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Operation Smile has transformed lives around the world by providing care to patients for more than 40 years.
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Since our founding in 1982, Operation Smile has believed that access to safe surgery is not a privilege, but a universal human right.
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- Cleft Explained
- Surgery and Beyond
- Real-Life Stories
- Where We Work
- Education and Training
- 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

Latin America and the Caribbean

Since 1988, teams of health care professionals have volunteered their time and talent to provide free medical and surgical care to patients in this region.

Patients and families wait to be seen during a surgical program in Honduras.

Regional Impact By The Numbers

Thanks to our donors, Operation mile has provided care in Latin America for nearly 40 years.

1988

Year Services Began In The Region

6,000+

Medical Volunteer Trainees This Year

89,000+

Comprehensive Care Consultations Provided This Year

Our Work in Latin America

In the Latin America and the Caribbean, Operation Smile works in 12 countries, providing care to patients and medical training to health care professionals.

Bolivia

Operation Smile’s first surgical program in Bolivia was held in 1999.

Explore Bolivia

Brazil

Operation Smile’s first surgical program in Brazil was held in 1997.

Explore Brazil

Colombia

Operation Smile’s first surgical program in Colombia was held in 1988.

Explore Colombia

Dominican Republic

Operation Smile’s first surgical program in the Dominican Republic was held in 2009.

Explore Dominican Republic

Ecuador

Operation Smile’s first surgical program in Ecuador was held in 1995.

Explore Ecuador

Guatemala

Operation Smile’s first surgical program in Guatemala was held in 2011.

Explore Guatemala

Honduras

Operation Smile’s first surgical program in Honduras was held in 1997.

Explore Honduras

Mexico

Operation Smile’s first surgical program in Mexico was held in 2006.

Explore Mexico

Panama

Operation Smile’s first surgical program in Panama was held in 1991.

Explore Panama

Paraguay

Operation Smile’s first surgical program in Paraguay was held in 2005.

Peru

Operation Smile’s first surgical program in Peru was held in 1999.

Explore Peru

Venezuela

Operation Smile’s first surgical program in Venezuela was held in 1993.

Explore Venezuela

More from Latin America and the Caribbean

View More

Latin America and the Caribbean

Translating Care: Dominga’s Journey of Connection
Latin America and the Caribbean

Ripple Effect: Angie’s Journey of Confidence, Care and Purpose
Latin America and the Caribbean

Scenes from Guatemala
Latin America and the Caribbean

Ripple Effect: From Operation Smile Patient to Dentistry Student
Colombia

Reflecting on 30 Years of Providing Care at Operation Smile Colombia
Latin America and the Caribbean

Visit With a Surgical Volunteer in Mexico
Latin America and the Caribbean

From Medical Records Volunteer to Executive Director
Latin America and the Caribbean

Through a Resident’s Eyes
Latin America and the Caribbean

Mateo’s Journey
Latin America and the Caribbean

Meet Isaac
Latin America and the Caribbean

Beyond Surgery: Inspiring Moments with Operation Smile in Peru
Latin America and the Caribbean

Meet Camila and Mateo and Their Moms

Get Involved

You can give a child the chance to grow up happy and healthy — free from stigma and isolation, and full of hope for the future.

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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