Looking for a dentist, your child will feel comfortable seeing? Kingston Beach Dental provides warm, experienced children’s dental care from our practice in Channel Court, Kingston, helping families across the southern Hobart region build healthy dental habits from the very first visit. Our aim is to make every appointment a positive experience, so children grow up feeling at ease in the dental chair rather than anxious about it. For many parents, finding a dentist who understands how to work with children makes all the difference and it’s something our whole team takes seriously.

Dr Johanna (Jo) Hull brings more than fifteen years of clinical experience and a specific focus on children’s dentistry and supporting anxious patients, while oral health therapists Hannah Colantoni and Jade Cusack both have dedicated expertise in preventive oral healthcare and patient education. Between them, this team has helped Kingston Beach Dental build a reputation as a trusted dental home for families part of the reason the practice today cares for more than 6,000 patients across Kingston, Blackmans Bay and the wider Kingborough area.

What Does Children’s Dental Care Involve?

Children’s dental care focuses on looking after infants, children and teenagers as their teeth develop, with an emphasis on prevention, early detection and age appropriate treatment. This typically includes routine examinations, fluoride treatments, fissure sealants, monitoring for early signs of gum disease and support for children who feel anxious about visiting the dentist.

At Kingston Beach Dental, Dr Jo Hull whose qualifications include a Bachelor of Oral Health in Dental Science and a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry from Griffith University sees children in a calm, welcoming environment designed to help them build positive dental habits early. She is supported by oral health therapists Hannah Colantoni and Jade Cusack, whose day-to-day focus includes preventive care, oral health education and guiding young patients through their appointments with patience and care.

This early groundwork matters more than many parents realise. A child’s first few dental visits often shape how they feel about oral healthcare well into adulthood, which is why our approach centres on patience, clear communication and a calm environment from the very first check-up.

Our Children’s Dental Care Services in Kingston

  • Preventive Care: regular check-ups, professional cleans and fluoride treatments to help maintain your child’s oral health and catch issues early
  • Dental Anxiety Management: gentle care and calming techniques to help ease fears and build trust with young patients a particular focus for both Dr Jo Hull and oral health therapist Jade Cusack
  • Fissure Sealants and Mouthguards: protective coatings to reduce cavity risk on newly erupted molars, and custom mouthguards to help protect teeth during sport
  • Emergency Dental Care: prompt treatment for dental injuries, pain or other urgent dental issues during practice hours (Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, and Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm)

Each of these services is delivered with the same underlying goal: helping your child feel safe and supported at every stage of their dental care. Rather than treating a visit to the dentist as something to get through, we aim to make it something children can approach with curiosity rather than apprehension which in turn makes ongoing preventive care easier to maintain as they grow. Many parents find that once their child has a few positive visits behind them, future appointments become noticeably easier for everyone involved.

Why Kingston Families Choose Kingston Beach Dental for Children’s Dentistry

Kingston Beach Dental has been a trusted dental home for families across Kingston, Blackmans Bay and the broader southern Hobart community for many years the practice was the first QIP-accredited dental practice in the Kingborough region, achieving that recognition in 2014. This commitment to nationally recognised safety and quality standards extends to children’s care, where it supports confidence that every procedure follows established best practice protocols.

We know that fitting dental visits around school, sport and family life isn’t always straightforward. The practice is open Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, and Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with our convenient Channel Court location accessible via the rooftop car park making it easy to combine a check-up with other errands.

Families eligible for the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) can access covered services through our practice, providing up to $1,158 in benefits for eligible children over a two-year period. We’re happy to help you check your child’s eligibility and understand what is covered before treatment begins.

The practice’s investment in modern technology including digital X-rays, intra-oral cameras and digital scanners means that children’s examinations can be carried out efficiently, with lower radiation exposure from digital imaging and the ability to show parents and older children what we’re seeing on-screen in real time.

How Children’s Dental Care Works at Kingston Beach Dental

Step One

Consultation:

Your child’s dental journey begins with a friendly consultation, where we assess their oral health, take any necessary X-rays using our digital imaging equipment and discuss their needs and history with you. For younger children or first-time visitors, this may be a simple introductory visit designed to help them feel comfortable in the environment before any treatment is planned.

