It’s a far cry from conditions at the Project Yeti clinic in Nepal, where Ms Leccas will volunteer for a week in September.

Project Yeti is a free dental clinic in Kathmandu that was established by retired South Australian dentist Dr George Manos and his wife Helen at the Kopan Monastery in 2012.

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

The project is part of a rewards system for professional and personal development for Happy Tooth employees and Ms Leccas was chosen due to her excellent job performance.

The equipment used in the Kathmandu clinic is basic at best and only just meets the needs of the dentists and their assistants. 

Ms Leccas is aware that it will be a challenge to adapt to the poor conditions of Nepal but she knows that the work she will be doing is important.

“It means a lot to me to make the journey to Nepal and help people who are less fortunate than me,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to working in a different environment and helping people in general.

“I know that the clinics in Nepal are extremely different compared to the ones that I am used to working in. It’s a challenge that I am excited to overcome.”

Ms Leccas will be joined by staff from The Happy Tooth Muswellbrook and Singleton for the week-long stint at the clinic.

The Happy Tooth regional manager, Megan Budd made the journey to Nepal last year and has been mentoring Ms Leccas on what to expect when she arrives.

“One of the biggest challenges that (they) will face will be not knowing who will walk through the door asking for help,” Ms Budd said.

“Working within the monasteries brings a lot of politics that has to be complied with to be able to treat the patients.”

The Happy Tooth staff will be bringing along some of their own equipment such as toothbrushes and a cleaning instrument for the equipment.

The dental practice has contributed financially towards travel costs, and is fundraising for uniforms, visas and travel insurance.

Thread and Ink Workwear has supplied the uniforms and Vineyard Shuttle Service will be also be sponsoring the trip. The Happy Tooth is grateful for their contributions.

Call into The Happy Tooth at 57 Vincent Street, Cessnock to make a donation or buy a raffle ticket.