Smile La Jolla

La Jolla, United States

3.7

20 reviews

By Appointment Only

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 858-452-5520
Website:
www.smilelajolla.com
Address:
8950 Villa La Jolla Dr Ste A-105, La Jolla, CA, 92037
b/t Holiday Ct & La Jolla Village Dr
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.3 miNobel Drive
0.4 miVA Medical Center
0.4 miGilman Dr & Villa La Jolla Dr
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Bussiness info

By Appointment Only
Yes

Today

Today –
Local time (La Jolla) 22:21 Sunday, 22 June 2025

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Thomas Lange, DDS, FAGD, Melissa Minger, DMD, and Cathy Oleksy, DDS, are the heart of the dental practice, Dr. Lange founded more than thirty years ago. These seasoned professionals work to ensure the highest level of expertise and technology for each and every patient, firmly believing treatment plans should be unique to the individual. Whether it is cosmetic dentistry or preventive treatment, patients from the areas of UTC, La Jolla, and San Diego can expect just that. Your optimal dental health is their top priority. Drs. Lange, Minger and Oleksy are proud to extend a full range of general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services to you and your family, such as:

Routine Care

Dental Implants

Dental Crowns Made in 1 day (Cerac) Denture/​Partials

3D Dental Imagining

Dental Bridges

Root Canals

Tooth Colored Fillings

Tooth Whitening

Tooth Bonding

Laser

Air Abrasion (fillings done without Novocaine/​shots)

Cosmetics and Veneers

Clear Removable Braces

History

Established in 1977.

In 1977 Dr. Lange started his present practice in La Jolla and 33 years later his strong commitment to giving his patients the best remains true. His many long term loyal patients feel they are part of a close family and have always received excellent care.

Please see our 782 glowing certified reviews from our actual patients on our website, Demandforce and Facebook.

Meet the Business Owner

Drs. Thomas Lange, Melissa Minger and Catherine Oleksy L.

Business Owner

Dr. Thomas Lange Education:

Bachelor of Arts — Ohio Wesleyan University

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Temple University School of Dentistry

Dr. Melissa Minger Education:

Bachelor of Science — Converse College

Doctor of Dental Medicine– Medical University of South Carolina

Advanced Education General Dentistry– University of Florida

Dr. Catherine Oleksy Education:

Bachelor of Science — California State University, Hayward

Doctor of Dental Surgery — University of California at Los Angeles School of Dentistry

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20 reviews of Smile La Jolla

