Learn more about pain-free shots at Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry.
West Linn families are fortunate to live in one of the Portland metro’s most community-focused areas — and your child’s dental care should match that standard. Finding a true pediatric specialist, not just a general dentist who sees kids, makes a lasting difference in how your child experiences dental care and whether they build a positive relationship with it for life.
At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Tesha Waggoner is a board-certified pediatric dentist who has built her practice around exactly that kind of experience. As a mom herself, she understands what West Linn parents need — reassurance, patience, and a team that genuinely loves working with kids. We welcome patients from infancy through the teen years, and West Linn families regularly make the drive to our Beaverton office because the quality of specialist care is simply different from what a general dentist can offer. She has put endless thought into making our dental office a place your child won’t fear or dread, but look forward to visiting! We see patients as early as 6 months after their first baby tooth, until they’re old enough to see their adult dentist.
West Linn sits in Clackamas County with access to both I-205 and Willamette Drive — and while there are dentists close by, the difference between a general dentist who treats kids and a board-certified pediatric specialist is significant. Pediatric dentists complete two to three additional years of residency training specifically focused on child psychology, behavior management, developing teeth and jaws, and how to treat children who are anxious, medically complex, or have special needs.
For West Linn families who want their child to have genuinely positive dental experiences from the start — not just adequate ones — that distinction matters. Children who see a specialist early are far more likely to maintain healthy habits and avoid the dental anxiety that follows many adults into adulthood.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday. That first visit isn’t about finding problems — it’s about building familiarity, catching anything early, and helping your child understand that the dentist is a safe, welcoming place. For West Linn families, establishing that foundation with a true pediatric specialist sets a completely different trajectory than starting at a general practice.
West Linn children grow up active — sports, outdoor recreation, and a community lifestyle that keeps kids busy year-round. That also means teeth need real care at every stage, from the first baby tooth through the teen years. We build care plans around your child’s actual life, not a one-size-fits-all schedule.
Prevention is everything in pediatric dentistry. We provide comprehensive exams, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants on permanent molars. We also use fun tools like our puppet Mr. Dragon to teach brushing and flossing in ways kids actually remember — and we offer toothpaste tastings so your child leaves knowing which flavors they’ll actually use at home.
When cavities happen — and they do, even in families who are careful — we treat them gently and efficiently. We offer tooth-colored fillings, pediatric crowns in composite, zirconia, and stainless steel, and when a tooth can’t be saved, gentle extractions that protect space for developing permanent teeth. West Linn parents appreciate that we explain every option clearly before we start.
For children who need extensive treatment or experience real dental anxiety, we provide sedation dentistry including nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and in-office general anesthesia. Dr. Waggoner also holds hospital privileges at Providence St. Vincent for cases that require a hospital setting — something most local practices simply cannot offer.
We provide specialized care for children with special needs, with accommodations built into every appointment — weighted blankets, low lighting, noise management, our in-office dogs Meyers and CJ, pre-visit social stories, and sedation when needed. West Linn families with children on the autism spectrum, with Down syndrome, or with sensory sensitivities regularly choose us for this reason.
Thumb-sucking and prolonged pacifier use can shift developing teeth over time. We offer bluegrass habit appliances and coordinate with occupational and myofunctional therapists to address the root of the habit — not just the dental effect.
Accidents happen — on the soccer field, the playground, the trampoline. We have an on-call dentist available after hours for West Linn families who need urgent help. Call our main line at (503) 292-9274 and press 4 to reach us. Learn more about our emergency dental care near West Linn.
Our entire practice is designed around making dental visits positive, comfortable experiences that children actually look forward to attending.
There’s a difference between a dental office that tolerates children and one built entirely around them. Ours is the latter. From the moment a West Linn family walks in, everything is calibrated to make children feel like the visit is normal, even enjoyable. Weighted blankets, low lighting, movies during treatment, and our two in-office dogs Meyers and CJ are all there to lower the sensory load and replace anxiety with comfort.
For children who need more preparation — particularly those with anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or who haven’t had great experiences elsewhere — we offer pre-visit office tours, both in person and through social stories with photos that walk through exactly what to expect. Many West Linn parents tell us this one step made all the difference for a previously reluctant child.
We ask parents to act as calm, quiet supporters during treatment rather than active participants. Our team uses proven, child-specific distraction and coping techniques that work best in a focused, low-stimulation environment. It’s not about shutting parents out — it’s about giving your child the best possible conditions for a positive experience. We debrief with you fully before you leave and are always available by phone if questions come up at home.
Dr. Tesha Waggoner, DMD, graduated from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in 2014 and completed her pediatric dental training at OHSU in 2018. She maintains privileges at Providence St. Vincent Hospital for cases requiring general anesthesia. Dr. T lives in Portland with her husband Tony, her son Bruce, and their two labradoodles, CJ and Meyers.
Dr. Waggoner holds membership with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and the Oregon Academy of Pediatric Dentistry — bringing both the clinical foundation and the patient-centered philosophy that pediatric dentistry demands.
West Linn has good dentists nearby. The question we hear most from new patients is: why make the drive to Beaverton? The honest answer is specialization. Dr. Waggoner completed two additional years of pediatric-specific residency training at OHSU after dental school. She sees only children. Her team trains only for children. The environment, the protocols, the sedation options, the special needs accommodations — all of it is built specifically for pediatric care in a way that a general practice, even a very good one, simply isn’t.
West Linn families with children who have had difficult experiences elsewhere, who need sedation, or who have special healthcare needs particularly value this. The 25-minute drive via I-205 North is consistently worth it for families who’ve experienced the difference firsthand.
We accept most dental insurance plans and are in-network with Delta Dental Premier. For West Linn families with Oregon Health Plan coverage, we accept ODS dental plans, as well as CareOregon and Advantage plans by referral. Our team verifies your benefits before your appointment and files all claims on your behalf — no surprises, no paperwork for you to chase down.
We also offer payment plan options for families managing the cost of more extensive treatment, including sedation procedures.
Ready to get started? Call us at (503) 292-9274 or request an appointment online. We see patients Monday through Thursday and are available on-call after hours for dental emergencies. We look forward to meeting your family.
Don’t wait to establish a dental home for your child. Early dental care sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Our experienced team is ready to welcome your family and provide the comprehensive care your child deserves.
Contact us today at (503) 292-9274 or use our contact form to schedule your child’s appointment. We look forward to helping your child develop positive dental habits in a comfortable, caring environment designed just for them.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry near West Linn, we welcome babies as young as six months after that first tooth comes in — setting a healthy foundation before problems have a chance to develop.
Pediatric dentists complete two to three additional years of specialty training after dental school, focused specifically on children's teeth, jaw development, behavior management, and dental anxiety. Dr. Waggoner holds membership with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry — that specialized background shapes how we treat every child at our office.
Yes. We accept most dental insurance plans and are proudly in-network with Delta Dental Premier. For families with Oregon Health Plan (OHP) Medicaid coverage, we accept ODS dental plans. We also accept CareOregon and Advantage plans by referral. Our team files all insurance claims on your behalf and helps families maximize their benefits.
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!
