We want to help your child feel safe and cared for. Providing Paediatric Dentistry in West Lakes, Grange and Tennyson.

Specialist Paediatric Dentist in West Lakes

At Providence Dental Care, we believe every child deserves a positive start to a lifetime of healthy smiles. That’s why our children’s dentistry services are led by Dr Meg, our visiting paediatric specialist. With years of advanced education, a gentle touch and a natural ability to connect with young patients, Dr Meg aims to make each visit calm, engaging and even enjoyable. Dr Meg Harvie paediatric specialist

If you’re seeking paediatric dentistry in West Lakes, Grange and Tennyson, we invite you to contact us for a consultation at our family-friendly practice.

Meet Dr Meg Harvie: Your Child’s Paediatric Specialist Dentist

Dr Meg is a board-certified specialist paediatric dentist who has dedicated her career to understanding the unique dental needs of infants, toddlers, children and teens. Her specialist training includes child psychology, behaviour management, dental development and advanced treatment techniques—skills that allow her to provide high-quality, age-appropriate care in a warm and reassuring manner.

Parents love her patient, comforting style. Kids love her fun, friendly approach. And everyone appreciates her commitment to creating safe dental experiences for children of all temperaments, including those who may be anxious, shy or require additional support.

Whether your child is celebrating their very first dental visit or needs ongoing care, Dr Meg aims to ensure they feel understood and supported every step of the way.

Benefits of Children's Dentistry

Children’s dentistry plays a vital role in protecting young smiles and supporting healthy development. With a paediatric specialist like Dr Meg, your child can receive age-appropriate care, reassurance and guidance that sets the foundation for excellent oral health. Here are three benefits.

Early Prevention and Healthy Habits

Regular children’s dental visits can help detect concerns long before they become painful or costly. Early prevention can reduce the need for more complex treatments as your child grows.

Comfortable, Positive Dental Experiences

Paediatric dentists are trained to communicate with kids using gentle language, calm reassurance and fun, kid-friendly techniques. This helps minimise fear and anxiety, especially for younger children.

Monitoring Growth and Development

Kids’ teeth, jaws and facial structures change quickly, and regular dental visits allow specialists to track development at every stage. Paediatric dentists like Dr Meg can identify early signs of developmental concerns.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr Caleb Harvie B.HSci(Dent) M.Dent

Dr Caleb Harvie is the principal dentist and founder of Providence Dental Care, where he leads the practice with a focus on high standards of care for both patients and staff. Since beginning his dental ...

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Dr Meg Harvie BHSc MDent DClinDent (Paediatrics)

Dr Meg Harvie is a specialist paediatric dentist with extensive experience managing complex paediatric dental cases. She is skilled in providing treatment under nitrous oxide sedation and general anaesthesia, aiming to ensure children receive safe, ...

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Why Do Patients Choose a Paediatric Specialist?

Children’s mouths grow and change rapidly, and their oral health needs are very different from those of adults.

Dr Meg with young patient at paediatric dentist in west lakes Dr Meg offers:

Expertise in child-specific dental conditions
A non-threatening, kid-friendly environment
Age-appropriate communication and guidance
Compassionate behaviour management techniques

This level of care helps prevent dental issues early, encourages lifelong healthy habits, and gives families peace of mind knowing their child is in capable hands.

Common Paediatric Dental Services We Provide

Our practice provides comprehensive paediatric dentistry in in West Lakes and surrounding suburbs, all tailored to your child’s stage of development. Common services include:

First dental visits for infants and toddlers
Routine examinations and gentle cleanings
Cavity prevention (fluoride treatments and dental sealants)
Tooth-coloured fillings for children
Digital dental x-rays
Management of teething discomfort
Thumb-sucking and pacifier habit counselling
Orthodontic evaluations and growth monitoring
Emergency dental care for kids
Guidance on nutrition and oral hygiene habits

Whether it’s preventive care or early intervention, Dr Meg focuses on helping keep your child’s smile healthy, functional and bright.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we accept CDBS.

However, we do not bulk bill CDBS.

At Providence Dental Care, we are proud to support families who are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.

We believe in being very clear and upfront about how this works, so there are no surprises.

How does payment work?

Payment is made in full on the day of your child’s appointment, and we process your Medicare claim immediately after.

This means you will need to have the funds in your account to pay before the claim can be settled by Medicare. Payment is the same process you would experience when visiting a non-bulk billing GP or medical specialist.

Once the claim is submitted:

• Most rebates are received within an hour
• In some cases, it can take up to 48 hours
• This timing is controlled by Medicare, not by our practice

How much does CDBS cover?