No registration required
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I was given first-​rate treatment and advice by two of the dentists, and
all in a very caring way. I was faced with decisions about a tooth extraction and an implant
and was given excellent treatment. In addition, the dental hygienist
was superb. This office has state-​of-​the art equipment and is not only
attractive and comfortable, but it is very well run.
Place rating: 1
San Diego, CA
Dr. Lange put a HUGE filling into my perfectly fine tooth in 2005. His office was next to UCSD at that time where I used to work. I know that my tooth was perfectly fine because I got the before and after x-​rays and showed them to two other dentists, one being my cousin in another state. He carved out most of the tooth leaving an extremely small piece of it. You can all see it in the x-​ray. And of course I ended up having to get a root canal and crown because the filling leaked. The bigger the filling you get the more problems you will have later. Then I broke that crown three times, now I need to get a golden crown on because nothing else works and I am only 36.
The fact that I broke the crowns were not his fault, but I wouldn’t even need a crown if he left my healthy tooth alone. After 10 years I decided to write this review.
His poor diagnostic (thinking that my fine teeth had a cavity) and dentistry (making an unnecessarily huge filling) skills have caused me a lot of problems.
Place rating: 1
San Diego, CA
This is my second attempt at posting my Unilocal review! The last time I posted one, Thomas Lange objected to the fact that I made reference to my daughter’s horrific experience and said it was hearsay! Loren’s posting is below. Perhaps he should spend more time giving professional and ethical treatment to patients so he would get invaluable referrals rather than spending time cleaning up his poor Unilocal reviews!!!
I went to the office of Thomas Lange for a cleaning. After the cleaning he wanted to take x rays. I told him no as I had taken them recently. It is my right to refuse treatment. Despite this, I felt very pressured and uncomfortable by Thomas Lange and couldn’t wait to get out of there. Because I refused to get x rays he would not discuss or give me a printed treatment plan. He then had the audacity to not only charge me for a cleaning, but for a consultation too. I was also told that he would not clean my teeth again if I did not have x rays!!!
I will not be bullied and found a very honest and professional dentist with a thriving practice. If anyone needs a referral, do not hesitate to contact me. If you have been treated unethically by this dentist, speak out on Unilocal and file a report with the Dental Board of California. I did!!!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Dr Lange had helped me beyond words. He is honest and up front, and won’t take advantage of you like so many other dentists will. He really emphasized prevention, which has helped me greatly.
The office staff is friendly and accommodating. When I need to reschedule, sometimes last minute, they make every effort to get me in.
The hygienists are awesome and super-​friendly, and the TV’s on the ceiling are sweet. Even when I had my deep cleaning, which can be hell on earth, my hygienist made it a smooth and easy experience.
I recommend then to all my friends and colleagues. A+ service!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Dr. Cathy Oleksy is the best dentist! She’s very thorough and explains everything — our whole family sees her and the kids (8 & 10) love her! Valerie is a great hygienist — also very thorough and kind. Highly recommend this practice!
Place rating: 1
Palo Alto, CA
Ok I’m sorry this place looks really fancy and well-kept…but I went there as a new patient, they totally took advantage of me. Dr. Minger filled one of my teeth, and it was sensitive for a few days so she leveled it out a bit more, still was sensitive, so WITHOUT any exam she referred me to a root canal specialist to get a ROOT CANAL. I went to my own dentist back home, who i’ve seen for years, and upon xray of the filling Dr Minger did for me, she saw a bubble. I still to this day have sensitivity because of that filling which could be fixed by re-​doing the filling that Dr. Minger did. And she told me to go get a root canal. This was over 1 year ago. Super disappointing. I never went back again.
Place rating: 1
La Mesa, CA
I was extremely disillusioned with this dentist. Yes, I’m cognizant of his several good reviews. Yet, not everyone was pleased as the discriminating prospective patient will quickly discern. Quite frankly, he was misleading and self-​righteous. He led me down a primrose path, and I truly resent him for it. Logically, why would I take the time to write this review if I were treated in a caring and fair manner? I implore you to see a dentist with genuine integrity. In fact, Unilocal has several dentists in the San Diego area with nothing but 5-​star reviews. Why not see a dentist who has no negative feedback whatsoever? And, finally and compellingly, his gloves smelled of mildew.
Place rating: 5
Del Mar, CA
I hate the dentist but love Dr. Lange! No one has more anxiety than me!
Place rating: 2
San Jose, CA
I took an appointment with Dr. Thomas Lange on recommendation of one of my coworkers.
I was given appointment of 1 hour for my routine exam. After taking the x-​rays, the assistant mentioned that my appointment is supposed to last for 1.5 hours. Fine, there could have been some misunderstanding or maybe x-​rays took longer than expected. When I told her that I cannot stay for 1.5 hour as I have go to back to work, she rushed to the receptionist and came back with conclusion that they are still going to do teeth cleaning but they would finish it in remaining time.
The hygienist rushed through the cleaning process and wrapped it up in whatever time was left.
I strongly feel that I should have been given appointment for cleaning on another day and time.
Oh another thing, I never got to see Dr. Lange during my entire visit! Well, I researched on Dr. Lange’s work and booked an appointment with him and I don’t get to see him at all?
By the way, this happened more than a year ago, I just got chance to write review now after coming from another Dentist’s office and realizing how pleasant the experience could get.
