Learn more about pain-free shots at Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry.
Between school schedules, activities, and everyday routines, parents in Cornelius have a lot to manage, and finding the right dentist for their child shouldn’t be one more thing to stress over. A pediatric dentist brings something a general dentist can’t always offer: specialized training focused entirely on kids, along with an office designed to help even nervous or very young children feel at ease.
Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry gives Cornelius families a nearby option built entirely around that experience. Our office is located just off the freeway near Beaverton, making the trip easier than most parents assume. Take a look at all the areas we serve to see how many communities across the region we support.
Pediatric dentists complete two to three additional years of specialty training following dental school, dedicated entirely to the oral health of infants, children, and teenagers, including those with special health needs. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a pediatric dentist no later than their first birthday, and our team is ready to be that first dental home and to support children through every year that follows. For families coming from Cornelius, the drive is quick, and the range of services we offer means you won’t need to coordinate between multiple providers for different concerns.
Our services include:
Whether your child needs a routine checkup or treatment for an existing concern, every appointment is handled at a pace that works for them individually.
Our office was built with children in mind, because getting kids comfortable in the chair is just as important as the care itself. We offer weighted blankets, the option to keep the lighting low, and the ability to watch a movie during treatment. For families whose children do better when they know what to expect, social stories are available as a visual walkthrough of our office before the visit even begins. These tools make a meaningful difference, particularly for younger children and for those visiting the dentist for the first time.
Meyers, our friendly in-office dog, is a familiar and calming presence for children of all temperaments and abilities. Our clinical team is trained in age-appropriate distraction and coping techniques, and parents are encouraged to take a quiet, supportive role during appointments rather than stepping in to guide their child’s behavior. Allowing kids to work through the dental environment alongside our trained staff, rather than with a parent jumping in, often leads to much smoother visits for everyone involved.
Our team takes special needs pediatric dental care seriously, offering individualized attention for every child who walks through our door. For children with sensory sensitivities, developmental disabilities, autism, Down syndrome, or other conditions that may make a standard dental visit challenging, we take time to adjust the environment and the approach to fit each child’s specific needs. This may include modified lighting, extended appointment times, additional sensory accommodations, or simply taking extra time to build rapport before any treatment begins.
Children who experience significant dental anxiety or who need more complex procedures may also benefit from sedation dentistry, which is discussed in detail with each family before moving forward. We are also deeply connected to the communities we serve, participating every year in the Down Syndrome Network Oregon Buddy Walk and supporting organizations like Smile Oregon, which provides resources for children with craniofacial conditions.
A first dental visit sets the tone for how a child feels about the dentist going forward, so we take extra care to make it a positive one. Before any exam begins, our team spends time getting to know your child at their own pace, using simple, friendly language rather than clinical terms that might feel intimidating. We also use Mr. Dragon, a puppet that helps demonstrate tooth brushing in a way that makes the process feel familiar and approachable rather than something to be nervous about.
For picky brushers, we offer toothpaste tasting so kids can find a flavor they actually enjoy, since a child who likes their toothpaste is far more likely to stick with a good brushing routine at home. We also encourage families to keep brushing consistent even before a child fully cooperates, since gentle, encouraging repetition matters more than a perfect technique at a young age. You can learn more about what to expect by visiting our first visit page before your child’s appointment.
Dr. Tesha Waggoner, known to her patients as Dr. T, completed her pediatric specialty training at OHSU and holds memberships with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, the College of Diplomates, and the Pediatric Dental Association. She has built our practice around the idea consistent, early dental care is the foundation of a healthy smile, and that every child, regardless of ability or background, deserves to receive that care in a setting where they feel seen and supported.
Families in Cornelius are warmly welcomed at Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry. We are proudly in-network with Delta Dental Premier, and we also accept Oregon Health Plan coverage through ODS, along with CareOregon and Advantage plans by referral. Our friendly office staff files insurance claims on your behalf, so you can focus on what matters most: your child’s dental health. From routine cleanings to more complex treatment, our team is ready to support your child’s oral health at every stage. When your child is ready for their next appointment, or for their very first one, contact our team to get scheduled.
15962 Boones Ferry Rd, Suite 208
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
We’re so excited to share that Dr. Tesha and the Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry team are opening a second location this July! We’re bringing the same warm, kid-friendly care families know and love — now closer to Lake Oswego. Stay tuned for more details!
