Our Story and Impact

Every child deserves access to high-quality surgical care.
Operation Smile works hand-in-hand with local communities to expand access to care by providing educational programs and free, life-changing cleft care.

Valentine plays with her friend after surgery.

Who We Are

Founded in 1982 by Bill and Kathy Magee, Operation Smile is a global nonprofit bridging the gap in access to care, starting with cleft surgery and comprehensive care.

Learn about Our History

What We Do

Thanks to the support of our committed donors, Operation Smile’s more than 6,000 volunteers provide medical training and mentorship to health care providers and care to patients. We pioneer research, policy and innovation to advance cleft care, and we work alongside local governments, nonprofits, universities and health systems. We equip the next generation of global leaders.

Cleft Care

We provide comprehensive cleft care directly to patients in 37 countries.

Learn about our Comprehensive Care

Education and Training

We are dedicated to training more health care providers.

Learn about our Education Programs

Policy and Advocacy

We engage in global advocacy and partnerships that translate into actionable policies and strengthen health systems.

Learn about our Policy and Advocacy Efforts

Thought Leadership

Operation Smile staff and volunteers are at the forefront of cleft research and collaboration.

Learn about Our Research

Youth Empowerment

We believe in the power of youth to create a compassionate world.

Learn about How We Empower the Next Generation

Our Impact

We provide care to patients and training to health care providers around the world.

500k+

Patients Treated

6,500+

Providers Trained in 2024

37

Countries We Provide Care In

More About Us

As a highly rated nonprofit with a dedicated staff based around the world, Operation Smile is committed to using gifts as efficiently as possible to maximize our impact.

Kathy and Bill Magee smile at the camera.

Our Leadership

Led by co-founders Kathy Magee, president and CEO, and Dr. Bill Magee, M.D., D.D.S., CEO emeritus, our leadership team steers one of the world’s largest volunteer-based nonprofits.

Meet Our Leadership Team

Patients and families wait to be seen in Madagascar.

Financials

Learn about how we leverage gifts from our generous donors to provide care and educational programs in 37 countries.

Review Our Financials and Reports

Ramata hugs Kwaku Bekoe Obuobisha, speech program coordinator.

Careers

Our dedicated team of professionals helps transform lives around the world.

Find Your Community

Introducing: Operation 100

Five billion people do not have access to essential surgical care. Leveraging Operation Smile’s 40+ years of expertise in expanding surgical access, Operation 100 will help change that.

Learn about Operation 100