Operation Smile

“I began my involvement with Operation Smile in High School after I heard Jose Villegas, a young man, tell his story about how his surgery through Operation Smile changed his life. His story really inspired me. My involvement led me to a mission to Nicaragua and then to a mission to Gaza when I was at the University of Virginia. I realized then that oral health access was a true luxury in many parts of the world. I became eager to work with children and advocate for better oral health for all children. Operation Smile provides free reconstructive cleft surgeries for all children globally. I continue to volunteer with Operation Smile, and go back to Vietnam regularly. I love that I am able to share what I have learned & hope to inspire my patients to get involved.”
-Neda Kalantar