A Single, Solvable Problem: Cleft Lip and Palate

Many children around the world are living with untreated clefts.
Most have difficulties eating, breathing, hearing, and speaking.

What is Cleft?

  • 10

    children born with a cleft lip/palate annually in Indonesia.

  • 3350000

    can cover the cost of a cleft surgery.

  • 45

    minutes can change a child’s life forever.

One Goal: To Give Every Child the Chance to Smile

Smile Train is an international children’s charity that supports 100%-free cleft repair surgery and comprehensive cleft care for children globally. Our sustainable model empowers local medical professionals to provide cleft care in their own communities.

Learn About Our Model

Comprehensive Care

Every child with a cleft needs more than just surgery — they may also need orthodontics, speech therapy, or nutritional support. Where these services are available, we aim to provide them to our patients.

Sustainable Model

We use the 'teach a man to fish' model focusing on training and empowering local doctors to provide comprehensive cleft care in their own communities.

Our Impact

As a result of our efficiency, Smile Train has supported more than 1.5 million cleft surgeries since 1999. Every 5 Minutes Smile Train-supported cleft treatment helps a child in need.

News & Stories

Divya’s Smile Healed Her Mother

Her husband, Ahmad, shared her shock but tried hard to push past it to comfort Indri. He didn’t make much as a truck driver for a palm oil company but promised to do whatever it...

How Kadek Battled Grief and Fear to Give Yumna the Care She Needed

First, her daughter Yumna was born with a cleft — the cleft was small but still a shock to the family.

Then the next day, tragically, Yumna’s twin sister passed away.

...

Khalisa: Love Overcomes Fear

For two long and confusing days, Ruri asked for her baby. Finally, her husband and the hospital staff gave in and handed her over. They had been right – she was terrified.

...
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