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Review
. 2020 Aug;32(3):481-488.
doi: 10.1016/j.coms.2020.04.010. Epub 2020 May 26.

The History and Mission of Smile Train, a Global Cleft Charity

Angela S Volk  1 , Matthew J Davis  1 , Priya Desai  2 , Larry H Hollier Jr  3
Affiliations
Review

The History and Mission of Smile Train, a Global Cleft Charity

Angela S Volk et al. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2020 Aug.

Abstract

Cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) is a common congenital anomaly with a global impact. One organization attempting to decrease global burden of CLPs is Smile Train. Since 1999, Smile Train has empowered local medical providers to provide comprehensive and sustainable cleft care. Partner surgeons have performed more than 1.5 million operations for patients with CLPs in more than 90 countries. This article outlines the history and mission of Smile Train and details the organization's efforts to increase hospital-wide safety, provide education and training opportunities for partners, and use technology to improve the delivery of cleft care on a global scale.

Keywords: Cleft lip; Cleft palate; Global cleft surgery; Global surgery; Smile train.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure P. Desai is the Senior Director of Medical Programs at Smile Train—this is a paid position. Dr L.H. Hollier Jr is the Chairman of Smile Train’s Medical Advisory Board—this is a volunteer position. The other authors have nothing to disclose.

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