Dr Aish Kesava, Specialist Paediatric Dentist

Dr Aish Kesava is a specialist paediatric dentist at Collins Street Specialist Centre, where she cares for babies, children and teenagers on Level 8 of the Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne. She trained as a dentist in India and completed her paediatric dentistry training at the University of Otago in New Zealand before moving to Australia. Dr Kesava has a special interest in helping children who feel anxious about the dentist. To arrange a visit for your child, call (03) 9650 2726.

What are Dr Kesava's qualifications?

Our team page lists Dr Kesava's qualification as DCD (Paeds), a Doctorate of Clinical Dentistry in paediatric dentistry. This is the postgraduate specialist degree she completed at the University of Otago, following her general dental degree in India. Her full first name is Aiswarya, and she is known as Aish.

How does Dr Kesava approach children's dental care?

Dr Kesava enjoys every part of paediatric dentistry, and she describes her patients as little people with big emotions. Her aim is for each visit to feel calm and positive, because good early experiences can shape how a child feels about dental care for years to come. That matters for oral health well beyond childhood.

As a mother of two young children, she understands the questions and worries parents bring to an appointment. She works in a compassionate, non-judgemental way and involves the whole family in decisions about care.

How can Dr Kesava help an anxious child?

Supporting children with dental anxiety is a particular focus for Dr Kesava. A worried child may need more time, a slower pace and simple explanations before any treatment begins. Tell us when you book if your child is nervous, has had a difficult visit before, or has sensory or medical needs, so the appointment can be planned with that in mind.

What treatments does a paediatric dentist provide?

Our paediatric dentists offer check-ups and preventive advice, fillings and crowns for baby and adult teeth, treatment after injuries to the teeth, and care for children with additional health needs. Where treatment is complex or a child cannot manage it in the chair, other options such as sedation or general anaesthetic may be discussed, along with their risks. Read more on our paediatric dentistry page.

Where can I check Dr Kesava's registration?

Dr Kesava is listed with specialist registration in paediatric dentistry. You can confirm the registration of any dental practitioner by searching the public register at ahpra.gov.au.

Preparing your child for a visit with Dr Kesava

Bring your child's medical history, details of any medicines, previous dental X-rays or letters, and your health fund card. Keep talk about the visit light and positive. You might ask Dr Kesava how to care for your child's teeth at home, how often your child should be seen, and what to do if a tooth is injured.

Who are our other paediatric dentists?

Dr Kesava works alongside Dr Susan Hinckfuss, Dr Sarah Scott and Dr Angel Babu. When a child needs input from another specialty, such as orthodontics for the bite or oral and maxillofacial surgery, those specialists practise in the same centre.

Frequently asked questions

Does my child need a referral to see Dr Kesava?

Referral arrangements for children can differ, so please confirm any referral requirements for your child when you call (03) 9650 2726 to book. If your family dentist has written to us or taken X-rays, bring those along to the appointment.

Can I be in the room with my child?

Yes, parents are usually welcome to stay, and many young children feel more settled with a parent nearby. Dr Kesava will talk with you about what works for your child, as some older children prefer to go in on their own.

What if my child will not open their mouth?

That is common, especially at a first visit. Dr Kesava will go at your child's pace and may focus on getting to know them before attempting a full examination. Building trust over a short visit can make later appointments easier, so there is no pressure to do everything at once.

Will Dr Kesava keep our family dentist informed?

With your consent, we send a summary to your family dentist after your child's visit. Many children see a paediatric dentist for a course of treatment and continue regular check-ups with their usual dentist.

Related pages

• Paediatric dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Our team
• Our location
• Payment plans
• Contact us

Collins Street Specialist Centre at a glance

• Registered specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics and paediatric dentistry, in one practice.
• Level 8, Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne, on the corner of Collins and Swanston Streets.
• Payment plans through Payright, TLC and Supercare, subject to eligibility.
• Call (03) 9650 2726 or email theteam@collinsstreetspecialistcentre.com.au.

Contact Collins Street Specialist Centre

Every patient is different, so results, recovery times and potential risks vary from person to person. This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for a consultation. Seek advice from an appropriately qualified, AHPRA-registered practitioner before proceeding with treatment.