Upon entering BYU Hooton learned about Operation Smile, a non-profit organization that provides reconstructive surgery for children born with facial deformities, primarily clef lip and clef palate. He volunteered with BYU’s Operation Smile club throughout his four years at BYU and now, six years after joining their forces Hooton is the International Director of Student Programs for Operation Smile.

“We don’t just do surgeries. On every medical mission two high school club members join the team to educate the people,” Hooton says, “These students travel to neighboring areas and teach basic programs such as dental hygiene, nutrition, burn care therapy, oral re-hydration therapy, and finally a postoperative care program for the parents of children who receive surgery.”

Operation Smile Clubs can be found all across the nation and globe. In 2005, Hooton developed a communication model to help create a support system for clubs which would strengthen the club as a whole.  In one year his model resulted in the number of Utah school clubs jumping from 6 to 40.

“Unfortunately, society holds a sentiment that students can’t make a difference. They say we’re not fully educated, don’t have money, resources, or real skills, but they’re wrong,” Hooton says, “As director of student programs.  It’s my job to tap that potential and to help students realize that they can make a difference and that their efforts do matter.”

“I have really grown to appreciate Operation Smile Student Programs because we provide a vehicle for students to act, get involved and to really make a difference.  In addition to that, they see the difference their efforts make because what they do directly translates in to a child’s life being changed forever in a mere 45 minutes.”

In addition to running student programs across the world, Hooton is able to go on service missions.  He has been on six different missions to date and says the greatest part of a mission is helping prepare children emotionally for surgery. “It is amazing being with the children, developing a bond with them, and then seeing their life change. You see not only this child’s life changes but also how the parents are affected. There’s nothing like seeing the gratitude of a parent after a child is returned from surgery.”

Upon graduation, Hooton turned down his acceptance to medical school because he felt he should continue his efforts at Operation Smile. When asked if he will remain with the organization in the years to come, he quickly replied “I’ll be involved with Operation Smile for as long as I can make a difference.”