Our Mission

Dr. Greg Kjar and Dr. Dan Sellars founded the Operation Smile Utah Chapter in 1984. The Utah Chapter has supported Operation Smile for 24 years and has provided hundreds of medical and non-medical volunteers over the years. The medical volunteers, the Utah Chapter Board, corporations, foundations, families and students have been instrumental to the growth of Operation Smile as an organization.

There are more than 700 Student Club volunteers lead by Wade Hooten, Student Programs Director, who is based in Utah and has created the "Be Somebody" program for students to join and be a part of Operation Smile starting in their high school years.

Operation Smile Utah has promoted a family approach in assisting Operation Smile to carry out its mission. The Utah Chapter Board members, supporters and entire families such as the Watkins, Osterlohs, Nebekers, and Smith families have paved the road for Operation Smile in Utah to help create smiles for children all over the world.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." – Margaret Mead