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Finding a dentist who understands your child’s unique needs can feel overwhelming, especially when you want someone who will treat your child with patience, compassion, and genuine care. Children with special healthcare needs deserve dental visits that go beyond routine cleanings to address their specific physical, developmental, sensory, and behavioral requirements in an environment where they can feel safe and supported.
At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Tesha Waggoner creates a welcoming space for children of all abilities in Beaverton and the surrounding Cedar Mills area. Our practice offers thoughtful accommodations, including weighted blankets, adjustable lighting, and the calming presence of Meyers, our in-office dog who has a special way with children across the spectrum of abilities. Parents can preview our office through social stories that provide a picture walkthrough, helping anxious children feel more comfortable before their first visit.
Nearly one in five children in the United States has a special healthcare need, defined as any physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment or limiting condition that requires medical management, healthcare intervention, or use of services or programs. These conditions can include autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, sensory processing disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and various physical disabilities.
Children with special healthcare needs often face challenges in performing daily oral hygiene activities due to motor impairment, sensory disabilities, and intellectual disabilities, making them more prone to poor oral health. Mental capabilities vary from person to person and may impact how well someone can remember and follow directions in a dental office and at home, while behavioral problems can complicate oral healthcare.
Mobility problems may require a child to use a wheelchair, mobility scooter, or walker to move around, and neuromuscular problems can affect the mouth through persistently rigid or loose chewing muscles, drooling, gagging, or swallowing difficulties. Sensory sensitivities present unique challenges during dental appointments. Children with sensory processing disorders may find the textures, sounds, and sensations of dental care overwhelming.
Parents should avoid over-preparing children for the dentist, as this can sometimes increase anxiety rather than reduce it. Instead, calling our office to discuss specific concerns and showing children visual guides of what to expect can help establish realistic expectations.
Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry offers several accommodations designed to create a more comfortable experience for children with special needs:
These accommodations work together to create an environment where children with special healthcare needs can receive quality dental care while feeling safe and understood.
We provide the full range of pediatric dental services with accommodations tailored to each child’s needs. Preventive care includes dental cleanings and exams adapted to each child’s tolerance level, with breaks as needed and flexibility in positioning. Restorative treatments such as dental fillings and cavity treatment are performed with attention to each child’s behavioral and sensory needs.
Protective treatments like dental sealants help prevent cavities in children who may struggle with consistent oral hygiene at home. For children with significant anxiety or those requiring extensive treatment, we offer sedation dentistry, including in-office general anesthesia, and Dr. Waggoner has hospital privileges for very complex cases. We have an on-call dentist available to assist with dental emergencies after hours.
Dr. Tesha Waggoner, DMD, graduated from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in 2014 and completed her pediatric dental training at OHSU in 2018. She maintains privileges at Providence St. Vincent Hospital for cases requiring general anesthesia. Dr. T lives in Portland with her husband Tony, her son Bruce, and their two labradoodles, CJ and Meyers.
She is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and other professional organizations.
Families from Cedar Mills and throughout the greater Portland area choose Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry because of our genuine commitment to serving children with special healthcare needs. Dr. Tesha Waggoner completed her pediatric training at OHSU and brings extensive experience in adapting care to meet diverse needs. Our community involvement reflects our dedication to special needs populations through our participation in the Down Syndrome Network Oregon Buddy Walk each year and our support for organizations like Smile Oregon.
Our location just off the freeway in Beaverton makes it easily accessible for families traveling from Cedar Mills, Forest Grove, Cornelius, Hillsboro, and throughout Washington County. The doctor holds membership in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Oregon Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, ensuring she stays current with the latest approaches to pediatric care.
If your child needs compassionate dental care that honors unique needs and abilities, Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry welcomes the opportunity to serve your family. We create an environment where children with special healthcare needs can receive high-quality dental care while feeling safe, respected, and understood. Dr. Waggoner has built our practice around the belief that every child deserves dental care delivered with patience, understanding, and genuine warmth.
Our team takes time to understand each child’s specific challenges and strengths, working collaboratively with families to develop approaches that work. Whether your child needs sensory accommodations, extended appointment times, or sedation options, we have the experience and resources to provide comprehensive care. Contact our office to discuss your child’s specific needs and schedule your first visit.
