Gentle Children's Dentistry & Orthodontic Treatments
At Hedland Dental Care in Port Hedland, WA, our gentle and supportive team of children's dentists and nurses understands that visiting the dentist can feel overwhelming for young patients. Building a positive relationship with the dentist from an early age sets children up for a lifetime of good oral health, and we are committed to making every visit a positive one. Our approach is always patient, kind, and reassuring, because we want every child to leave our clinic feeling comfortable and proud of their smile.
Our Children's Dental Services & Treatments
We offer a full range of children's dental services to support healthy development at every age, including:
- Comprehensive oral examinations and dental X-rays
- Professionally scale, clean, and polish
- Restorative dentistry including fillings
- Fissure sealants to protect back teeth from decay
- Mouthguards for sport
- Oral hygiene instruction and demonstrations tailored to each child's age
At every regular checkup appointment, your child will leave with one of our special oral health care kits to help them continue building great habits at home.
Teaching Healthy Habits & Techniques for Life
One of the most valuable things we do for young patients is show them how to care for their own teeth. We provide hands-on instruction and demonstrations on correct brushing and flossing techniques, making oral hygiene feel achievable and fun rather than a chore.
For more complex cases that go beyond the scope of our general children's services, we work alongside a great team of specialists and are happy to discuss all available options at your child's appointment.
Children's Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child first visit the dentist?
We recommend bringing your child in for their first dental visit around the time their first tooth appears, or by the age of one. Early visits help familiarise children with the dental environment and allow us to monitor development from the start.
How can I help my child feel less anxious about the dentist?
Talk about dental visits in a calm, positive way before the appointment. Avoid using words like "hurt" or "needle”, and let our team take the lead once you arrive. We are experienced in helping nervous young patients feel at ease.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Yes. Modern digital dental X-rays use very low levels of radiation and are considered safe for children. We only take X-rays when they are clinically necessary to support an accurate diagnosis.
What is a fissure sealant, and does my child need one?
A fissure sealant is a thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent decay from forming in the deep grooves. They are particularly beneficial for children who are prone to cavities and are a quick, painless preventive treatment.
Orthodontics: Straightening Smiles & Supporting Long-Term Oral Health
Hedland Dental Care recognises that properly aligned teeth contribute to better oral function, easier cleaning, and improved long-term dental health. Orthodontic treatment is not just about how your teeth look. Whether you are seeking treatment for a child, a teenager, or yourself, orthodontics can deliver meaningful, lasting results at any stage of life.
Why Early Assessment & Intervention Matters
Children should ideally see an orthodontist by the age of seven, when early orthodontic problems can first become apparent. Early intervention does not always mean immediate treatment, but it gives us the opportunity to monitor dental development and act at the right time to prevent issues from becoming more complex down the track.
Orthodontic concerns we commonly address include:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Crowded, crooked, misplaced, or spaced teeth
- Biting of the cheek or roof of the mouth
- A poor or misaligned bite
- Teeth that protrude or stick out
- Facial imbalance or asymmetry
Meet Our Visiting Orthodontist & Specialist
Hedland Dental Care has the privilege of partnering with Dr Samuel Bennett, who visits our Port Hedland, WA, practice every six weeks to provide comprehensive orthodontic care for our patients.
Dr Samuel C. Bennett, BSc, BDS, MDSc, PhD
Dr Bennett is a specialist orthodontist who graduated from the University of Western Australia's Postgraduate Orthodontic programme in 2009, receiving the Australian Society of Orthodontists' Best Postgraduate Clinical Case Presentation Award. He practised at the Oral Health Centre of Western Australia from 2009 to 2017, where he contributed to orthodontic teaching and research both in Australia and internationally.
Dr Bennett completed a doctorate of philosophy at the University of Western Australia from 2018 to 2022, focusing on dental and skeletal biology. He graduated on the dean's list with an honourable mention for an outstanding thesis. His research interests include tooth agenesis, orthognathic surgery, and biomechanics.
He is a member of the Australian Society of Orthodontists, the American Association of Orthodontists, the World Federation of Orthodontists, and the Australian Dental Association. Dr Bennett is also a Give A Smile orthodontist, providing charitable orthodontic care for patients in need. He is known for the care and time he invests in planning, discussing, and explaining treatment options with each of his patients.
Orthodontic FAQs
How long do orthodontic treatments take?
Treatment duration varies depending on the complexity of the case. Most orthodontic treatments take between twelve and twenty-four months, though some cases may be shorter or longer. Dr Bennett will provide a personalised timeline during your consultation.
Will my child need to miss school for orthodontic appointments?
Most appointments are brief and routine. While some adjustment visits may coincide with school hours, we do our best to accommodate appointments around school schedules wherever possible.
Are orthodontic treatments painful?
Some mild soreness is normal in the days following the placement of braces or an adjustment appointment. This typically settles within a few days and can be managed comfortably with over-the-counter pain relief.
Is there an age limit for orthodontic treatment?
There is no upper age limit. Many adults successfully complete orthodontic treatment and achieve excellent results. Provided your teeth and gums are healthy, age is not a barrier to a straighter, better-functioning smile.
Call us on 1800 230 230 to book your child's dental visit with our gentle and caring team.
