A 17-year-old Oakland student facing complex jaw surgery will get one major procedure covered for free, thanks to a Walnut Creek dental practice's annual charitable program.

Dr. Brad Williams of Muir Oral, Facial, & Dental Implant Surgery selected Vivian Velte as the 2026 recipient of the practice's Wisdom for Wisdom program, which provides complimentary wisdom teeth extraction to one local student each year. The practice, at 122 La Casa Via, Suite 223, off Ygnacio Valley Road, has operated since 2001.

Vivian's dental challenges started at age 7, when her dentist identified a very narrow palate and an open bite. Multiple orthodontists agreed she would eventually need jaw surgery. Specialists later confirmed she also has jaw asymmetry, making double jaw surgery necessary once her facial growth is complete.

Removing her wisdom teeth comes first.

"I was seriously shocked when I got the call that Vivian had been picked," her mother, Jenny Velte, told the East Bay Times in an Aug. 5 report. She had spotted the program's call for applicants on social media after her orthodontist recommended Dr. Williams for Vivian's jaw surgery. Jenny Velte described the family's years of orthodontic phases, imaging studies and surgeon consultations as overwhelming, and said the selection removed a financial burden.

Vivian, who enjoys soccer and bicycling, hopes to attend a competitive four-year university and said the savings will help her reach that goal.

Williams, a Harvard-trained oral surgeon board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, said rising costs make programs like Wisdom for Wisdom increasingly necessary. "We believe it is more important than ever to think about ways to make high-quality care more affordable and address needs where affordability obstructs delivery of care," he told the East Bay Times.

The practice solicited applications through an Instagram post on May 23 and selected Vivian based on how her needs aligned with the program's mission. Staff and doctors make the choice each year.

No date has been announced for Vivian's procedure. A consultation video featuring Williams, Vivian and her mother is available on YouTube.

The Wisdom for Wisdom program runs annually. Families interested in future cycles can follow @muiroralsurgery on Instagram for application announcements.