Learn more about pain-free shots at Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry.
Finding a dental home where your child feels genuinely seen can take time, and for families of children who need a little extra support, that search often feels even more personal. Whether your child experiences sensory sensitivities, heightened dental anxiety, or simply needs a team that will slow down, communicate patiently, and work at their pace, the right pediatric dental office can make all the difference in how your child relates to oral healthcare for the rest of their life.
At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, we welcome children with a full range of needs, and we’ve built our care environment around the idea that every child deserves a calm, comfortable visit. Serving families across the Portland metro area, including those traveling from Lake Oswego, we bring both the clinical depth and the warm, child-centered approach that parents of children who need additional support look for. Dr. Tesha Waggoner and our team are here to work alongside your family, not just for today’s visit, but for years of healthy smiles ahead.
For children who need extra support at the dentist, the difference between a difficult visit and a positive one often comes down to environment and preparation. Our office is designed with those details in mind. We offer weighted blankets, low lighting, and the option to watch a movie during treatment, small adjustments that can have a meaningful impact for children who process sensory input differently. Our in-office dog, Meyers, visits in the mornings, and CJ joins us in the afternoons, and both dogs have a remarkable way of helping even the most hesitant kids feel at home.
We also encourage families to make use of our social stories before coming in. These are step-by-step visual walkthroughs of our office that give children a clear picture of exactly what to expect before they ever arrive. For kids who do better with predictability and routine, this kind of preparation can reduce anxiety significantly and set the stage for a much smoother visit. You can watch our office social story on YouTube before your appointment. We also offer pre-visit office tours for families who want to walk through the space in person.
Some children require additional support to receive dental care safely and comfortably, and our practice is equipped to meet those needs. We offer nitrous oxide, which is a gentle, effective option for many children who need a little help relaxing during a procedure. For children whose care needs go beyond what nitrous oxide can support, we also provide in-office general anesthesia as well as hospital-based care through our privileges at Providence St. Vincent Hospital. This broader range of options means that children who might otherwise go without necessary dental care can receive treatment in the setting that is safest and most appropriate for them.
Our sedation dentistry page has more information about the options we offer, and we are always happy to talk through what might be the right fit for your child before any appointment.
Lake Oswego families come to Pine Tree for a number of reasons, but the theme we hear most often is trust. Parents want to feel confident that their child’s provider truly understands their child’s needs, has the training to navigate complex situations, and will treat their child with patience and respect at every visit.
Dr. Waggoner completed her pediatric specialty training at OHSU and holds memberships with the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, the Oregon Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the Washington County Dental Society. Our practice also has deep roots in the local community, including our annual participation in the Down Syndrome Network Oregon Buddy Walk and our support for Smile Oregon, an organization that serves children with craniofacial conditions. These aren’t just footnotes for us; they reflect a genuine commitment to the families we care for every day.
Beyond clinical credentials, we work hard to create a practice culture where children with a wide range of needs are met with patience rather than pressure. We move at the child’s pace, we communicate clearly, and we keep parents informed at every step. Our team takes the time to understand what works for your child so we can make each visit better than the last.
We know that the first visit can feel like a big step, especially for families who have had difficult experiences at other dental offices. When you come in, our team will take time to get to know your child, understand their history, and identify what accommodations will help them feel most comfortable. We never rush through that process.
If it would help your child to visit the office before their appointment, we offer pre-visit office tours so they can get familiar with the space without any treatment taking place. Our goal for every first visit is simple: we want your child to leave feeling okay about coming back.
Families in Lake Oswego looking for a pediatric dental team with the experience and environment to truly support their child are welcome to reach out to us. We accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Delta Dental Premier and most major carriers as an out-of-network provider, and our team is happy to help you understand your benefits before your visit.
Dr. Waggoner and the Pine Tree team would love the opportunity to be part of your child’s care. Visit our about us page to learn more about who we are, and when you’re ready, contact our office to schedule your child’s first visit. We look forward to welcoming your family.
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!
