Taking your child to the dentist shouldn’t be a battle. But if their first experience is rushed, painful, or scary, it shapes how they feel about dental care for the rest of their life. We take the time to make every visit positive — so your child builds confidence, not fear.
Family Dentist
One practice for the whole family — from your toddler’s first tooth through to grandparents. Compass Dental Care treats patients of all ages, so you can book the whole family in on the same day.
We’re open Saturday mornings 8:30am to 12:30pm, making it easier for working parents to fit in appointments without taking time off school or work. Free parking right outside.
Learn more →Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
Eligible children aged 0 to 17 can access up to $1,158 in Medicare dental benefits over two consecutive calendar years through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Covered services include check-ups, cleans, fillings, X-rays, extractions, and fissure sealants.
We accept CDBS but we do NOT bulk bill. At your child’s appointment, you pay the full fee and receive an itemised invoice with Medicare item numbers. You then submit the claim to Medicare and receive the rebate directly. We can check your child’s eligibility at the time of booking.
Learn more →Fissure Sealants
Fissure sealants are a thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth — the molars and premolars where deep grooves trap food and bacteria that brushing alone can’t reach.
The procedure is quick, painless, and doesn’t require any drilling or anaesthetic. It’s especially important when your child’s permanent molars first come through (around age 6 and again around age 12), as these teeth are most vulnerable to decay in their first few years.
Learn more →Fluoride Treatment
Professional fluoride varnish is applied at the end of a check-up visit to strengthen your child’s tooth enamel and reduce the risk of cavities. The concentrated fluoride is far more effective than what’s in toothpaste alone.
The application takes just a few minutes and is completely painless. It’s particularly beneficial for children who are prone to cavities, have orthodontic appliances, or live in areas without fluoridated water.
Learn more →A Team That Gets Kids
Happy gas (nitrous oxide) is available for anxious children — they stay fully conscious and relaxed during treatment, and it wears off within minutes. For children who are nervous about needles, we use Calaject computer-controlled anaesthetic, which delivers anaesthetic slowly and gently so there’s no sudden sting.
Dr Pham and the team take time with every child. We explain what we’re doing at their level, let them hold the tools, and celebrate each visit as a milestone. If your child has had a difficult experience at another practice, we understand — and we’ll work at their pace to rebuild their confidence.
We welcome children with special needs and adjust our approach to suit individual requirements, including extra appointment time and sensory accommodations.
Three Simple Steps
Book
Call (08) 8995 9530 or book online. Let us know if it’s your child’s first visit.
Meet
Your child meets the team, explores the practice, and we make them feel at home.
Care
Gentle check-up, clean, and preventive treatment in a calm, unhurried environment.
Google Rating
Google Reviews
Three Best Rated
Children’s Dentistry FAQs
What age should my child first visit the dentist?
We recommend from 12 months of age, or when the first tooth appears. Early visits are short and gentle — your child gets used to the dental environment while we check that teeth and gums are developing normally. Starting early sets up positive habits for life.
Is happy gas safe for children?
Yes. Nitrous oxide (happy gas) is one of the safest forms of sedation used in paediatric dentistry. Your child breathes it through a small nose mask, stays fully conscious, and feels relaxed during the procedure. It wears off within minutes after the mask is removed. Your child can return to school or normal activities the same day.
What is CDBS and how does it work?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a Medicare program providing up to $1,158 in dental benefits for eligible children aged 0–17 over two consecutive calendar years. It covers check-ups, cleans, fillings, X-rays, extractions, and fissure sealants. We accept CDBS but we do NOT bulk bill. You pay the full fee at the appointment and claim the rebate back from Medicare.
Do you see anxious children?
Absolutely. We use tell-show-do techniques, desensitisation visits, happy gas, and Calaject computer-controlled anaesthetic to help anxious children feel comfortable. We never rush or force treatment. Every child goes at their own pace, and we celebrate each visit as a positive milestone.
What if my child has special needs?
We welcome children with special needs and adjust our approach to suit each child. Dr Pham and the team are experienced with patients who need extra time, modified communication, or sensory accommodations. Happy gas is available for those who need help staying relaxed. Call us to discuss your child’s needs before booking.
Book Your Child’s First Visit
A positive dental experience now sets your child up for a lifetime of healthy teeth. We’re here to make it easy.
Providing gentle children’s dentistry to families across Darwin, Parap, Stuart Park, Fannie Bay, Larrakeyah, The Gardens, Woolner, Darwin City, and surrounding NT communities.