CDBS provides up to $1,158 per eligible child over a 2-year period.

In most cases, it will cover approximately 40% to 80% of treatment costs, depending on the procedures required.

Any difference between the Medicare rebate and our fees is an out-of-pocket cost.

First appointment cost cap

We cap all first appointments at $350 before any Medicare or health fund rebates to make sure you know the maximum amount that the appointment will cost. This includes the examination, x-rays, and hygiene treatments.

• For a first examination visit, you will not pay more than $350
• You usually will pay less, depending on the services provided and your rebate

Early visits are important

Children should have their first dental visit by their first birthday, or when their first tooth appears, whichever comes first.

What we check

Early dental visits are not just about checking for cavities. They help us monitor how your child’s teeth, gums and jaws are developing, identify any early concerns, and give parents practical advice around brushing, toothpaste, feeding habits, dummies, bottles, thumb sucking and teething.

Building familiarity

These early visits also help children become familiar with the dental environment in a calm and positive way. When a child’s first visit is simple and gentle, rather than because they are already in pain, it can make future dental visits much easier.

Most children need regular visits

Most children should see the dentist every three to six months for a check-up, clean and preventive care.

The timing depends on your child

The right interval depends on your child’s individual risk factors. Some children are very low risk and may only need routine monitoring, while others may benefit from more frequent visits due to decay risk, enamel defects, crowding, diet, brushing difficulties, medical conditions, orthodontic concerns or previous dental problems.

Prevention and early detection

Regular visits allow us to detect issues early, provide preventive care where needed, and guide parents on how to keep their child’s teeth healthy between appointments.

Specialist training

A paediatric dentist is a registered dental specialist. They must first graduate as a general dentist and work for a number of years before typically sitting further competitive exams to apply for a place in a specialist training program. They then complete a further 3 years of training at university and in specialist hospital settings like the Adelaide Women's and Children's Hospital or the Melbourne Royal Children's Hospital. They then graduate with a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Paediatrics) with the highest possible qualification in their field.

Focused on children’s dental care

This training focuses specifically on the oral health of infants, children, teenagers, and children with special healthcare needs. Paediatric dentists are highly trained in child development, behaviour guidance, dental trauma, growth and development, complex dental treatment under sedation or general anaesthetic, and the management of more complex dental conditions in children. They are the most capable and highly qualified people to look after the oral health of all children.

When a paediatric dentist may be helpful

General dentists with an interest in paediatrics often provide excellent care for many children, but a paediatric dentist has significant additional training for children who need more specialised care, are very young, anxious, medically complex, have developmental needs, or require more involved dental treatment. Many Paediatric dentists prefer to see children who need that extra special care, taking new patients primarily by referral from general dentists. We welcome parents who feel their children would benefit from the extra care a Paediatric specialist can provide to reach out directly to the practice or to get a letter of referral from their regular dentist instead.

Book an appointment with a general dentist

If your child has a toothache, it is best to book an appointment so the tooth can be properly assessed. A general dentist will be able to assess and manage many instances. If there is a need for further management, they can internally refer you to a paediatric specialist like Dr. Meg.

A toothache can have many causes

Toothache in children can happen for many reasons, including decay, food packing between teeth, a loose baby tooth, gum inflammation, trauma, cracks, or infection. Sometimes children cannot clearly explain where the pain is coming from, so an examination and X-rays may be needed to find the cause.

When it may be urgent

If your child has facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, or appears very unwell, this may require urgent medical or dental attention. Pain that comes and goes should still be checked, as dental infections can worsen if left untreated.

Your Child's Comfort Is Our Priority

Young patient at dentist appointment in West Lakes

Our practice is designed with little ones in mind. We have welcoming décor, comforting amenities and a team that knows how to communicate with children using encouragement and positivity. We aim to build trust from the very first visit, helping kids feel proud of their smiles and excited to return.

We Invite You to Book Your Child’s Visit with Dr Meg Today

If you’re searching for paediatric dentistry in West Lakes, Grange and Tennyson or a 'paediatric dentist near me', Providence Dental Care is here for you. We invite you to book an appointment with Dr Meg.

Blogs

Young child wearing protective glasses during a positive first dental visit in West Lakes, SA

May 3, 2026

When Should My Child First See a Dentist? A Guide for Parents in West Lakes

Being a parent, one may find it confusing when a child should see the dental office. You want the best results to the oral health of your child and the question arises when the right time to make that first visit is?
A pediatric dentist can play a significant role in this process, providing specific training to meet the unique dental needs that children have, thus making the young patient experience a great experience. This article explains the motivation, time, and steps to follow when scheduling your child to ...