Home for Kidi's Oral Hygiene

KidiDent is a general dental practice dedicated to children’s oral health. The goal for KidiDent is not only to be a place where you go for “pain” management – but rather to become a dental home for a child and all their oral health care needs. Oral health directly affects general health and quality of life- and no child’s growth or development should be negatively impacted by “toothache” or oral disease. At KidiDent parents will find the support, guidance, and some ‘tips and tricks’ to ensure oral happy healthy Kids!

KidiDent is also dedicated to becoming a dental home for children with special medical and healthcare needs. Children with chronic illnesses often require specialized and continuous multi-disciplinary care.

Come join the KidiDent family- and kickstart your child’s lifelong journey to oral health!

SERVICES

At KidiDent – we provide the following services to kids:

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATIONS & PREVENTION

Comprehensive examinations:

diagnosis & Radiographs
different treatment options
individualized care plans

RESTORATIVE TREATMENTS

Restorative treatments:

fillings
kids crowns
minimally invasive options

KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS WELCOME!

Kids with special needs welcome!

interprofessional collaboration to care for kids with special health care needs

PULP TREATMENT

Pulp treatments

root canal treatments for primary teeth
root canal treatments for immature permanent teeth

MANAGEMENT OF DENTAL TRAUMA

Management of dental trauma:

emergency care
root canal treatments for ‘baby’ teeth
root end closures for permanent teeth

MINIMALLY INVASIVE TREATMENT OPTIONS

Preventative treatments:

cleanings
remineralization treatments
mouth guards
home & dietary instructions

INTERCEPTIVE ORTHODONTICS

Interceptive orthodontics:

keeping and creating space for the permanent teeth to come out

SEDATION & THEATRE

Sedation & theatre

intra-venous sedation
theatre procedures

WHO IS THE DENTIST

Dr. Nicoline Potgieter- has a special interest and passion for paediatric dentistry. Dr. Nicoline has been involved in paediatric dentistry for more than 12 years- and also shares her knowledge and experience with students as a lecturer at local universities. She is still a part-time lecturer at the University of the Western Cape- to assist with postgraduate training in Paediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Potgieter is also the President of the South African Association of Paediatric Dentistry- and is dedicated to the oral health of the children of South Africa! She has been a speaker at local and international scientific meetings and is supporting the effort to register paediatric dentistry as a specialty in SA.

LET’S GET TO KNOW HER BETTER:

DR. POTGIETER QUALIFICATIONS

Dental degree (BChD) – University of Pretoria
Postgraduate diploma in Paediatric dentistry (PGDip) – University of the Western Cape
Postgraduate dipoma in Endodontics (PGDip Dent) – University of Pretoria
Masters in Dentistry, Paediatric Dentistry (MSc) – University of Pretoria
Fellowship in Paediatric Dentistry – International Association of Paediatric Dentistry

WHO ARE YOU - APART FROM BEING A DENTIST

I am blessed being a mother of three children aged 10, 7 and 3. They keep me super busy and grounded. I am supported by a loving husband and together, we love the outdoors and travelling! I have to also admit I am a bit of a coffee addict and foodie… I just love good food.

WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO PARENTS

Life happens, children sometimes get holes in their teeth and children experience trauma with sport/ play… don’t feel bad about it! Act on it! It is also important to remember that prevention is better than cure! As a mother I understand the challenges parents face with oral health care at home, children’s different individual challenges and how busy life can get! It isn’t always easy and I want to equip other parents and support them to give their kids optimum oral health!

WHAT DO OUR PARENTS SAY

    
 
 
        
   Angelique Thacker 
 2024-01-22
 
 
  For a child who had trauma to her mouth, and is extremely anxious,  Dr Potgieter worked magic on her.  For an hour and a half procedure,  my child didn't flinch once.  That takes a very special kind of person.  Thank you again for the amazing work.
  
 
       
   Monique van der mescht 
 2023-12-14
 
 
  Such a positive experience for me and daughter!
  
 
       
   Liezl de Klerk 
 2023-12-11
 
 
  Dr Potgieter is AMAZING and made my son feel so at ease.
Highly recommended!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE

OUR TEAM

Chante Telemachus

Our Secretary

Mawoneyi Mudege

Support Staff

Natasha Steyn

Dental Assistant

FAQ

WHEN MUST MY CHILD VISIT THE DENTIST FOR THE FIRST TIME?

As soon as the first tooth erupts or at the latest by 1-year of age.

BUT ISN’T PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY SCARY?

Dentistry in general is a “frightening” thought for many… even more so dentistry for children. It might take some time and effort but paediatric dentistry does not have to entail “kicking and screaming”… I don’t personally believe in / support ‘holding children down’ for treatment – unless it is really, really an emergency and no other alternative is available. My approach is to go from least invasive to most invasive gradually introducing children to the environment, equipment and oral stimulus thereby building trust and ensuring a continuation of care.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON MY FIRST VISIT?

In summary, your first visit will include:

A meet-and-greet with the child, playing some games and making them comfortable
A conversation with the parents, obtaining a full history and understanding the child’s needs.
Examining the patient: ideally, this includes clinical photographs and radiographs depending on the child’s age and cooperation.
Discussing treatment options and choosing the ideal care plan for your child.
Starting with non-invasive treatment like fissure sealants and professional cleaning.
Home care instructions, including advice on products and brushing techniques.
Dietary advice to address the role sugar and a healthy diet has to play in oral health.

WILL THE DENTIST DO TREATMENTS ON THE FIRST VISIT?

Dr. P will assess the urgency of treatment needed as well as the cooperation and comprehensive needs of the patient. This assessment will determine whether the treatment will start gradually from least invasive to most invasive or if options for emergency care will be explored.

DOES KIDIDENT TAKE MEDICAL AID?

KidiDent is a cash practice where you pay after treatment and receive an invoice and receipt that you can submit to your medical aid for reimbursement. Submission to medical aid for management under general anaesthesia in a hospital setting will be considered on a case by case basis, but will require full pre-authorization.

WILL MY CHILD BE SEDATED FOR TREATMENTS?

The option of sedation or general anaesthesia (theatre), will be offered and discussed for each individual child, if needed. Not all children require sedation for dental treatment, and it is our goal not to unnecessarily expose children to sedation or general anaesthesia if it is not necessary.

WHEN WILL MY CHILD RECEIVE SEDATION OR GENERAL ANAESTHESIA?

Depending on the child’s age, cooperation, medical condition and extent of dental work required. Dr. P will recommend either sedation or general anaesthesia as part of the care plan for your child. Usually younger children, children with medical conditions and children who require extensive dental work will be offered treatment under theatre. Sedation will be an option for older, healthy children and shorter procedures.

DOES KIDIDENT CATER FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS?

Yes, the practice is wheelchair friendly and caters for children with special needs. Please bring with any referral letters, contact details of doctors or chronic medications!