Temecula Dentist Helps Underserved Community on National Dentist Day

Dr. Michelle Chan volunteers with local dental nonprofit Cura Smiles to provide free services.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A Temecula-based dentist, Dr. Michelle Chan, is volunteering with the local dental nonprofit Cura Smiles to provide free dental services to underserved communities. Dr. Chan, a recent graduate of Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, is continuing her family's legacy of community service and healthcare work.

Why it matters

Access to affordable dental care remains a challenge for many low-income and underserved populations. Initiatives like Cura Smiles help fill this gap by offering free dental services to those in need, improving overall community health and well-being.

The details

Dr. Michelle Chan, a Temecula-based dentist, has already participated in volunteer dental trips to Honduras and Mexico. Now, she is expanding her commitment to compassionate care by joining the Cura Smiles Volunteer Dental program, which has a team of 46 volunteers providing free services. Dr. Chan comes from a family with a strong legacy of healthcare and community service, with more than 20 family members pursuing careers in the medical field.

  • Dr. Chan recently graduated from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry.
  • Dr. Chan is now embarking on her volunteer journey with Cura Smiles.

The players

Dr. Michelle Chan

A Temecula-based dentist and recent graduate of Loma Linda University School of Dentistry who is volunteering with the Cura Smiles Volunteer Dental program to provide free services to underserved communities.

Cura Smiles

A local dental nonprofit organization that provides free dental services to underserved populations in Southern California.

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What they’re saying

“We're creating brighter futures, one smile at a time,”

— Cura Smiles spokesperson (Patch.com)

“She carries forward a powerful family legacy that began with her immigrant grandfather, who came to the United States from Guyana, became a physician, and dedicated his life to giving back, a legacy continued by her father, a fellow Loma Linda graduate, and more than 20 members of the Chan family who have pursued careers in healthcare.”

— Cura Smiles spokesperson (Patch.com)

“is honored to live out these values through her work with Cura Smiles.”

— Dr. Michelle Chan (Patch.com)

What’s next

Dr. Chan plans to continue her volunteer work with Cura Smiles, expanding access to compassionate dental care both locally and globally.

The takeaway

Dr. Michelle Chan's commitment to community service and her family's legacy of healthcare work exemplify the positive impact that dedicated professionals can have in addressing gaps in dental care for underserved populations.