Learn more about pain-free shots at Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry.
Taking your child to a dentist who is trained specifically for adults is a bit like taking them to see a doctor who has never studied child development. Children’s teeth, jaws, and behaviors change rapidly from infancy through adolescence, and the way a dental team communicates with a nervous five-year-old is completely different from what works with a twelve-year-old. For Tigard parents navigating all of this, a pediatric dental practice is not just a preference — it is the right fit for the job.
At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, we serve children from Tigard and throughout the Portland metro area from the arrival of their first tooth through their teenage years. Our pediatric dental services are built around the developmental realities of childhood, and our office is designed to make every age group feel genuinely at home. Whether your child is coming in for their very first cleaning or navigating the transition to adult teeth, we are here to meet them where they are.
Pediatric dentists complete two to three years of additional training after dental school, focused entirely on the oral health needs of infants, children, and adolescents. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, this specialized education covers child development, behavior guidance, and the unique ways children’s teeth grow and change over time. That depth of training shapes how our team approaches every appointment, from how we explain a procedure to how we handle a child who has never been to the dentist before.
Board certification through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry takes that training a step further. Dr. Tesha Waggoner completed her pediatric specialty at Oregon Health and Science University in 2018 and holds membership in the AAPD, the ABPD, and the Oregon Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She brings both the clinical foundation and the patient-centered philosophy that pediatric dentistry demands.
Children’s oral health needs shift dramatically as they grow, and our care adapts with them. For infants and toddlers, early visits focus on monitoring tooth eruption, guiding parents on brushing technique, and addressing habits like thumb sucking. We see babies as young as six months after their first tooth comes in, setting a foundation before problems have a chance to develop.
As children grow through the school-age years and into adolescence, the focus expands. Our team tracks jaw development, watches for early orthodontic concerns through early orthodontic intervention, and works to keep permanent teeth healthy as they come in. We also help teenagers understand how diet, hygiene, and habits affect the smile they will carry into adulthood.
One thing we hear consistently is that parents want guidance on how to help their child feel ready for appointments. Our view is that over-preparing a child, or talking through too much detail ahead of time, can actually increase anxiety rather than reduce it. We encourage parents to keep conversations about upcoming visits simple and positive, and to let our team do the work of building trust in the room.
Parents are welcome to be present as a “silent observer or helper” during treatment, and many children are also comfortable heading back for cleanings and preventive care on their own. Both approaches work, and we are happy to talk through what makes sense for your child before the visit. Our new patient forms are also available online so you can complete paperwork in advance and spend your first visit focused on your child.
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.
Dr. Tesha Waggoner, DMD graduated from Oregon Health and Science University with her doctorate of dental medicine in 2014, completed a general practice residency at the Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, and returned to OHSU to finish her pediatric specialty training in 2018. Prior to dental school, she lived and worked at an orphanage in Quito, Ecuador, an experience that shaped her commitment to accessible, compassionate care for every child. She holds privileges at both Legacy Randall Hospital and Providence St. Vincent Hospital for cases requiring general anesthesia.
Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry is a place Tigard families come back to, not because they have to, but because their kids actually look forward to it. If you are ready to find a dental home that grows with your child, we would love to meet your family. Contact our office to schedule your first visit.
