Bruce O. Lensch, DDS, CDA past president, died August 31, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. He was 87 years old.
Dr. Lensch was an advocate for organized dentistry and a respected leader among his peers and within his community.
He was born October 7, 1934, in Beaver Creek, Minnesota, where he spent his earliest years before his family relocated to Southern California in 1940. Lensch’s work ethic and community involvement began to blossom at young age. He began working small jobs at the age of 10 and maintained a steady stream of work through adulthood. After being accepted into Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC in 1956, he continued working full time to put himself through school.
After graduating from dental school, Lensch accepted an internship with the United States Air Force. He interned in El Paso, Texas, and later served as a captain in Minot, North Dakota. In 1963, he returned to Southern California and planted his roots in Chino, where he established a thriving dental practice.
Lensch was passionate about dentistry and spent many years in leadership positions across respected professional associations.
As a long-time CDA member, he served as a delegate to CDA’s House of Delegates, treasurer, secretary and vice president before becoming president of the association in 1983. Additionally, he was president of the Tri-County Dental Society, chairman of the Board of Oral Health America and a regent of the International College of Dentists.
He also dedicated his time and efforts to supporting the younger generation of dental professionals and served in many capacities at his alma mater, including instructor, assistant, associate and clinical professor.
His leadership and service reached beyond dentistry. Lensch spent many years as a Chino City councilman and served as president of the Chino Kiwanis Club, Immanuel Lutheran Church and the Chino Civic Center Authority.
He was married to his wife, Audrey, for 64 years and is survived by two children (Linda and Bruce), four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A memorial in his honor will be held October, 8, 2022, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Chino, California.