She has been selected alongside three other volunteers from other Happy Tooth branches including Dr Jessie Burling (a former employee of the Singleton practice). 

“I love my job here and this is such an awesome opportunity they have given me,” explains Michelle. 

Michelle has over thirty years of dentistry experience and has been at the Happy Tooth Singleton branch for just over four years.

Project Yeti host a volunteer dental clinic at the Monastery every two years.

The organisation’s aim is to provide a high level of dental care to the underprivileged people of Nepal, including monks, nuns and orphans.

Michelle is bubbling with excitement as the trip creeps closer to departure. 

“I have an interest in Buddhism anyway, so to be able to go on this trip and meet the monks, speak to the Nepalese people and have firsthand interactions with the people and the culture is going to be awesome.” 

Michelle and the Happy Tooth team have been fundraising since last year to be able to make the trip as well as fulfil the ‘wishlist’ the Nepalese have created, which includes basic instruments, toiletries, bedding and shoes. 

“We physically can’t take too much over there so any coin or cash donations will go a long way as we plan to purchase the gifts in Nepal,” she added.

Michelle is looking forward to getting firsthand experience and already feels how rewarding the trip will be.

“I am very lucky to have this opportunity to travel and work in my profession, it’s very exciting.” 

Michelle and the team are still seeking donations. 

Donations can be made at the Happy Tooth dental practice on John Street or head to https://www.projectyeti.org/donate.