In April 2021, orthodontist Dr. Dovi Prero attended the funeral of his patient, Noah Arnold, at Beth Jacob Congregation in Beverly Hills.
Noah, just 15 years old, tragically lost his life in a hit-and-run accident.
During the service, Noah’s mother spoke about her son’s loving spirit and his volunteer work at Friendship Circle in Los Angeles, where he helped children with special needs. She also highlighted the significant impact Dr. Prero had on Noah during his orthodontic treatment.
“I was blown away. I’m just an orthodontist. I didn’t have a spiritual relationship with him—why would she mention me?” Dr. Prero told the Journal.
He later realized that his influence on Noah was more profound than he had thought. “Noah had a small jaw, and we made it bigger, giving him a beautiful smile. My practice was just starting, so I had more time to spend with him. We would chat, and I even recommended some books for him to read,” Prero said.
Sadly, a year after completing his treatment, Noah was struck by a car, leading to seizures that ultimately took his life.
Dr. Prero was deeply moved by the words of Noah’s mother and felt inspired to honor his memory. “I thought about how I could help keep his memory alive,” he said.
This inspiration led to the creation of the “Smiles for Noah” kindness project.
The project’s website states: “Noah’s smile was infectious and his positive attitude inspired everyone who knew him. He was a kind soul who stood up for those less fortunate. In honor of Noah’s memory, Dr. Prero will provide orthodontic treatment to underserved patients who may be bullied about their smiles and lack access to care. The goal of Smiles for Noah is to give these patients the confidence and self-esteem that come with a beautiful #PreroSmile, just like Noah’s.”
Since launching the project, Dr. Prero has treated many teens in need of braces. One notable case involved a girl who dedicated her teenage years to caring for her sick father. “She always wanted braces, but it was out of reach financially. I told her that while her father couldn’t provide this for her during his life, in honor of the care she gave him, I would include her in this program as if it were her father taking care of her orthodontic treatment,” Prero explained.
Orthodontic treatment can take several years, making this kindness project a long-term commitment. Dr. Prero is dedicated to the 15 patients receiving braces through Smiles for Noah. “Many have faced life-changing experiences,” he said. “While orthodontic treatment is necessary, it often gets pushed aside. Some have lost parents or dealt with serious illnesses. They often think, ‘It’s OK; my teeth are a little crooked, but I can live with that.’”
Dr. Prero grew up in an Orthodox family in Chicago as one of 11 children and was encouraged by his mother to pursue orthodontics. “I saw the positive impact orthodontists had on me and my siblings,” he said. “What I love about orthodontics is seeing my patients every month or two. It’s beautiful to watch them grow more confident thanks to the power of a smile.”
After attending dental school at UCLA and completing his orthodontic residency at USC, he opened his clinic in Beverly Hills.
“In dental school, there was always a strong emphasis on helping underserved communities,” he noted. “It was a recurring topic in many classes about making dental care accessible to those who can’t afford it. It’s our way of giving back—a moral and ethical responsibility for me, embodying the principle of ‘V’Ahavta Lereiacha Kamocha’ (And love your neighbor as yourself).” Noah’s parents have been deeply touched by this gesture.
“Lisa Arnold often visits my office; it brings her comfort to see the good being done in her son’s memory,” Dr. Prero shared.
“Some people ask me how I’ve achieved success, wondering if it’s due to my marketing efforts. The truth is, I don’t do much marketing—my success is all thanks to the kindness I do. It brings immense success to the office. My heart empathizes with my patients, and this work is spiritually uplifting for me, transforming the entire office into a vehicle for kindness and good deeds.”
Related topics: