At ArtSmiles Dentist in Southport, we believe quality dental care should be both personal and affordable. Our welcoming, relaxed environment helps patients of all ages feel at ease, whether it’s a routine visit or something more involved. We take the time to listen, explain, and tailor care to each individual – because no two smiles are the same. Proudly serving the Gold Coast community, our friendly neighbourhood practice is committed to helping your family maintain optimal oral health at every age.
If dental visits cause anxiety, you’re in good hands. We prioritise comfort, reassurance and gentle treatment.
We recommend that most patients visit the dentist twice a year. Regular dental check-ups allow us to detect potential issues early, helping prevent more serious problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and infections.
Preventative dentistry is one of the most effective ways to protect your oral health. Consistent visits help maintain healthy teeth and gums while reducing the need for invasive treatment in the future.
At ArtSmiles, we value long-term relationships with our patients and enjoy supporting families throughout every stage of their dental journey.
We bulk bill kids who are eligible for the Medicare Child’s Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) . The CDBS provides up to $1000 worth of basic dental treatments every two years for children aged between 2 and 17 including dental examinations, X-rays, fissure sealants, root canal treatments, fillings, and tooth extractions. There will be no out of pocket costs.
The benefit is a $1,000 fund that an eligible child will receive every two years once qualified. Parents have to apply and pass a means test to qualify for this benefit, which means they should have previously received or qualified for a Family Tax Benefit Part A, Parenting Payment, or other similar Australian government payment system. This is our way of helping parents in challenging times through bulk billing so that they don’t have to pay for out-of-pocket expenses.
To check for eligibility contact Medicare on 132 011 or visit www.humanservices.gov.au/childdental.
A child aged between 2 to 17 years, eligible for Medicare and receive payments from the Australian Government for at least a certain part of the calendar year, is eligible for the CBDS.
Qualified families are informed of their eligibility by the government through email. You can also inquire directly at the Department of Health. Once qualified, disbursement of the CBDS will be done through Medicare, so it is recommended that your Medicare personal details are updated for this.
The basic dental services covered by the CBDS are cleaning, examinations, x-rays, fillings, tooth extractions, root canals, and fissure sealing. Services that are not covered by the scheme are cosmetic dental work, orthodontic dental work, and services rendered in a hospital.
Likewise, the CBDS does not cover the thresholds indicated by your Medicare Safety Net and Extended Medicare Safety Net. The child’s $1,000 cap benefits start with her/his first dental treatment and last for two consecutive years. Any remaining funds after the second year will be forfeited.
We know that dental care is an important investment, so we want to make it as accessible as possible for our Southport community. We offer a variety of payment options to suit different needs and budgets, so you can prioritise your oral health without added stress.
Many of our general dentistry services are eligible for private health insurance rebates. Our team can guide you on how to maximise your benefits and make the process simple.
To check for eligibility contact Medicare on 132 011 or visit www.humanservices.gov.au/childdental.
or call us on (07) 5588-3677
BDSc, MBA (Qld)
Principal Dentist
BDSc
Senior Dentist
BDSc
Senior Dentist
DMD (NSW)
Senior Dentist
BSDH
Oral Health Therapist
The ArtSmiles Club is a great solution for those who do not have Private Dental Insurance. It allows uninsured individuals and families to gain access to routine preventive care and emergency exams at no extra cost and additional services at a reduced cost (Up to 30% off).
“A stitch in time saves nine,” we foster prevention of disease by offering biannual exams and cleanings, complete home care and diet instructions. We look at the total person, medical health histories, stress levels, and diet routine. We want all our patients to be healthy and happy.
At ArtSmiles, we offer both adult and paediatric patients the most thorough dental check-ups to help ensure any oral health issues are caught in its earliest and most treatable stages. Both adult and paediatric check-ups begin with a medical history to look for any problems that could increase the risk of dental diseases, including diabetes, which can increase the chances for both tooth decay and gum disease.
