We envision a world where no one suffers needlessly from untreated cleft.
The mission of Global Smile Foundation (GSF) is to provide comprehensive cleft care for patients in low- to middle-income countries (LMIC) and to advance the level of cleft care provided globally. For the past 37 years, GSF volunteers have been dedicated to providing our patients with the best possible long-term and interdisciplinary cleft care. We return to the same locations annually and are thus able to provide individualized follow-up care for our patients and a continuity of care. Our approach enables us to facilitate the best health outcomes for our patients and gives them the opportunity to live full, productive lives without the burdens of cleft.
In addition to surgical procedures, comprehensive care includes:
- Pre-surgical dental orthopedics
- Feeding and nutrition counseling
- Dental and orthodontic treatment
- Speech therapy
- Psychosocial support
Patients and their families also receive education and information about post-op care, nutrition, and cleft prevention.
See the Impact of Cleft Care here.
Global Capacity-Building Efforts
We hope that all countries will develop the ability to provide high-quality comprehensive cleft care and are dedicated to providing extensive and integrated educational programs. Our efforts include:
- Hands-on training for healthcare professionals at our mission sites
- Our international comprehensive cleft care workshop with the 7th workshop scheduled in 2025 in Cartagena, Columbia
- Development of local cleft teams at mission sites
- Guidance and support of local partners to ensure advanced cleft care for local populace
- Fellowships and training initiatives
- Implementation of Augmented Reality for advanced surgical techniques in cleft repairs
In addition, GSF partners with well-respected onsite nonprofit organizations, local authorities, and cleft surgeons to deliver essential care for patients who need it most.
How We Support the UN Sustainability Goals
Global Smile Foundation directly supports two of the 17 UN SDGs.
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages is essential to sustainable development. This goal encompasses a wide range of health priorities, including the reduction of maternal and child mortality, ending the epidemics of major diseases, and ensuring universal health coverage.
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities This goal aims to reduce inequality within and among countries. It focuses on income inequality, discrimination, and policies and laws that aim to achieve greater equality. The goal emphasizes the importance of empowering and promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.