At Aster Dental Centre in SE Edmonton, children's dentistry begins with a simple goal: make every visit feel safe. Dr. Khushali Bhanushali, DDS, use gentle explanations, positive reinforcement, and short appointments to help young patients in Tamarack and across Edmonton build confidence around dental care. The practice is open 7 days a week at 1265 Aster Blvd and directly accepts the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) for eligible children.
The Canadian Dental Association recommends a child's first dental visit around their first birthday or when the first tooth emerges, whichever comes first. At Aster Dental Centre in Edmonton, the first visit is brief and focused on comfort. The dentist counts teeth, checks for early decay, and reviews brushing and diet with parents. No instruments that could feel threatening are used at this stage.
Starting early matters because it establishes a dental home before problems develop. Children who see a dentist before age 2 are significantly less likely to need emergency treatment for early childhood cavities, which are among the most common childhood diseases in Alberta.
Aster Dental Centre provides fluoride varnish applications and dental sealants for children in Edmonton. Fluoride varnish is applied to all tooth surfaces during a cleaning appointment to strengthen enamel and reduce cavity risk. It is safe, quick, and recommended 1 to 4 times per year depending on cavity risk.
Dental sealants are thin resin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent back molars, where most childhood cavities form. According to the CDC, sealants can reduce cavity risk on molars by up to 80%. At Aster Dental Centre, sealants are typically placed when the first permanent molars erupt around age 6 to 7. Both treatments are covered by most Canadian dental plans, including the CDCP.
Dental anxiety is common in children, and the team at Aster Dental Centre is trained in tell-show-do technique, positive reinforcement, and distraction strategies. Dr. Bhanushali explains each step before doing it, lets children touch instruments before they are used, and keeps appointments short to avoid fatigue.
For children who need additional support, Aster Dental Centre offers nitrous oxide (laughing gas), which is safe, effective for mild to moderate anxiety, and wears off within minutes after the appointment. Oral sedation is available for children who need a deeper level of calm. Every sedation appointment is fully monitored throughout. A parent or guardian is always welcome to stay in the room.
Children's dental exams and cleanings at Aster Dental Centre in Edmonton range from $120 to $280 CAD without insurance. Most Canadian dental plans cover preventive care for children at 80% to 100%. Aster Dental Centre is a CDCP provider, which means eligible children can receive covered care under the government's dental plan.
For families without coverage, 0% financing is available to spread treatment costs. The practice direct-bills Manulife, Sun Life, Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, and most other major plans. Bring your child's benefits card and the team will confirm coverage before any treatment begins.
Open 7 days — same-day appointments available.
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Mon–Thu: 10 am – 7:30 pm
Fri: 9 am – 6 pm
Sat: 9 am – 5 pm
Sun: 10 am – 4 pm
We direct-bill Manulife, Sun Life, Canada Life, Green Shield, Alberta Blue Cross, and all major Canadian plans.
CDCP & NIHB provider.