Global Smile Foundation (GSF) provided cleft care in Ecuador during our March Outreach Medical Program (OMP) in Guayaquil. During the program, 69 patients underwent cleft lip or palate repair surgery as well as dental surgery, with a total of 228 procedures performed. Dr. Babak Azizzadeh and Dr. Grace Peng also provided surgical care for children and adults affected facial palsy.
Dr. Adam Johnson with a patient and his mother after cleft lip surgery.
We provide comprehensive care, so our patients receive individualized care across the full range of cleft specialties. In March, this included:
- 228 Surgical and dental procedures under general anesthesia for 69 patients
- 74 Nutrition and feeding consults for 62 patients
- 50 Speech therapy consults
- 136 Psychosocial consults for 68 patients
- 239 Dental procedures for 110 patients
Our international team of volunteer dental specialists provided surgery to several patients who needed tooth extractions. Children born with cleft are at a greater risk of developing carries and often have missing or misaligned teeth. Oral health is extremely important for anyone’s overall health, and a particular concern for our patients. Our team also provided preventive oral hygiene during the program.
Our dental volunteers during surgery.
Several team members conducted educational symposiums and surgical training programs at La Universidad Espíritu Santo (UEES) as part of GSF’s efforts to empower Ecuadorian plastic surgeons and support healthcare in underserved communities. Topics included global health and innovative surgical techniques to address cleft.
The full GSF and Fundación Global Smile Ecuador teams consisted of 56 international and 83 Ecuadorian volunteers, who provided high-quality integrated cleft care to our patients and families. Our Ecuador-based team also provides essential support to ensure that our program runs smoothly.
For more information on the March OMP In Ecuador, click here.