At Aster Dental Centre in Edmonton, our approach to children’s dentistry is shaped by warmth, patience, and a focus on building trust from the first visit onward. We know that visiting the dentist is a new experience for both children and their families, so we make sure every part of the process is comfortable, supportive, and clear. Here’s what you can expect when you bring your child for a dental appointment with us.
Gentle, Positive First Visits
We provide children’s dentistry using gentle explanations, positive reinforcement, and short appointments to help build comfort and confidence for young patients. We welcome children for their very first dental visit, using calm, child-appropriate explanations and gentle techniques to make the experience positive. The Canadian Dental Association recommends a child's first dental visit around the time of their first birthday or when the first tooth emerges. At the first visit, we keep things brief and focused on comfort, counting teeth, checking for early decay, and reviewing brushing and diet with parents, no threatening instruments are used.
Support for Parents and Preventive Focus
We help parents and guardians with preventive care, dental-development questions, and appointments for children who have specific concerns. Preventive care for children includes fluoride varnish applications and dental sealants, both covered by most Canadian dental plans, including the CDCP. Fluoride varnish is applied during a cleaning appointment to strengthen enamel and reduce cavity risk, and is recommended up to four times per year depending on cavity risk. Dental sealants are thin resin coatings placed on chewing surfaces of permanent molars, usually when the first permanent molars erupt around age 6 to 7.
Managing Anxiety and Special Needs
For children who are anxious or require extra support, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation, with all appointments fully monitored and a parent or guardian welcome to stay in the room. Nitrous oxide is safe for children with mild to moderate anxiety, wears off within minutes, and children can often return to school the same day. Oral sedation provides a deeper level of calm, and for this a parent or guardian will need to arrange transportation home as the effects last for several hours.
Insurance, Coverage, and Payment Options
We direct-bill all major insurers including Manulife, Sun Life, Canada Life, and Green Shield Canada. We are a CDCP and NIHB provider for eligible children, so families can bring their benefits card and we will confirm coverage before any treatment.
Flexible Scheduling for Families
We are open 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends, so families can schedule appointments after school or on weekends.
Family-Friendly Communication and Comfort
Our friendly team welcomes parents or guardians in the treatment room and encourages open questions about home care and next steps. For preparation, we advise parents to talk about visits positively and avoid words like 'hurt' or 'needle', and to arrive early to help children get comfortable. If you have questions about home care routines or your child's dental development, we make sure to take the time to answer thoroughly and without rushing.
Languages and Accessibility
. Khushali Bhanushali, DDS, provides care in English, Hindi, and Gujarati to help your child (and family) feel comfortable and clearly understood, whatever your first language.
Contacting Us and Next Steps
If your child is due for a visit, or you are curious about children’s dental care options in Edmonton, we welcome your questions. You can reach us at (780) 540-9300 or visit us at 1265 Aster Blvd, Edmonton, AB T6T 2T2. Our team is here every day of the week to discuss your needs, answer questions, and help you schedule the next suitable appointment for your child’s smile.