A personal note from Dr. Courtney Lavigne…

To my most valued patients,

It is with mixed emotions that I share the news that I have been accepted into the two-year orthodontic residency program at Tufts University commencing this July. 

The last five-and-a-half years have been so many things to me, both personally and professionally. You have trusted me with your oral health, many of you in very personal ways, with very complex treatment needs and esthetic goals. I have valued the trust of each and every one of you, and have never taken it for granted that you chose to place your care in my hands. For that, I can never thank you enough or truly articulate my appreciation.

After an incredible amount of soul-searching and countless conversations with my extremely patient husband, I have decided to return to residency to specialize in orthodontics. It is a calling I haven’t been able to silence, and a new adventure I can’t wait to embark on. As many of you know, I have personally struggled with the health repercussions of sleep-disordered breathing for a large majority of my life. Four years ago I was at a lecture where I started to put the pieces together for my own health needs, and realized many of the solutions involved dental care. Specifically, orthodontics. It sparked a thirst for learning more about orthodontics that ultimately led me to writing this letter today.

The most difficult part of this decision was ensuring that I could confidently leave my amazing team and my loyal patients in good hands. You have chosen to come to Courtney Lavigne Dentistry because you recognize that not all dental experiences are created equal. My practice was built with love and integrity. It was imperative I find someone that would continue to take care of patients I’ve already treated and those awaiting treatment with the same level of care in complex treatment and cosmetics that our practice has become known for.

Many of you know about my passion for learning, teaching, and staying on the cutting edge of dentistry. My personal friend and colleague Dr. Miguel A. Ortiz is one of the only people I can think of that matches that palpable love for the art of dentistry.

Dr. Miguel A. Ortiz and I met several years ago when I attended one of his dental seminars seeking to improve my own skills. He is a graduate of Harvard School of Dental Medicine, a prosthodontist, a trained laboratory technician, an educator, a published author of the #1 selling dental book in North America in 2019, and perhaps one of the most well-known dental educators and dentists today. His world-wide presence and clinical skills are one-of-a-kind. As a prosthodontist, he completed three additional years of intense residency training in Chicago in order to perform the most complex dental treatments at the highest level.  

I would have zero hesitation in allowing Dr. Ortiz to complete my own dental care, and I am confident he will put the same love and integrity in taking care of you that I have. He has been the dentist I’ve referred patients to when the complexity of the case was beyond my own skill level and I’m elated to be able to bring you the expertise of such a talented practitioner. You are in good hands. 

In addition to Dr. Ortiz, you’ll also have the privilege of meeting his wife, Colleen who will be an instrumental team member. Together they are the lovely parents of 3 young children, Lucas, Marcos and Tadeo.

For those of you that have become comfortable with Dr. Alexandra Arnold, she will remain a key member here and be available to continue serving your dental needs. And for all of you that have come to love my support team of rockstars as much as I do, they will remain here for your continued care. Ashley and Denise will be here to assist during your treatment, and you’ll be able to see Carly and Stephanie for your hygiene visits. 

The level of care, the heightened customer service, and the caring environment you’ve come to know at Courtney Lavigne Dentistry will remain the same under Dr. Miguel A. Ortiz. I’ll be here through the winter and into the spring before starting school to help ensure the transition is a smooth one and to complete treatment that is already underway. If you’ve scheduled an appointment with me, you’ll remain scheduled with me for your visit.

While I feel fortunate and extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to return to school later in my career, I will miss treating each one of you and your families. It has been an honor.

With sincere appreciation,
Courtney Lavigne