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Operation Smile has transformed lives around the world by providing care to patients for more than 40 years.
- Cleft Explained Get the basics on cleft conditions.
- Surgery and Beyond Learn how cleft care is more than surgery.
- Real-Life Stories Read stories from our patients and volunteers.
Using AI to Help Create New Smiles and Rebuild Lives

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We are transforming communities through education, empowerment and collaboration.
Explore Global Initiatives
- Where We Work Explore the countries and regions we work in.
- Health Workforce Strengthening Read how we're educating health care providers.
- Youth Empowerment Read about our commitment to the next generation.
- Policy and Advocacy See how we work with governments to create change.
- Strategic Partners Explore our nonprofit and NGO partners.
- Thought Leadership Learn how we are at the forefront of our field.
Give children the chance to grow up without life-threatening health problems and social stigma.
- Ways to Give Learn about how you can transform lives.
- Share Your Medical Expertise Become a medical volunteer.
- Student Programs Join our global community of students.
- Advocate for Us Spread the word about us.
- Partner With Us Become a corporate partner.
Since our founding in 1982, Operation Smile has believed that access to safe surgery is not a privilege, but a universal human right.
- Our Story and Impact Explore our rich history and exciting future.
- Our Leadership Meet our leadership team.
- Corporate Partners Learn about our corporate partners.
- Financials and Reports Read our annual reports and financial statements.
- News and Media Read the latest news from us.
- Interactive Learning Center Visit us in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
- Careers Find a career that matches your passion.
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- Cleft Explained
- Surgery and Beyond
- Real-Life Stories
- Where We Work
- Health Workforce Strengthening
- Youth Empowerment
- Policy and Advocacy
- Strategic Partners
- Thought Leadership
- Ways to Give
- Share Your Medical Expertise
- Student Programs
- Advocate for Us
- Partner With Us
- Our Story and Impact
- Our Leadership
- Corporate Partners
- Financials and Reports
- News and Media
- Interactive Learning Center
- Careers

Real-Life Stories

These stories — from patients, health care providers, students and more — are made possible through the generous support from donors like you.

Featured Stories

Featured Story

Using AI to Help Create New Smiles and Rebuild Lives

Operation Smile has teamed up with Microsoft to leverage Artificial Intelligence, allowing surgeons to bring the gold standard of care to even the most remote places in the world.

Watch the Video

Recent Stories

Read the latest stories from Operation Smile.

Africa

Using AI to Help Create New Smiles and Rebuild Lives

Operation Smile has teamed up with Microsoft to leverage Artificial Intelligence, allowing surgeons to bring the gold standard of care to even the most remote places in the world.

The Innovative Leader Behind Operation Smile’s Medical Oversight and Safety

Dr. Gaurav Deshpande reflects on his 13-year career at the organization, from seeing his first patient with cleft to building to a first-of-its kind AI surgery assessment tool.

Speak Up, Work Hard, Never Give Up

Lessons Learned from our 2024 International Student Leadership Conference

Mexico

Beast Philanthropy Brings Operation Smile’s Good Works to Tens of Millions

An award-winning partnership with the popular YouTube creator highlights our work in Puebla, Mexico through an emotional video.

Test Your Knowledge with Our Cleft Quiz

Surgery

Meet the Doctor Mixing Data and AI to Help Expand Operation Smile’s Global Impact

Surgeon and biostatistics leader Dr. Caroline Yao explains how the new technology is being piloted at the organization – and is the subject of the new branded series presented by Partnership on AI (PAI) and produced by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions, “Beyond the Code.”

Africa

Meet George from Rwanda

Having to choose a career path course is challenging for most young people, but Operation Smile made it easy for George Rugabanda: Witnessing Operation Smile’s work in his country of Rwanda has motivated him to pursue his higher education.

Latin America and the Caribbean

Visit With a Surgical Volunteer in Mexico

A Surgeon and Resident Share Their Perspective on a Surgical Program in Mexico

Honduras

From Medical Records Volunteer to Executive Director

Get Involved

You can give children a chance to grow up without life-threatening health problems, social stigma, isolation and feelings of hopelessness.

More Ways to Get Involved

Make Your Gift

Your gift today will help transform lives and increase access to essential surgical care.

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