Children’s oral health milestones: Supporting families during Dental Health Week 2025
Theme this year: Help kids reach every Smilestone
This year’s Dental Health Week focuses on the importance of children’s oral health milestones, educating parents and caregivers about what they need to do to help their kids “reach every S-milestone". Taking them on a journey from birth through their initial teeth.
For dental professionals this theme offers opportunities to strengthen family-centred care and building lasting patient relationships.
Understanding children’s oral health milestones
Children’s oral health starts before their first tooth appears. The Australian Dental Association recommends children visit a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Many parents don’t know this, making education during Dental Health Week essential.
Why this week matter for dental practices
Dental Health Week helps practices become trusted family advisors. This annual focus creates opportunities for patient education, community outreach and practice growth. For many families, it’s a reminder to schedule overdue check-ups and seek guidance about their child’s development.
Early intervention and education reduce complex treatments later, benefiting patient outcomes and practice efficiency.
“Dental health week is a valuable opportunity to engage with families about the importance of early oral health care. At Chadstone Dental, we’re passionate about helping children and their parents understand each milestone in their smile journey, from baby teeth to braces and beyond. It’s not just about clean teeth, it’s about building healthy habits and positive experiences that last a lifetime”
Dr Halé Al-Sabbagh - Co-Principal Dentist
Community Dental Clinic - Chadstone Dental Surgery
Educating parents and caregivers
Parent education goes beyond clinical consultations. Practices can share information through educational materials, parent sessions and digital communication.
HICAPS can help by ensuring families understand children’s dental care costs, insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses. Fast claiming removes uncertainty that may delay important treatments and customers are more likely to commit to regular preventive care.
Creating lasting patient relationships
Children with positive early dental experiences maintain good oral health habits for life. This help practices build multi-generational patient relationships. When families trust their dental practice to guide them through childhood milestones, they become community advocates.
By creating a good patient experience, trust in the care they're receiving, practices build long lasting relationships with their patients.
Community impact and practice growth
Dental Health Week encourages practices to engage with local schools, childcare centres and parent groups. These partnerships generate referrals and establish practices in the community.
This year’s theme reminds us that investing in children’s oral health creates healthier communities and sustainable practice growth.