Performing dental work might not seem like an act of spiritual service, but for some people, it’s a privilege and a gift to do.
One of them is local dentist Lindy Rucks, who works at the Smile More La Jolla dental practice in The Village and embraced that philosophy as the first volunteer dentist at the Cura Smiles clinic in City Heights.
Cura Smiles is a nonprofit dental clinic that provides free care to underserved populations, including immigrants, those in addiction recovery, people experiencing homelessness and low-income families.
Having grown up in a small rural community in Sycamore, Ill., where the dentist’s office was literally on Main Street, Rucks grew up understanding the power of dentistry.
“I grew up seeing our local dentist as a noted member of the community and someone people respected,” Rucks said. “I decided when I was young to go into dentistry to do something community-oriented. It allowed me to use my interest in science to help those around me.”
She received her dental training at the University of Illinois in Chicago and soon founded her own practice nearby, where she worked for 10 “rewarding” years and ed the local dental society.
Through the dental society, she explored ways for her practice to be of a higher level of service to the community. Thus, she sponsored sports teams and got involved with local schools. From there, she started volunteering a few days a month at the local free clinic.
In 2016, she moved to San Diego with her husband, Bruce, and daughters Laura, Gretta and Holly. At first, she stayed home with the children, but soon realized she missed working.
After a few temporary positions, Rucks landed at Smile More La Jolla, where she has worked the past six years.
During one of her temporary positions, Rucks befriended another dentist who was working with a new clinic for people unable to get services elsewhere.
“We shared the same beliefs and she helped me find my Christian community in San Diego,” Rucks said. “When she reached out [in 2020] and told me about Cura Smiles, I was all on board.”
The Cura Smiles clinic performs dentistry such as filling and repairing teeth, extractions and partial and full dentures.
“The patients come from all over, and some have not seen a dentist in years,” Rucks said. “Those patients are the most rewarding, because giving them back a smile allows them to re-enter society how they want to. It is so rewarding. We can reach the patients with the most need.”
Cura Smiles is seeking more dentists and hygienists who would like to volunteer their services to meet rising demand.
The experience of working with patients across San Diego — both at Smile More La Jolla and Cura Smiles — has given Rucks a new appreciation for good dental care.
“Not everyone understands how debilitating it can be for those that don’t have good oral hygiene,” she said. “It is such a privilege that we have the proper tools and understand the causes of poor oral health. Dental health can be a big factor for your mental and overall health. I hope people appreciate that.”
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