1 – Meet, count, ride the chair
The first visit is about trust: a look at the teeth, a ride in the chair, and a chat about brushing, bottles, thumbs and snacks.
Children's Dentistry in Calgary SW – Gentle, and Needle-Free When It Counts
A first visit they remember for the right reasons
Westside is a family dental clinic in West Springs where children are seen alongside their parents by Dr. Zubaida Hussain, dentist, and our hygiene team. Visits are unhurried, parents stay in the room, and for many fillings the Solea laser means no needle and no drill – the two things children remember most.
Dental care for children at Westside is provided by Dr. Zubaida Hussain, dentist, with our hygiene team. Children’s snoring, mouth breathing and sleep concerns are assessed with Dr. Sabah Jarullah, family physician, on the medical side of the clinic.
What a child’s visit looks like
2 – Cleaning and fluoride
Our hygienist cleans and polishes at your child’s pace. X-rays are taken only when they are needed, with a digital sensor sized for small mouths.
3 – Fillings without the needle
If a cavity is found, many can be treated with the Solea laser: no freezing for most children, no drill sound, and often both sides of the mouth in one visit.
4 – Back to school
No numb lip to bite, no waiting for the freezing to wear off. Most children go straight back to their day.
Why children do well with the Solea laser
The Solea laser removes decay with light instead of a drill. For most children’s fillings that means no injection, no vibration, and no drill noise – the three things that turn a routine visit into a fear of the dentist. Dr. Zubaida Hussain confirms at the visit whether a particular tooth can be treated this way; sedation options remain available for larger work.
Read more: Kids remember the needle, not the filling.
We also look at sleep, breathing and tongue-ties
Snoring, mouth breathing, bedwetting, restless sleep, grinding or a child who is tired and irritable by day can point to a narrow airway. Children are assessed from age 2 with Dr. Zubaida Hussain and Dr. Sabah Jarullah – see children’s sleep & airway.
A tongue-tie or lip-tie that affects feeding, speech or sleep can be released with the Solea laser in minutes, without stitches – see laser tongue-tie release.
Nervous children – and nervous parents
Go at their pace
A first visit can be a look and a count. Nothing is forced; a child who is not ready today comes back another day.
Nitrous oxide
Laughing gas is available for children who need a little help relaxing. It wears off within minutes of the visit.
Sedation for bigger work
For extensive treatment or very anxious children, sedation options are discussed with you first.
CDCP, insurance and fees
Westside accepts the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which covers children under 18 in eligible families – bring your CDCP letter and we do the paperwork. We bill most dental insurers directly and follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, with the fee explained before any treatment.
Questions parents ask us
When should my child first see a dentist?
By the first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth. Early visits are short and mostly about prevention.
Do you use needles for children’s fillings?
For many fillings, no – the Solea laser treats the tooth without freezing. Dr. Zubaida Hussain confirms at the visit which teeth can be treated this way.
Are you a pediatric dentist?
Westside is a family dental clinic. Dr. Zubaida Hussain is a general dentist who sees children and adults; if a child needs care from a specialist in children’s dentistry, we refer and coordinate it.
What if my child will not sit still?
That is normal. We work in short steps, let parents stay close, and stop before it becomes a struggle. Nitrous oxide or sedation are options for treatment that cannot wait.
Does the CDCP cover children?
Yes – children under 18 in eligible families are covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Bring your welcome letter; we submit the claims for you.
Can you check my child for a tongue-tie?
Yes. A tongue-tie or lip-tie is assessed for how it affects feeding, speech, sleep and jaw growth – not just how it looks – and released with the Solea laser when that helps.
Content reviewed by Dr. Zubaida Hussain, dentist, and Dr. Sabah Jarullah, family physician, at Westside, West Springs, Calgary SW — last reviewed November 2026. Educational information only; it does not replace an assessment with your provider.
Contact us
Your Calgary SW Dentist Is Here for You
Looking for a trusted southwest Calgary dentist? Whether you're booking your first visit, asking a question, or referring a friend, we'd love to hear from you. Share your details below and our West Springs area team will get back to you with care and clarity.
We look forward to helping you smile with confidence.
Book online