On March 8, National Dentist Day, it’s not just teeth that deserve attention — it’s the people behind them. In San Diego, Cura Smiles, a nonprofit providing free dental care to underserved communities, is highlighting the volunteer dentists and dental technicians whose skill, dedication, and generosity make its mission possible.
Among the volunteers, Wolf Lange stands out as a lifelong craftsman with a passion for restoring smiles. Raised in Germany as the son of a dentist, Lange trained in his homeland before honing his skills in Switzerland. He moved to San Diego in 1974, founding Grossmont Dental Laboratory in La Mesa. Over 45 years, he built the lab into a specialized implant reconstruction facility, earning a reputation for premium quality and trusted partnerships before retiring in 2018.
“When I retired, it didn’t take long before I started looking for ways to be of service,” Lange said. “It wasn’t until the opportunity at Cura Smiles presented itself that I thought this is a way I could give back. Why not use all those years of experience to do something of real value? It would be a waste to squander my expertise when it could be used in this way to help change the lives of others.”
Since 2020, Lange has volunteered at Cura Smiles, using his expertise to build and equip a dental lab where he fabricates dentures and partials for patients who might otherwise go without.
“It was important for Cura Smiles to establish an on-site laboratory so we could respond quickly to patients’ needs and collaborate directly with the treating dentist,” he said. “When we first set up the lab, we truly started from scratch…we later reconnected with the individual who had purchased my former laboratory eight years earlier, and he generously donated my original workbenches that were built specifically for this type of work. It has been both rewarding and nostalgic to use the very tools I once relied on in my own business.”
Lange’s European training informs every step of his work.
“American programs often concentrate on crown and bridge techniques, with less emphasis on orthodontics, dentures, or implantology, whereas European training focuses more holistically on oral anatomy, function, and overall restorative balance,” he said.
That foundation, combined with decades of experience in advanced restorative dentistry, allows him to design and fabricate both partial and full dentures with precision and care. Recent CAD/CAM technology donations from Argen Corp. now allow digitally produced full dentures, while Lange continues on-site fabrication for partials, relines, and repairs.
For many patients, the impact goes far beyond teeth.
“The role of a dental technician in restoring a patient’s smile goes far beyond creating dentures; it is most often more about restoring a person’s dignity,” Lange said. “Some have lived a long time unable to smile freely, speak without embarrassment, or enjoy a simple meal. But when we give someone a functional, natural-looking smile, we are not just replacing teeth; we are helping restore confidence, hope, and a real chance to feel a stronger sense of belonging and inclusion in society.”
Volunteering differs from his professional career, he said, in its emotional reward.
“It’s no longer about what I am going to be paid, but rather, about helping people who might never receive care otherwise … simply because it’s the right thing to do. The need among this population is immense, and we see every day how a restored smile can ripple outward, strengthening confidence, opening doors, and can quite literally change the course of someone’s life.”
He urges other dental professionals to consider volunteering: “You won’t regret giving of your time in this way. Using the vast expertise you’ve spent your whole career developing to serve those who are underserved … can change your life and impact your character. It has certainly changed my own life, and I can’t recommend volunteering in this capacity strongly enough.”
In 2025, Cura Smiles volunteers performed more than 1,500 procedures — from cleanings and fillings to full dentures and restorations. Lange is part of a broader network of dedicated professionals ensuring that San Diego residents in need can leave the clinic with a functional smile, renewed confidence, and a better chance to fully engage in their communities.
For more information on Cura Smiles, volunteering, or supporting their mission, visit www.curasmiles.org.