Step Two

Personalised Care Plan:

Based on the consultation, we develop a plan focused on routine check-ups, prevention and oral health education, addressing any specific concerns identified during the visit. Where appropriate, we may also discuss potential future needs such as referral for orthodontic assessment or other treatment as your child’s teeth develop.

Step Three

Treatment:

From routine cleans to cavity repair and necessary restorative work, our team provides gentle, age-appropriate care to help keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong. Dr Jo Hull, Hannah Colantoni and Jade Cusack each bring a patient, child-centred approach to treatment, taking care to explain things in a way children can understand and giving them time to feel comfortable before proceeding.

Throughout each step, we use simple language and, where helpful, show children the tools involved before any treatment begins. This helps reduce uncertainty and gives your child a sense of control over the experience something that often makes a noticeable difference to how comfortable they feel during and after their appointment.

Is Children’s Dental Care Right for Your Family?

Every child’s dental needs are a little different, and our team is happy to talk you through what to expect if you’re unsure whether it’s time to book a visit. Some children are naturally relaxed about the process from the start, while others need a little more time and reassurance either way, our approach is designed to meet your child where they are.

Consider booking an appointment if your child has:

Tooth pain or visible cavities

Concerns about teething, alignment or thumb-sucking habits

Never had a dental check-up before

How it helps:

Supports strong, healthy teeth and gums while helping to identify potential issues early

Provides guidance on oral hygiene for both children and parents

Creates a positive, low-stress dental experience that builds confidence over time

Particularly well suited to:

Parents wanting to keep their children’s oral health on track from an early age

Children needing preventive care, cleans or general treatment

Families across Kingston, Blackmans Bay and the southern Hobart area looking for an experienced, welcoming children’s dental team

Helping Your Child Maintain a Healthy Smile

Our team focuses on care that supports comfort and function, with every plan built around your child’s individual needs and stage of development. Outcomes vary from child to child and will always be discussed with you in full during the consultation.

We also understand that some children feel genuinely nervous about visiting the dentist, and we don’t take that lightly. Anxiety is a common part of life for many families in the Kingston area*, and dental anxiety can sit alongside those broader patterns which is why a calm, compassionate clinical environment matters. Dr Jo Hull and oral health therapist Jade Cusack both have a specific focus on supporting anxious patients, whether that means taking things more slowly, explaining each step-in advance, or simply giving a child more time to feel comfortable in the chair. Our goal is for every child to leave feeling proud of themselves rather than dreading their next visit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Dentistry in Kingston

At what age should my child first see a dentist?

Most dental guidance, including recommendations from the Australian Dental Association, suggests introducing children to the dentist early often around their first birthday or once their first teeth appear. Early visits help children become familiar with the environment and allow us to monitor development from the outset. Dr Jo Hull has a particular focus on children’s dentistry and is experienced in making first visits comfortable.

Can I use the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) at Kingston Beach Dental?

Yes. Kingston Beach Dental accepts the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule, which provides up to $1,158 in benefits for eligible children aged 0–17 over a two-year period. We can check your child’s eligibility at the time of booking and let you know what services are covered before treatment begins. Many families also use private health extras cover towards routine dental visits rebates depend on your individual level of cover.

Where is Kingston Beach Dental and is parking available?

We’re located at Shop 98, Channel Court, Church Street, Kingston TAS 7050. The easiest way to reach us is via the rooftop car park, which provides direct access to our level of the centre. The central Channel Court location makes it easy to combine a dental visit with other errands.

What if my child feels nervous about the dentist?

This is very common, and our team is experienced in helping nervous children feel more at ease. Dr Jo Hull and oral health therapist Jade Cusack both have a specific focus on supporting anxious patients. We take a gentle, unrushed approach and are happy to arrange a simple introductory visit so your child can settle in before any treatment is needed.

*Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 2021 Census of Population and Housing, General Community Profile, Postal Area 7050 (Kingston Beach). Source of the community figures marked on this page (mental health prevalence).