Meet Dr. Fortney

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I’m passionate about two things in life: my family and creating smiles through orthodontics.

My journey with dentistry and orthodontics began at 12 years old growing up in a dental family in Rancho Bernardo. I started out cleaning instruments in my father’s oral surgery office and assisted in different disciplines of dentistry before I decided to attend dental school to be a specialist in orthodontics, which means I already have over 30 years experience under my belt.

Education and Credentials

You could say that my education started young since I grew up in a dental family, but my formal education started when I accepted a Division 1 Women’s basketball scholarship to Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles where I graduated with my B.S. in Biology in 1994.

Then I received my general dental degree in 1998 from Northwestern University and completed a one-year dental residency at Ravenswood Hospital in the windy city of Chicago. I completed my dental training in 2001 with a specialty degree in Orthodontics at the prestigious Children’s National Medical Center in Washington D.C. In 2006, I obtained my Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (the highest distinction achievable in the specialty of orthodontics).

Memberships & Associations

American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) – signifying the highest level of commitment in orthodontics.
American Association of Orthodontics (AAO)
Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists (PCSO)
American Dental Association (ADA)
Super Schulman Group (SSG)

Professional Life

I joined Hidden Valley Orthodontics in 2001 and we’ve been making smiles in the community for over 39 years.

Following my passion for teaching and advancing orthodontics, I’m also a National Advocate and speaker for Henry Schein who helps healthcare professionals deliver the best quality patient care. As an expert in my field, I lecture locally and nationally to teach other orthodontists and staff about Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Invisalign and the newest technologies we are using at our practice.

Beyond the Office

In addition to being an Orthodontist, I’m a baseball mom and full-time wife. My husband, Jeff Ciccarella, and boys, Jake and James, keep me grounded. Thanks to my boys, I understand the concerns parents may have regarding orthodontic treatment and I look forward to finding a solution that works for you!