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Operation Smile has transformed lives around the world by providing care to patients for more than 40 years.
- Cleft Explained Get the basics on cleft conditions.
- Surgery and Beyond Learn how cleft care is more than surgery.
- Real-Life Stories Read stories from our patients and volunteers.
Using AI to Help Create New Smiles and Rebuild Lives

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We are transforming communities through education, empowerment and collaboration.
Explore Global Initiatives
- Where We Work Explore the countries and regions we work in.
- Health Workforce Strengthening Read how we're educating health care providers.
- Youth Empowerment Read about our commitment to the next generation.
- Policy and Advocacy See how we work with governments to create change.
- Strategic Partners Explore our nonprofit and NGO partners.
- Thought Leadership Learn how we are at the forefront of our field.
Give children the chance to grow up without life-threatening health problems and social stigma.
- Ways to Give Learn about how you can transform lives.
- Share Your Medical Expertise Become a medical volunteer.
- Student Programs Join our global community of students.
- Advocate for Us Spread the word about us.
- Partner With Us Become a corporate partner.
Since our founding in 1982, Operation Smile has believed that access to safe surgery is not a privilege, but a universal human right.
- Our Story and Impact Explore our rich history and exciting future.
- Our Leadership Meet our leadership team.
- Corporate Partners Learn about our corporate partners.
- Financials and Reports Read our annual reports and financial statements.
- News and Media Read the latest news from us.
- Interactive Learning Center Visit us in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
- Careers Find a career that matches your passion.
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- Cleft Explained
- Surgery and Beyond
- Real-Life Stories
- Where We Work
- Health Workforce Strengthening
- Youth Empowerment
- Policy and Advocacy
- Strategic Partners
- Thought Leadership
- Ways to Give
- Share Your Medical Expertise
- Student Programs
- Advocate for Us
- Partner With Us
- Our Story and Impact
- Our Leadership
- Corporate Partners
- Financials and Reports
- News and Media
- Interactive Learning Center
- Careers

Real-Life Stories

These stories — from patients, health care providers, students and more — are made possible through the generous support from donors like you.

Featured Stories

Featured Story

Using AI to Help Create New Smiles and Rebuild Lives

Operation Smile has teamed up with Microsoft to leverage Artificial Intelligence, allowing surgeons to bring the gold standard of care to even the most remote places in the world.

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Recent Stories

Read the latest stories from Operation Smile.

United States

Service-Learning Delivers a New Perspective to Students

Operation Smile’s Interactive Learning Center has partnered with local schools to bring service-learning into the curriculum.

Global

Leaving Panama Ready to Lead

Ethan Richlak, a university student form Cleveland, Ohio, leaves Panama ready to share his inspiring journey with his fellow clubmates and Cleft Connect members.

Global

From Scarsdale, New York to David, Panama: Coming Full Circle

In Panama, Daphne got to meet the people she was rooting for back in Scarsdale, New York.

Bolivia

Education and Transformation: Operation Smile Champion Program

Operation Smile has witnessed how the lack of adequately trained health care professionals creates dangerous barriers to care, preventing older patients like Teofilo and Paulina from accessing timely surgery. During the March 2023 Champion Program in Bolivia, mentors paired up with eager mentees to help address this need.

Asia and the Pacific

Meet Our Patients: Thailand

Global

World Health Day: Health for All

Guatemala

At the Center of a Dream

Operation Smile Guatemala’s New Care Center

Africa

Moses’ Journey to Surgery

Celebrating National Nutrition Month

Africa

Alfred’s Story of Love, Integrity and a New Smile

Get Involved

You can give children a chance to grow up without life-threatening health problems, social stigma, isolation and feelings of hopelessness.

More Ways to Get Involved

Make Your Gift

Your gift today will help transform lives and increase access to essential surgical care.

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