Learn more about pain-free shots at Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry.
For families raising a child with special health care needs, the search for a dentist who is truly prepared goes well beyond checking if a practice accepts new patients. The right fit means finding a team that moves at your child’s pace, builds trust over time, and understands that every appointment requires its own plan.
Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry welcomes children with special health care needs from Hillsboro and throughout Washington County. Dr. Tesha Waggoner, DMD, is a board-certified pediatric dentist, OHSU-trained, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry with a well-established patient base of children who require individualized, attentive care. Our special needs pediatric dental services are designed around the reality that these appointments take more time, more preparation, and more patience — and we plan for all of it.
Children with special health care needs include a wide range of individuals. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry defines this group as any child with a physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional condition that requires additional management in dental settings. In practice, this includes children with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, ADHD, anxiety disorders, sensory processing differences, and many other diagnoses.
What all of these children share is a need for a dental team that takes the time to understand them before the appointment even begins. We gather information from families in advance, discuss what has worked and what has not in previous dental visits, and tailor our approach to each individual child. No two appointments look exactly the same, and that is intentional.
Preparation is one of the most valuable things we offer families of children with special health care needs. For children who benefit from knowing exactly what will happen and in what order, we encourage families to walk through our social stories video before their visit. It gives children a step-by-step look at the office, the equipment, and the people they will meet, which can make a meaningful difference for those who rely on predictability and routine. We also welcome pre-visit office tours for families who want to bring their child in ahead of a scheduled appointment to simply look around and get comfortable.
Our office is set up with sensory-sensitive children in mind. We offer weighted blankets, low lighting, and the option to watch a movie during treatment for children who benefit from these supports. Meyers and CJ, our two in-office dogs, have a particular gift for connecting with children of all abilities, and many families with children who have special health care needs tell us that Meyers or CJ made their child’s first visit far easier than they expected. Parents are encouraged to be present in the room as a “silent observer or helper,” staying close and providing reassurance while our team guides the appointment. This approach keeps the environment calm and gives our team the space to build trust with your child directly.
When a child’s treatment needs require a higher level of support, our pediatric sedation options allow us to provide thorough, comfortable care. Nitrous oxide is often a helpful option for cooperative children who need a little extra ease, while in-office general anesthesia is available for children whose care requires it. Dr. Waggoner holds hospital privileges at both Legacy Randall Hospital and Providence St. Vincent Hospital for children with more complex needs who are best served in a hospital setting.
Our entire practice is designed around making dental visits positive, comfortable experiences that children actually look forward to attending.
Children with special health care needs are often at higher risk for dental problems, which makes consistent preventive care especially valuable. Our pediatric dental cleanings are adapted to each child’s tolerance, and we take as much time as needed to complete them comfortably and thoroughly. We also provide fluoride treatments and sealants to help protect teeth between visits, and we work with families on home care strategies that fit their child’s abilities and daily routines.
When restorative treatment is needed, we offer tooth-colored fillings for primary teeth as well as stainless steel crowns depending on the location and extent of decay. We walk through all options with parents clearly so you can make the decision that is best for your child. Our team also coordinates closely with occupational therapists and myofunctional therapists when additional support may benefit your child’s overall care. Here are some of the most common reasons families in Hillsboro bring their children to us:
Every recommendation we make is based on what is right for your child, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Our practice holds hospital privileges at Legacy Randall Hospital and Providence St. Vincent Hospital for children whose care requires a hospital setting, and we are deeply connected to the special needs community in the Portland metro area. Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry participates every year in the Down Syndrome Network Oregon Buddy Walk and supports Smile Oregon for children with craniofacial conditions. That community involvement shapes how we think about care and why families with children with special health care needs make up a meaningful part of the patients we see. You can learn more about Dr. Waggoner and her background and training on our website.
Hillsboro families are welcome to call ahead with questions before scheduling. We are happy to talk through what to expect, how we prepare for your child’s specific needs, and what your first visit may look like. When you are ready to get started, contact our office, and our team will take it from there.
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!
