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.
Dr. Tesha Waggoner at Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry is a dedicated Happy Valley area pediatric dentist who brings both professional expertise and personal understanding as a mother to every appointment. Our sedation dentistry options and specialized approach help ensure your Happy Valley 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. Our office is approximately 25 minutes from Happy Valley via I-205 North.
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 Happy Valley. From routine cleanings and preventive care to more complex treatments, we adapt our approach to ensure your child receives appropriate care tailored to their individual needs.
Preventive cleanings form the foundation of our care — regular visits allow us to monitor your child’s oral health and catch concerns early. When cavities occur, we provide gentle fillings using composite, zirconia, and stainless steel materials, depending on your child’s specific needs and the location of the tooth. For more significantly damaged teeth, our dental crowns help restore function and appearance while preserving the natural tooth. When a tooth cannot be saved, we also perform gentle extractions in a calm, supportive environment.
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 Hospital for complex cases. This allows us to provide comprehensive care in the safest possible environment for your Happy Valley child.
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 Happy Valley families 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 Happy Valley families 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 for Happy Valley families.
If your Happy Valley child needs 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 from Happy Valley and throughout the Portland metro 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 Happy Valley 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.
We invite Happy Valley families to schedule a pre-visit tour so your child can see the office, meet our in-office dogs Meyers and CJ, and get comfortable before any treatment begins. We also offer social stories online so your child can preview the office from home. Our team takes extra time at each appointment and moves at whatever pace works best for your child.
Our office offers weighted blankets, low lighting, and movies during treatment to support children with sensory sensitivities. Our in-office dogs Meyers and CJ are wonderful with children of all abilities. We also provide pre-visit social stories and in-person office tours to help Happy Valley families prepare their child before the appointment.
Yes. When a Happy Valley child cannot complete treatment comfortably, we discuss sedation options ranging from nitrous oxide to oral conscious sedation or in-office general anesthesia. Dr. Waggoner also holds hospital privileges at Providence St. Vincent Hospital for cases that require a full hospital setting.
We accept Delta Dental Premier and most Oregon Health Plan options, including ODS, CareOregon, and Advantage plans by referral. Our team helps Happy Valley families navigate their benefits before the appointment so there are no surprises on the day of treatment.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by your child's first birthday or when the first tooth appears. Starting early is especially important for children with special needs, as it builds familiarity with the dental environment and allows us to catch any developing concerns early. Happy Valley families are welcome from that very first tooth.
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!
