Learn more about pain-free shots at Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry.
Finding the right dentist for your child with special needs can feel overwhelming. You want a practice that understands your child’s unique requirements and provides compassionate care in a comfortable environment. Children with special needs deserve dental care that accommodates their individual challenges while creating positive experiences.
Drs. Tesha Waggoner and Audrey Mikkelson at Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry are dedicated Beaverton pediatric dentists who bring both professional expertise and personal understanding as mothers to every appointment. Our sedation dentistry options and specialized approach help ensure your child receives the dental care they need while feeling safe and comfortable. We understand that children with autism, Down syndrome, developmental delays, and other conditions may require extra time, patience, and accommodations during their dental visits.
Children with special needs often face unique challenges when visiting the dentist. Sensory sensitivities, communication difficulties, and behavioral concerns can make routine dental care more complex. Our team is trained to work with children of all abilities, providing individualized care that meets your child’s specific needs.
We offer helpful accommodations such as weighted blankets, low lighting options, noise-cancelling headphones, and the ability to watch a movie during treatment. Our in-office dog, Meyers, is wonderful with children of all abilities and often helps create a calming atmosphere. For children who benefit from visual preparation, we provide pre-visit office tours, both in person, or viewed through our social stories to help familiarize them with our office environment.
Our practice offers a full range of pediatric dental services for children with special needs. From routine cleanings and preventive care to more complex treatments, we adapt our approach to ensure your child receives appropriate care. We provide dental restorations using composite, zirconia and stainless steel materials, depending on your child’s specific needs and the location of the tooth.
For children who require more extensive treatment, we offer in-office oral conscious sedation and in-office general anesthesia and maintain hospital privileges at Providence St. Vincent’s for complex cases. This allows us to provide comprehensive care in the safest possible environment for your child. Our dental crowns help restore damaged teeth while maintaining function and appearance.
We believe every child deserves a positive dental experience, regardless of their abilities or challenges. Our office is designed to be welcoming and accommodating for children with sensory sensitivities or mobility concerns. We take extra time during appointments to ensure your child feels comfortable and understood.
Parents play an important role as silent observers or helpers during treatment. We encourage you to let our trained team handle any necessary distraction or coping techniques, as too many voices can sometimes create additional stress for children. Our approach focuses on building trust and confidence with each child at their own pace.
Regular preventive care is essential for maintaining your child’s oral health. We provide thorough cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants when appropriate. Our team also offers guidance on home care routines that work for your child’s abilities and sensitivities.
For children under three who may resist brushing, we emphasize the importance of being encouraging and loving during the process. We can demonstrate proper brushing techniques using our puppet, Mr. Dragon, and offer toothpaste tasting to help your child find flavors they enjoy from grocery store brands.
We are proud to serve families in Beaverton and surrounding communities. Our commitment extends beyond dental care through our involvement with organizations like the Down Syndrome Network of Oregon, where we participate in their annual Buddy Walk. We also support Smile Oregon, which helps children with craniofacial conditions.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children with special needs are at higher risk for dental problems due to factors such as medication effects, dietary restrictions, and difficulty with oral hygiene routines. Our team understands these challenges and works with you to develop effective prevention strategies.
We accept most dental insurance plans and are in-network with Delta Dental Premier. For families with Oregon Health Plan (OHP) Medicaid coverage, we accept ODS dental plans, as well as CareOregon and Advantage plans by referral. Our staff helps navigate insurance benefits and maximizes your coverage to make dental care more accessible.
If you need emergency dental care after hours, we have an on-call dentist available to assist with urgent situations. Your child’s comfort and health are our top priorities, and we’re here to help whenever you need us.
Every child deserves quality dental care in a supportive environment. At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, our team provides compassionate care for children with special needs throughout the Beaverton area. We 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.
Ready to schedule your child’s appointment? Contact our office today to discuss your child’s specific needs and learn how we can provide the specialized care they deserve. We look forward to welcoming your family to our practice.