Place rating: 5
Antioch, CA
Looking for an amazing dentist? Here’s your place. I hadn’t been to the dentist in over 2 years for personal reasons but when I came here I immediately felt welcomed. The receptionist Beth is incredibly kind and makes you feel comfortable until you’re called to the back. I don’t remember the name of the woman who cleaned my teeth but she was AMAZING! Upon sitting down I was offered a blanket and a heated neck warmer. Then while they were working on me, so I wouldn’t have to listen to the scraping and other unwanted dental sounds, the television they use for work use also has cable and I was given some comfortable headphones, a remote, and the tv in front of me while they went to work. Talk about luxury!
During the cleaning, she made sure to numb my gums and any time I felt discomfort she understood and stopped or had a lighter hand.
Lastly, my x-​rays and check up went great! Dr. Oleksy was amazing! She did such in an depth check-​up, made notes on everything, and had such a pleasing personality.
It’s very rare one is excited to go back to the dentist but I am most definitely looking forward to my next visit.
5 stars!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Dr. Lange and his talented staff have always gone that extra mile to make me like coming to the dentist. They do do topnotch, state of the art work. They are marble in a world of formica. Do yourself a favor and let them wow you.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
The best!!! This office is my home away from home. Dr. Lange and his staff (and Dr. Minger) have been taking care of my dental needs with kindness and professionalism since my son was 4. He is now 35. They are part of my family.
Place rating: 5
Escondido, CA
Dr. Lange and the Smile La Jolla team have been taking care of me for over 25 years. From upkeep/​maintenance work to repairing traumatic injuries, the high quality care is truly unmatched. I have never met another dentist that cares as much as Dr. Lange about the comfort of his or her patients. This character of concern for Lange’s patients is also reflected by the entire Smile staff as each new member appears carefully chosen to be a part of the practice. Over the last 25 years that I have been a patient, the effort to remain cutting edge has been evident and I have never had a bad experience. I am confident that anyone who listens to my referral and gives Smile a chance will quickly become a lifelong patient.
Place rating: 5
San Jose, CA
Best dental group! Everyone is always so nice and friendly.
Place rating: 1
San Diego, CA
Said I had 14 cavities. I was suspicious since I had never had a cavity in my life. Went to my childhood dentist and my suspicions were confirmed — no cavities, my teeth were in great shape. Stay away from this place unless you want to get scammed!
Place rating: 5
Vista, CA
I had work done today at Smile La Jolla and can honestly say they are the best dentist I have ever been to. I recommend them to everyone. I have had some really terrible dentist experiences causing me to avoid the dentist in the past and I can now say I will no longer be afraid and fully take advantage of the dental insurance Ive been paying for. At Smile La Jolla everyone gets their own TV so you can watch what you want while getting your work done. Their x-​ray machine is digital so there were no uncomfortable cardboard slides digging into my cheek. During the drilling they had used some sort of flexible rubber cloth to cover the area of my mouth that wasn’t being worked on which prevented any tooth debris from falling into my mouth and kept my fear of a stray drill at bay. I felt very comfortable throughout my experience and will be going back with a smile on my face.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I love my dentist! I have been going to Dr. Lange for many years. It is always easy to make appointments. I never have to wait to get seen. Also, my hygienist, Abby, is so thoughtful and always makes me comfortable. I get a warm neck pillow, a blanket, and watch TV with headphones, while she is working. It makes going to the dentist a relaxing experience that I look forward to each time!
Place rating: 5
Pasadena, CA
During the years that I was a student at UC San Diego, Dr. Lange was my general dentist. For anyone on campus looking for a dentist (or anyone from the community in general looking for one), look no further! Dr. Lange has such a great bedside manner, and he and his staff are very professional, friendly, and courteous. During the last few years that I saw him (I’ve since moved back to Los Angeles), his office expanded in space, and it is now super comfortable for anyone getting a procedure done here. Probably the highlight are the TV screens positioned at every chair, with satellite/​cable TV access! Watch TV as you get your teeth cleaned or teeth filled! Again, his staff is super super friendly. I cannot speak highly enough of him and his staff, as well as his office. Dr. Lange set the standard when I started searching for a new dentist upon moving back to Los Angeles after graduation from UC San Diego.
Tip: For students who live on campus, there is a pedestrian bridge that leads from the Medical School parking lots to La Jolla Village Drive, and near Dr. Lange’s office. The pedestrian bridge crosses La Jolla Village Drive. Perfect for riding your bike to the dentist! The complex where his office is located has bike parking underneath.
Place rating: 2
San Diego, CA
Never go to a cosmetic dentist, when you are happy with your smile and need regular dental work. They will still tell you all about what is «wrong» with your smile. Not a good feeling when you walk in happy, confident with your smile and leave feeling saddened about your imperfections.
Place rating: 5
Savannah, GA
Do you need a dentist? Look no further! I have been going to Dr. Lange since I was 3 years old. And he and his staff are amazing. He has recently brought on another younger dentist, Dr. Montoya, to help with his patient load; both are wonderful.
The staff there is sooooo nice! From the receptionist to the hygienist it is a very pleasant experience. Not to mention that they have flat screen TVs on the ceiling for you to watch while you are being worked on. In addition to regular dentistry, they also specialize in cosmetic dentistry. They’re awesome!