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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.
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- 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.
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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

China

Operation Smile is committed to providing the high-quality, comprehensive care they need to live full, healthy lives.

China has only 40 specialist surgical workers for every 100,000 people. Operation Smile is helping to change that.

Ying, after surgery, holds her before photo.

Operation Smile China: By the Numbers

From cleft surgery to speech therapy to oral care, our comprehensive services have helped thousands of children in China.

1991

Year Services Began in China

30,000+

Patients Treated

350+

Certified Volunteers

Born with a cleft lip and palate, Shijun struggled to enjoy his time at school with the bullying he faced on a regular basis.

Read Shijun’s story

Rong Zhen’s cleft condition prevented her from being truly happy for 57 years.

Read Rong Zhen’s story

The only way Lu Gong’e and Tian Shun could express their gratitude was by writing a letter to the volunteers who helped change their son’s life.

Read Yi Miang’s story

More Stories from the Region

View More

Asia and the Pacific

Meet Our Patients: Thailand
Asia and the Pacific

Expanding Opportunities for Women in Medicine
Asia and the Pacific

Centered Around a New Beginning
Asia and the Pacific

Walk Alongside Shijun
Asia and the Pacific

Two Thumbs-Up
Asia and the Pacific

A Long-Awaited Transformation
Asia and the Pacific

Her Name is Jane Rose
Asia and the Pacific

After Surgery, Qi Xiu Walks With Dignity
Asia and the Pacific

As If He Didn’t Have a Name
Asia and the Pacific

Meet Our Patients: China
Asia and the Pacific

Driven to Lead: Q&A with Abhishek Sengupta
Asia and the Pacific

From Patient to Program Coordinator

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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