Since inception, Smile Train has supported more cleft surgeries than all other global charities combined. Smile Train has always championed partnering directly with local hospitals to strengthen health systems and empower local medical professionals to offer surgical services and comprehensive cleft care to children in their own communities.

Learn About Our Model

Sustainable Model We use the "teach a man to fish" model focusing on training local doctors to perform cleft repair surgery and provide comprehensive cleft care in their own communities. Those doctors then go on to train other doctors creating a long-term, sustainable system.

Comprehensive Care Every child with a cleft needs more than just surgery — they may also need dental care, orthodontics, and speech therapy. Where these services are available, we do everything we can to provide them to our patients.