OUR FOUNDERS

In 2001, Dave Prince, Nate Lester, and Mark Johnson met while attending dental school at Case Western Reserve School of Medical Dentistry in Cleveland, Ohio. That chapter of their lives deserves its own book: practical jokes, preceptor interactions, study groups, family adventures, and miracles. But we’ll focus here on the chapter that involves humanitarian work. During dental school in 2004, Dave was invited to go on a dental mission to Guatemala with his dad, who is a dentist. He had amazing first hand experience with tooth extractions, learning from older dentists, and loved using the Spanish he had learned while living in Argentina. Because Nate also speaks Spanish, Dave was able to invite him on their trip the following year. Through a series of miracles, Nate was able to acquire the necessary funding to go to Guatemala. That trip changed their lives forever. It put them on a trajectory that has led to the founding of The PLJ Foundation. As Dave and Nate left Guatemala their first year together, they contemplated the logistics of going on a mission the following year as first year dentists, as they worked to establish and maintain their respective practices in Midway, Utah and Evanston, Wyoming. Dr. Gary Brown and his wife Ann, shared some wisdom that they now call the “Dr. Brown Principle.” He told them that even though they may feel like they can’t afford to go, the truth was that they couldn’t afford not to go. Dr. Prince and Dr. Lester live by that principle. Dr. Brown’s principle and his example to them as a friend and mentor have been invaluable and instilled a deep love of service. Dave has returned to Guatemala every year since. In 2008 Nate was unable to go due to health concerns, but has returned every other year. In 2011 they persuaded Dr. Johnson to give it a try, even though his Marshallese language skills wouldn’t be very helpful in a Spanish-speaking country, and he was immediately hooked. He commits a week every year to leave his Star Valley, Wyoming practice to serve the people in Guatemala. He too discovered a principle that is difficult to put into words but very provable in practicality. That is, as one is lost in this great service, one is found. This translated into a new vision of practice and love of dentistry for Dr. Johnson.

These three doctors owe a great deal to the Hirsche Smiles Foundation that mentored them in those early years of service. In 2010, Nate was asked to serve as a member of the board of directors for the Hirsche Smiles Foundation and learned many of the logistics of a successful trip and systems that have proven invaluable to their efforts.

The vision and ambition of Dave, Nate, and Mark is inspiring. The love of their profession and their love for the people of Guatemala translates into an energetic team that provides excellent service. Truly the unsung heroes in our operation are our wives and families that allow us to go and serve. Angie Prince, Kristie Lester, and Kammi Johnson truly play an equal role to that of their husbands. From planning logistics, booking flights, organizing and packing humanitarian supplies, working tirelessly as assistants in the field, comforting those that need comforted, and being equal partners with their husbands. It is our hope that we can expand the number of missions that are sent in a year, and therefore the number of people who can benefit from the care and compassion that we can give.