Children's dentistry
The first visit shapes how a child feels about the dentist for years, so we start by getting to know each other, not by treating. Up to the age of 19 children's treatment is paid for by Tervisekassa — at clinics that have the relevant contract.
How to prepare your child
What is said at home matters more than what happens in the surgery.
What helps
- Telling them calmly and in advance where you are going — no surprises at the door.
- Choosing a time when the child is rested and not hungry.
- Letting them bring a favourite toy.
- Letting the dentist lead the conversation — children often respond more calmly to a new adult than to an anxious parent.
Better avoided
- Phrases like “don't be scared”, “it won't hurt”, “it's not frightening” — the child hears exactly those words.
- Promising that “the dentist will only look” when treatment is planned.
- Telling stories about your own bad experience in front of the child.
- Promising a reward for being brave beforehand — it signals that something unpleasant is coming.
How the first appointment goes
A visit with no treatment: seeing the room, meeting the dentist, “counting the teeth”, touching the instruments.
The dentist checks the teeth and the bite and takes an X-ray if needed.
Professional cleaning, fluoride, fissure sealing — the things that make treatment later less likely.
If it is needed — as a separate visit, at a calm pace, with every step explained in words the child understands.
Prices for children's appointments
Thanks to the contract with Tervisekassa, dental treatment for children up to 19 is paid for by the health insurance fund. The patient pays only the visit fee.
- Visit fee Treatment for children up to 19 is paid by Tervisekassa, the visit fee by the patient5 €
Who sees children
Children are seen by Elizaveta Ivanova — working with children is a separate focus of hers.
