. This is an important stage where preventive care becomes even more valuable. Treatments like fissure sealants, regular check-ups, and x-rays help protect new teeth and allow us to monitor how everything is developing beneath the surface.
What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?
The CDBS is a Medicare-funded program that provides eligible children aged 2–17 with up to $1,052 in dental benefits over two years. It covers essential services like check-ups, cleans, x-rays, fillings, and fissure sealants. Our team can quickly check your child’s eligibility if you provide their Medicare details.
My child is nervous about the dentist. What do you do?
Dental anxiety is very common in children, and we take it seriously. We never rush or force treatment. Instead, we use a gentle “tell, show, do” approach, explaining everything in simple terms, showing them what we’re going to do, and only proceeding when they feel ready. For some children, the first visit may involve nothing more than a chat and a ride in the chair. Building trust takes time, and we always move at your child’s pace.
Do you see children with additional support needs?
Yes. We regularly care for children who need extra time, support, or a more flexible approach. Please let us know when booking so we can prepare appropriately and ensure your child feels safe and comfortable throughout their visit.
What can I do at home to protect my child’s teeth?
Good habits at home make a big difference. Encourage brushing twice a day with a soft toothbrush, limit sugary drinks, and promote water as the main drink between meals. Replace toothbrushes every three months, and make dental care part of a calm, positive routine.
What should I bring to my child’s first appointment?
Just your child’s Medicare card, any private health insurance details, and a list of any medications they are taking. That’s all you need, we’ll take care of the rest and guide you through everything on the day.
How do I prepare my child for their dental visit?
Keep it simple and positive. Talk about the dentist as a friendly place that helps keep teeth strong and healthy. Reading books or role-playing at home can also help, but avoid using the dentist as a warning or punishment. Children take their emotional cues from you, so a calm, positive attitude goes a long way.