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 fathers 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.
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 Womens 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 Childrens 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).
Following my passion for teaching and advancing orthodontics, Im 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.
In addition to being an Orthodontist, Im 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!
No. All orthodontists must be licensed to practice, but at this time only 1 in 3 orthodontists have continued on to become a board certified orthodontist. The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) certification process signifies a unique achievementa significant step beyond the two to three years of advanced education required for a dentist to become a specialist in orthodontics. The process requires the orthodontist to demonstrate actual accomplishments in patient care with detailed case reports on the treatment provided for a broad range of patient problems. Board certification is a voluntary achievement that all orthodontists do not choose to pursue. In order to become board certified by the ABO, an individual orthodontist is thoroughly interviewed by a highly respected panel of examiners to demonstrate their orthodontic knowledge, clinical skills and judgment.
One. The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is the only certifying board in the specialty that is recognized by the American Dental Association. The ABO was founded in 1929 and is the oldest specialty board in dentistry. The boards purpose is to elevate the quality of orthodontic care for the public by promoting excellence through certification, education and professional collaboration.
Successful completion of the examination process demonstrates the orthodontists highest commitment to excellence in orthodontics to both the orthodontic profession and the general public. It represents a commitment by a licensed specialist that he/she has the necessary knowledge base and skills to treat patients to the highest of standards. It exemplifies a practitioners commitment to continue to keep abreast of the latest advances in patient care, and to continue to deliver these latest advances to patients. Many orthodontists see it as a demonstration of their dedication to the specialty and the highest level of personal achievement.
Since the establishment of the ABO in 1929, the certification process requirements have continued to adjust to the demands of the specialty. Today, the process involves a thorough Written Examination (240 questions) covering all areas of information which an orthodontist should be knowledgeable. Successful completion of this board exam allows the orthodontist to proceed to the Clinical Examination where they present detailed case reports from their practice/residency, demonstrating a history of excellence in patient care. These cases are evaluated by a panel of examiners and later discussed during an oral examination where the applicant is tested on a wide variety of academic and clinical topics. After successful completion of these examinations, the orthodontist has officially achieved Board Certification, for a time-limited period. The orthodontist must go through Certification Renewal every 10 years to maintain their certification status by demonstrating this continued level of patient care.
Donna brings years of experience in public relations, marketing, managing and event planning to Hidden Valley Orthodontics. She is passionate about our local community and volunteers to make a difference!
After San Pasqual High Schools 20 year class reunion, she reunited with her high school sweetheart, Rich. They have 3 daughters between them, all have graduated from college and gainfully employed. Rich and Donna enjoy traveling, volunteering and all their special times with friends & family.
Terry draws upon her customer service skills and passion for creating the best experience in her job as Treatment Coordinator. She loves building relationships with patients and their families. Terry is the proud mom of 3 children, who she raised here in Escondido and loves being Mimi to her beautiful granddaughter. She enjoys road cycling, mountain biking, hiking and skiing with her husband of 34 years.
Landa has been in the dental field for more than 10 years and joined the HVO team in 2013. She speaks Spanish fluently and is a great asset to our team. Landa may be one of the first friendly voices you hear when you call HVO! She was born and raised in Escondido and is a proud mother of two active young boys. She enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach and hiking around the hills of Escondido!
Being part of Hidden Valley Orthodontics is like having sisters you get to work and play with daily. I love the energy here and helping patients have a wonderful experience and a beautiful smile makes for a great day.
Nancy was raised here in Escondido and still calls The Hidden City home with her husband of 30 years. In her free time, Nancy loves spending time with her husband, kids, French mastiff and three cats. She also enjoys traveling and mountain biking with her husband on local hiking trails.
Im passionate about connecting with patients and making sure theyre smiling every step of the way. Its super exciting to see the huge beautiful smiles on patients faces when they see their new smile for the first time. Thats my favorite moment.
Linda has more than 35 plus years of orthodontic experience and joined the Hidden Valley Orthodontic team in 2002 as Scheduling Coordinator. She is now the Financial and Insurance Coordinator and is enjoy making it happen for our families! Linda enjoys building relationships with the families at Hidden Valley and would love for you to visit her in her office!
Shes happily married to Ron, her high school sweetheart, and they have 3 grown daughters and an adorable grandson, Noah and three precious granddaughters Evelyn, Lillian and Vera June. Shes a wine aficionado, movie lover, and trivia buff!
Michelle has been in dentistry for over 20 years and came to HVO as an intern. Immediately she knew this was the place she wanted to work! Shes a Registered Dental Assistant and has been a part of the HVO team since 1996.
She loves the fun and positive environment but her favorite part of the day is getting to know the patients. Michelle lives in Oceanside with her wonderful husband Chris and two handsome sons Matthew and Isaac. Her favorite things to do are spending time with her beautiful granddaughter Tori, being outdoors with family, and playing Call of Duty with her sons.
Thalia joined the Hidden Valley Orthodontics team in 2014. She may be one of the first back office team members that you meet. Thalia handles all of our digital x-rays used in treatment planning and tracking your progress. Making your first visit fun, exciting and welcoming is her number one goal. She loves being a part of such an amazing and caring team. Family is her #1 priority!
Cassi is an RDA who started working in the dental field right out of high school. She is a local, born and raised in Fallbrook, and then moved to Escondido with her husband in 2015. The team and our patients love her energy level. Cassi always has a smile and just wants you to have fun. She loves riding motorcycles during the summer and spending time in the desert in the winter.
Jennifer has been with the HVO team since 2008. She is using her many years of dental experience by running our in-house lab. Technology is important at HVO! Using our three 3D scanners, 3Shape software and two 3D printers, Jen is keeping us on the forefront of orthodontic treatment plus no gooey impressions! She is a lifelong resident of Escondido and enjoys spending tine with family and watching her daughter play softball.
Maile, our friendly X-Ray Technician, started working at HVO right out of high school in 2019. Born and raised in nearby Ramona where she still lives, Mailes the youngest of 6 kids and loves to spend time with her family, especially at the desert and river. She also enjoys going to the gym and hiking in her free time. Something you probably didnt know about Maile is that she can say her ABCs backwards!
I love coming to work and getting to spend time with this amazing team whove become such good friends. Not to mention how amazing it is to see peoples confidence soar after they get the smile they always wanted!