Hidden Gems: Meet Christine Passmore of Cura Smiles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Passmore.

Hi Christine, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I became involved with Cura Smiles somewhat unexpectedly. At the time, I was pursuing a completely different career path but a close family friend who was connected to the organization encouraged me to learn more about the clinic and the impact it was having in the community. I agreed and quickly found myself deeply connected to the mission and the stories of the patients whose lives were being transformed through access to compassionate dental care.

What began as a simple introduction quickly turned into a sense of purpose. I felt a strong passion to the values and vision of Cura Smiles, and it became clear that this was where I was meant to be. Stepping into the role of Executive Director has been both humbling and inspiring, and I am honored to support the dedicated team that makes this work possible every day.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like many nonprofits, the road has not always been smooth. One of the biggest challenges we continue to face is funding. Providing high-quality, essential dental care completely free of charge can become very costly. From equipment and supplies to rent and staffing, the expenses add up quickly, and we rely entirely on the generosity of donors to keep the clinic running.

Every dollar, whether from a small monthly donation or a larger grant, goes directly toward helping someone receive the care they need and maintaining the clinic’s needs. While the financial uncertainty can be difficult, we’ve seen time and time again how this community shows up. That support is what allows us to continue serving those who might otherwise go without care.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Cura Smiles?
Cura Smiles is a nonprofit dental clinic based in City Heights, committed to providing sustainable, high-quality dental care to individuals and families who might not otherwise have access. Our mission extends beyond oral hygiene—we aim to restore dignity, alleviate pain, and help transform lives. Many of the patients we serve are immigrants, individuals experiencing homelessness, those in recovery, or members of low-income households, populations often left behind by traditional healthcare systems. At Cura Smiles, we believe everyone deserves the chance to smile with confidence and live free from the burden of untreated dental issues.

We provide a comprehensive range of services, including routine cleanings, exams, fillings, extractions, and denture fittings, all completely free of charge. But our care goes beyond procedures. We place a strong emphasis on preventative education, empowering patients with the knowledge to maintain their oral health long-term. Everything we do is centered around addressing not only the physical discomfort of dental problems but also the emotional and social impact that often comes with them.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, I believe we will continue to see a growing understanding that oral health is a vital part of overall health and well-being. Poor oral health is not just about cavities or toothaches; it is closely linked to a range of serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and chronic infections. What happens in the mouth can have lasting effects throughout the body.

Beyond the physical impact, the social and emotional consequences of untreated dental issues are often just as significant. Many of the individuals we serve struggle with low self-esteem, social isolation, or difficulty finding employment simply because of the appearance of their teeth. Being unable to smile comfortably or speak with confidence affects every aspect of a person’s life. As awareness continues to grow, I hope to see more conversations and resources focused not just on treatment but on the importance of restoring dignity and opportunity through access to basic dental care.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.curasmiles.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curasmiles/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CuraSmiles/

Image Credits
Cura Smiles