Comprehensive cleft care goes far beyond surgery. At the National Cleft Care Center in Kumasi, Ghana, one of Smile Train’s local partners, speech therapy is an important part of the cleft care journey, helping children develop their communication skills and confidence. As a global leader in cleft care, Smile Train works alongside local partners around the world to strengthen healthcare systems, build local expertise, and expand access to comprehensive care. By investing in local expertise, we’re helping make quality, comprehensive cleft care more accessible to patients around the world. #SmileTrain #Cleftlip #ComprehensiveCleftCare #Ghana #cleftpalate

It's back! After the incredible success of our very first 'What Makes You Smile?' campaign, we're excited to launch Year 2! Last year, thousands of people around the world shared the moments that bring them joy. This year, let's make it even bigger. As we count down to World Smile Day, start thinking about what makes YOU smile and get ready to share it on October 2. #SmileWall2026 #WorldSmileDay #WSD2026 #cleftlip #cleftpalate

On International Day of Surgeons, we’re celebrating the surgeons who make a lasting impact through cleft care. For Dr. Gene, being a surgeon means more than performing surgery. It means building lasting connections with patients and collaborating across specialties to create meaningful outcomes. Through Smile Train’s partnerships with local medical professionals, surgeons like Dr. Gene help make quality cleft care possible closer to home while strengthening care in their communities. Today, we recognize the skill, dedication, and compassion of surgeons around the world. #InternationalDayOfSurgeons #CleftCare #SmileTrain

We’re back! The 7th Annual Virtual Global Cleft Con is coming October 17! Join the global cleft community for an interactive day of honest conversations, expert panels, new connections, and celebrating the strength of the #CleftStrong community. Register today: airmeet.com/e/e9c2f8c0-a4de-… #VirtualCleftCon2026 #CleftCommunity #SmileTrain #cleftlip #cleftpalate

The future of global surgery depends on more than expanding access. It depends on building systems that can deliver safe, high-quality care consistently and sustainably. For Smile Train, that means investing across the interconnected foundations of safe surgery: workforce, systems, equipment, and infrastructure. Professionals need specialized training and reliable technology. Technology needs dependable infrastructure. And all of it must be supported by protocols and systems that make safe care repeatable. This systems-based approach helps move global cleft care beyond short-term interventions toward locally led, sustainable solutions that can serve patients for generations. Read the blog to explore the four pillars of safe surgery and why strengthening each one is essential to the future of global cleft care: smiletrain.org/blog/safe-cle… #GlobalHealth #Cleftlip #SafeSurgery #HealthSystems #Cleftpalate

On World Patient Safety Day, we’re putting patient safety at the center of cleft care. For Dr. Igaga, Smile Train’s Safety Standard is more than a set of guidelines. It is a commitment to delivering safe, quality care at every step of a patient’s journey. Hear Dr. Igaga share what that commitment means to her and the patients she serves. #WorldPatientSafetyDay #CleftCare #PatientSafety

Today, September 15, is the day! Join us at 6:00 PM ET for Empowering the Patient to Be the Advocate with Beth Angella and Dr. Roberto Flores. Learn practical ways to strengthen self-advocacy, improve communication with care teams, and feel empowered throughout the cleft care journey. Join the webinar now:smiletra.in/4wIYNQK #letstalkcleft

Training is how impact multiplies. With 34,619 hours of training delivered to 2,473 healthcare providers, Smile Train is equipping local medical professionals with the skills and knowledge to provide quality cleft care in their own communities. Because when one provider learns, that expertise reaches countless patients and can be passed on to the next generation of providers. Train one. Empower many. Multiply the impact. #SmileTrain #CleftCare #GlobalHealth #HealthcareTraining #cleftlip #cleftpalate

Cleft care goes beyond surgery. At Bugando Medical Center in Tanzania, local medical professionals are helping lead comprehensive care for patients in their community, from surgery and speech therapy to nutrition and follow-up care. By investing in local expertise, Smile Train supports sustainable cleft care that can reach patients where they are, for years to come. #SmileTrain #CleftCare #Tanzania #ComprehensiveCleftCare

Safe surgery is not defined by what happens in the operating room alone. It depends on the strength of the entire system surrounding every patient. For cleft care to be safe, sustainable, and accessible, four foundations must work together: a skilled workforce, resilient systems, reliable equipment, and strong infrastructure. When one is missing, the others cannot reach their full potential. That is why Smile Train’s model goes beyond supporting individual surgeries. By investing in local professionals and the systems and resources they need, we are helping strengthen cleft care for the long term. Learn more about the four pillars of safe, sustainable cleft surgery and how they are helping shape stronger health systems worldwide: smiletrain.org/blog/safe-cle… #GlobalHealth #Cleftlip #SafeSurgery #HealthSystems #cleftpalate

