Learn more about pain-free shots at Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry.
Located in SW Portland, Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry is a family-centered dental practice that brings personalized care to fit the unique needs of each child and their families
We are dedicated to your child’s smile. Whatever they may need, we are here to ensure that the dentist is not a place to be feared or avoided.
Dr. Tesha Waggoner is dedicated to providing your child with a relaxing and comforting experience at the dentist. As a mom, I have put endless thought and care into making our dental office a place your child won’t fear or dread, but look forward to visiting!
Dr. Tesha Waggoner, or Dr. T, earned her DMD from OHSU in 2014 and completed her Pediatric Dentistry certificate at OHSU in 2018. Before dental school, she lived and worked at an orphanage in Quito, Ecuador, where a friendship with a local dentist inspired her path into pediatric care. She is a board certified pediatric dentist with memberships in the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and holds hospital privileges at Legacy Randall Hospital and Providence St. Vincent Hospital in Portland.
We help your child to develop positive dental habits at a young age, keeping their teeth strong and healthy as they grow! We see patients as early as 6 months after their first baby tooth, until they’re old enough to see their adult dentist. No matter the age, we work directly with your child to develop the best care plan for them to keep their smile bright and healthy!
We are so excited to introduce our patients and familes to Dr. Mikkelson, who will begin working part-time at Pine Tree on Mondays. Dr. Mikkelson is a board-certified pediatric dentist and mom with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Click below to learn more about her!
Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry is a pediatric dental practice designed to make children feel at home from the moment they arrive. Our team has a warm, caring approach that helps kids feel calm and comfortable, and our office is filled with fun activities and friendly faces that make pediatric dental visits something kids can look forward to. We serve families across Portland with a genuine commitment to making every appointment an amazing experience.
From infants getting their first tooth to teens navigating their smile through every stage, we provide pediatric dentistry for patients of all ages. Portland families count on our deep knowledge of childhood development, behavior guidance and age-appropriate dental care, so every child leaves our dental office with a healthy smile and the confidence to come back.
Located in SW Portland, Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry is a family-centered dental practice that brings personalized care to fit the unique needs of each child and their families.
We help your child to develop positive dental habits at a young age, keeping their teeth strong and healthy as they grow! We see patients as early as 6 months after their first baby tooth, until they’re old enough to see their adult dentist. No matter the age, we work directly with your child to develop the best care plan for them to keep their smile bright and healthy!
First visits to the dentist should be positive experiences that set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles! At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, we’ve created a warm, child-friendly environment where even our youngest patients feel at ease.
Dr. Tesha understands that a child’s first dental experience shapes their future attitude toward dental care. That’s why we take extra steps to ensure comfort:
Our office is designed with children in mind – bright colors, fun activities, and a welcoming atmosphere
Meyers, our friendly in-office dog, helps nervous children feel calm and secure
We offer “show-tell-do” introductions to dental tools, letting children touch and explore before treatment
Weighted blankets, low lighting options, and entertainment are available for anxious children
For children with special needs, we provide customized accommodations to ensure a positive experience
A little preparation goes a long way! Here are simple ways to help your child feel ready:
Talk positively about the dentist – describe it as a place where friendly doctors help keep teeth strong and healthy
Read children’s books about dental visits (we’re happy to recommend some favorites!)
Avoid using words like “hurt,” “pain,” or “shot” when discussing the appointment
For anxious children, consider scheduling a pre-visit office tour
Let your child bring a comfort item like a stuffed animal or blanket
Remember, we’re partners in your child’s dental health journey! Questions before your visit? Reach out to us via phone at (503) 292-9274, email, or through our contact form. We’re here to make your family’s dental experience exceptional!
Portland families come to us with questions every day — we’ve answered the most common ones below. Don’t see yours? Give us a call or reach out through our contact form.
We recommend scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears. Starting early helps Portland families establish a positive relationship with dental care and allows our team to monitor development from the very beginning, so small concerns never become big ones.
New patient visits at Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry are designed to be comfortable and stress-free for both children and parents. During the first appointment, we’ll review your child’s medical and dental history, perform a gentle examination, and may take X-rays if needed. Our team will explain each step of the process to help your child feel at ease. We’ll also discuss proper oral hygiene techniques and answer any questions about your child’s dental development.
Pediatric dentists complete 2–3 years of specialized training beyond dental school, focused exclusively on children’s dental health, development, and psychology. That training is why a pediatric dentist in Portland is equipped to care for patients of all ages, from infants through teens and adolescents, in ways a general dentist simply isn’t. Dr. Tesha Waggoner is a board certified pediatric dentist who has met the highest standards in the field.
Keep explanations positive and simple. Avoid words like “shot,” “pain,” or “hurt.” Instead, tell them our friendly team will count and clean their teeth, take pictures, and help keep their smile healthy and bright. You can also show them our office tour video so they know exactly what to expect before they arrive.
Absolutely! Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth, help with proper speech development, and allow for good nutrition through proper chewing. Healthy baby teeth set the foundation for a lifetime of good dental health.
Our compassionate team uses gentle techniques, age-appropriate explanations, and a warm, calm environment to help kids build a sense of confidence and trust. Many Portland families are surprised at how quickly their child relaxes once they meet Meyers, our in-office dog, and experience our show-tell-do approach firsthand. We provide the guidance children need so every visit becomes a great experience they can feel excited about.
Yes, we understand that dental emergencies can happen at any time. While our regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, we have protocols in place for urgent situations. Portland families can call our office after hours for instructions on how to reach our on-call dentist. For severe emergencies, we may direct you to the nearest emergency room, but we’ll follow up with appropriate pediatric dental care.
Look for a board-certified pediatric dentist that makes Portland families feel comfortable. Someone with a child-friendly office, a compassionate team, and experience caring for kids of all ages and abilities. Ask how they handle anxious patients, whether they accommodate children with special needs, and what insurance they accept. We always invite Portland families to come see Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry for themselves before committing to care.
We accept most Oregon Health Plans, though some may require a referral. While we are not in-network with any private insurance providers, we are happy to accept all insurances on a fee-for-service basis and will assist with billing so you can use your benefits. Our team will verify your child’s coverage before their appointment and explain any potential out-of-pocket costs. We’re experienced in working with pediatric dental benefits and will help maximize your coverage whenever possible.
