As a provider in the field of dentistry, I am approached by a number of for-profit and non-profit organizations to donate time or monetary funds. Since I have limitations with both, I prefer to restrict my energy and resources toward a few organizations whose providers are passionate and driven, and whose establishment has a strategy design with proven results. Project Healthy Smiles succeeds in this. I've had the pleasure to meet Michelle Patterson prior to her conception of Project Healthy Smiles. I found her as a compassionate individual who, after a journey to Vietnam and meeting orphaned children, truly wanted to make their lives better. In the field of dentistry, we are aware of how important prevention is. Unfortunately, this accepted belief is not emphasized in all cultures. I am proud of Michelle for unselfishly spending her own personal resources and time to educate children who are oftentimes overlooked and forgotten. Project Healthy Smiles enables them with knowledge and tools that will help alter their dental habits and therefore improve their long-term health. I do believe in the structure of Project Healthy Smiles but, most importantly, I believe in Michelle's heartfelt benevolence and goodwill towards these young children.

I have done volunteer work with Michelle in Vietnam, and seen the know-how and passion she has for working with orphans and vulnerable children. She is incredibly passionate about her work with PHS and it shows itself in the results on the ground.