Dental services for children

The School Dental Service offers dental services for all children under 18 years who live or go to school in South Australia. Dental services are provided by teams of dentists, dental therapists and dental assistants at clinics throughout South Australia. For more information, see who can attend SA Dental Service clinics for more information.

All babies, children and young people under 18 years, are welcome to attend a School Dental Service clinic.

The best time for a child's first dental check up is between 12 and 18 months age. For tips on looking after your child's teeth visit dental care for children.

Make an appointment

Call your local clinic to make an appointment for your child or submit your details using the appointment request form and we will phone you to make an appointment.  

Find your local clinic

Use the dental clinics page to find your local clinic.

Children with special needs

If you have a child with special needs please speak to our clinic staff about treatment options or concerns.

Children under Guardianship of the Minister (GOM)

SA Dental Service has an agreement with Department of Child Protection (DCP) to provide priority dental care to all children under GOM and we keep DCP informed of each individual child’s/young person’s oral health.

Children and young people under GOM:

  • receive priority dental care at SA Dental Service (SADS) clinics – let them know that the child is under GOM when making the appointment. Contact your local clinic for an appointment or use the online appointment request form

  • receive free dental care at SADS clinics. Child Dental Benefits Schedule benefits may be claimed and if possible the child’s Medicare Card should be brought to the first appointment

  • receive free orthodontic care if needed

  • should receive dental care within 8 weeks of entering care

  • should have a dental check-up every 12 months, from 12 months of age.

Children who receive dental care privately, don’t need to be seen by SA Dental Service – Please tell the relevant SA Dental Service clinic so they don’t keep contacting you about an appointment.

For more information, please contact your local SA Dental Service clinic.

Interpreters

Tell us if you need an interpreter, so one can be available at your child's appointment.

Emergency dental care

If your child has an dental emergency such as facial swelling, bleeding or trauma, during business hours, please contact one of our clinics, use the dental clinics page to find a clinic.

If your child has an emergency after hours, call healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222. For further information about healthdirect visit the SA Health healthdirect page.

For more information visit dental emergencies, what you need to know and do.