It’s recommended that children visit the dentist when their first tooth erupts, or when they reach the age of two. Much of the first visit is spent giving them a ride in the “big chair” and teaching how to care for their teeth properly. We will also clean their teeth if they feel comfortable, but it is more important early on to make sure that they feel welcome and at ease.
Children should visit the dentist every six months, just like adults. This gives us the opportunity to monitor your child’s oral development so any concerns can be addressed early on.
There are few things a parent can do to ease the angst of the children’s dentist visit. Role-playing “dentist-patient” is an excellent way to prepare your child for the upcoming appointment. Count each other’s teeth while looking in the mirror.
How to Prepare for Your Child’s First Dental Visit:
We recommend both adults and children visit the dentist every six months to have dental check-ups and routine cleanings. After your first paediatric dental visit, your dentist will recommend the appropriate frequency for your child’s appointments.
Some may think that since baby teeth are not permanent, the care for them is optional. Baby teeth are essential in the development of speech, proper nutrition and digestion, and development of the permanent teeth. Thus good home care that includes daily cleaning of baby teeth is required. Nowadays the market is full of products to care for baby teeth. Find what suits your style of parenting best. You can use baby toothbrush or cloths and water. The most important thing to remember here is that you are building a lifelong habit, so do it regularly.
Typically baby teeth get loose, fall out, and permanent teeth start coming in around six years old. The change may take place as early as four years old or as late as 8. If your baby’s teeth erupted early, they are likely to fall out earlier. In case of late teethers, they may fall out later. The process of primary tooth getting loose and permanent tooth erupting lasts several months. The full mouth transition happens in a matter of several years starting with the front incisors & ending with molars by the age of 12. If you observe that baby teeth not falling out and new teeth are coming in, please call the dental office to book an appointment for your child. Your family or paediatric dentist may have to “assist” in this transition by making the baby tooth “go to sleep and sending it to the tooth fairy” so the “big boy or big girl tooth” could come out.
Baby teeth may be temporary, but they play a vital role in speech development, chewing, nutrition, jaw growth, and guiding permanent teeth into place. Daily oral care should begin as soon as the first tooth appears.
Clean baby teeth twice daily using a soft baby toothbrush or a clean, damp cloth with water. Consistent cleaning helps prevent decay and builds lifelong oral hygiene habits. Regular dental check-ups allow early monitoring of healthy development.
Most children begin losing baby teeth around six years of age, although this can happen anywhere between four and eight years old. Children who get their baby teeth early often lose them earlier, while late teethers may lose them later. The process happens gradually as permanent teeth develop underneath and typically starts with the front teeth.
The transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth occurs over several years. It usually begins with the front incisors and finishes with the molars, often around 12 years of age. Each tooth may take months to loosen and fall out as the adult tooth moves into place.
If permanent teeth erupt while baby teeth remain in place, sometimes called “shark teeth”, a dental visit is recommended. In many cases, the baby tooth will loosen naturally, but sometimes a family or paediatric dentist may gently assist removal to allow proper alignment and healthy eruption of the adult tooth.
Preventative dentistry helps stop dental problems before they start. Regular check-ups, professional cleans, and early intervention reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and costly future treatments, making it one of the most effective ways to protect oral health.
If a problem is detected, your dentist will explain the issue, discuss treatment options, and create a personalised plan. This could include fillings, fluoride treatments or gum disease treatments. Early detection ensures prompt, less invasive care, helping prevent more serious problems and keeping your oral health on track.
Yes! Many dental practices, including ArtSmiles, can coordinate your check-up and clean alongside other treatments like fillings or minor cosmetic procedures. Combining appointments saves time, ensures continuity of care and allows your dentist to address multiple oral health needs efficiently while keeping your schedule manageable.
Before booking additional treatments, a consultation is required. This gives our team the chance to discuss your options, explain each procedure, and go over any potential risks, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Want to find out about how ArtSmiles can help you achieve your perfect smile? Come for a free consultation to find out.
or call us on (07) 5588-3677