One week to go until our September 15 webinar! Whether you're a patient, caregiver, advocate, or healthcare professional, this webinar will provide valuable insights on self-advocacy, communication, and navigating the cleft care journey with confidence. Register now for September 15: smiletra.in/4wIYNQK #letstalkcleft

When Divya was born in Indonesia, her parents were determined to give her every opportunity to grow up healthy and confident. 🇮🇩 But feeding challenges and the cost of cleft surgery felt overwhelming. Through Smile Train’s partner, Ibnu Sina Hospital, Divya received free cleft surgery at just three months old. Today, she’s growing up healthy, smiling brightly, and looking toward a future full of possibility. #SmileTrain #CleftStrong #CleftLip #CleftPalate

Real impact doesn't end with one surgery. It creates lasting change. This International Day of Charity, we celebrate everyone who makes Smile Train's sustainable model possible. Your support helps train local medical professionals, expand access to comprehensive cleft care, and strengthen healthcare systems so children with clefts can receive safe, high-quality care for generations to come. Together, we're creating a future where every child has the opportunity to smile. #InternationalDayofCharity #SmileTrain #GlobalHealth #cleftlip #cleftpalate

In rural India, finding cleft care can be a long journey. 🇮🇳 Born with a cleft, Shivalini’s parents didn’t know what clefts were or how to get help. After a long wait and uncertainty, a kind nurse in their neighborhood told them about Smile Train’s free cleft treatment at Meenakshi Hospital. She’s now a joyful girl who loves going to preschool and spending time with her favorite person in the world — her dad. Her father, a farmer and devoted stay-at-home parent, says the bond they’ve built is unbreakable. He’s deeply grateful to Smile Train and urges more cleft awareness in rural villages so that every child can receive the same life-changing care. #SmileTrain #CleftAwareness #cleftlip #cleftpalate

Just two weeks until September 15! Hear from both lived experience and clinical expertise. Beth Angella and Dr. Roberto Flores will share perspectives on advocacy, communication, and building stronger partnerships between patients, families, and providers. Save your spot for September 15: smiletra.in/4wIYNQK #letstalkcleft

A healthy smile is an important part of every child's cleft journey. 💙 Children with clefts are at a higher risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental challenges, making access to quality oral health care an essential part of comprehensive cleft care. At Smile Train, we know that cleft care goes beyond surgery. That's why oral health is an important part of the comprehensive care we support, helping children stay healthy before, during, and after treatment. #CleftCare #OralHealth

A cleft journey includes caring for a child’s emotional well-being, confidence, and mental health alongside their physical care. Children born with a cleft lip and/or palate may experience challenges that affect their self-image, confidence, and how they connect with others. Counseling and support can provide children and families with the tools they need to navigate these experiences, build resilience, and feel empowered throughout their journey. As part of Smile Train’s comprehensive cleft care program, families can access support that goes beyond surgery, including resources, community connections, and trained providers who understand the emotional needs of children with cleft lip and/or palate. Because every child deserves to feel confident, supported, and proud of who they are. 💙 #CleftCare #ComprehensiveCleftCare

Born before anyone could predict the road ahead, Asher arrived at a shelter in Nepal with a cleft and an uncertain start to life. In a place where no one had ever cared for a baby with a cleft before, Priscilla and the shelter team stepped in with love, determination, and more questions than answers. Everything changed when they found expert guidance from local medical professionals supported by Smile Train. With new feeding techniques, consistent care, and access to free cleft surgery, Asher’s world slowly began to shift. Today, he’s a bright, playful toddler who eats with ease, finds joy in the simplest moments, and is just beginning to find his voice. A story of care, community, and what becomes possible when every child gets a chance to smile. 💙 #smiletrain #cleftlip #cleftpalate #cleftcare

Every child born with a cleft deserves the chance to live a healthy, confident life. 💙 That's why Smile Train empowers local medical professionals around the world to provide safe surgery and comprehensive cleft care close to home. From surgery to speech therapy, nutrition support, and more, we're helping children access the care they need at every stage of their journey. Together, we can help ensure that no child is left behind and that every family has access to the support they deserve. #SmileTrain #CleftCare #CleftLip #CleftPalate

Meet Leana from the Philippines! 🇵🇭 When Leonardo’s daughter, Leana, was born with a cleft, he saw his own childhood reflected in her journey. Having experienced a cleft himself, he understood the challenges she might face and wanted to make sure his daughter received the care and support she needed. After searching for options, Leonardo and his family found Smile Train. Through Smile Train's partner, Leana received cleft surgery and began her cleft care journey surrounded by a team committed to supporting her every step of the way. Today, Leana is a creative student who loves to color and draw. With continued cleft care and speech therapy, Leonardo looks forward to seeing his daughter grow with confidence and joy. #SmileTrain #CleftLipAndPalate #CleftCare #CleftStrong