Our Story

Alliance for Smiles organizes and sends surgical teams to sites for two week missions. A surgical team is comprised of approximately 20 volunteer plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, nurses and dentists. They are supported by 10 non-medical volunteers. During a mission, 80 to 120 under-served children receive surgery for cleft lip & palate anomalies. The AfS team works side-by-side with local medical practitioners to exchange ideas on proper medical techniques and procedures, as well as provide follow-up care.

Learn more about volunteering for a mission...

Development of Cleft Centers

Alliance for Smiles also helps to establish and maintain permanent centers to provide follow-up treatment and continuing care to children who have received surgery. The objectives and activities of the centers include dental treatment, speech therapy, parental education and psychological counseling.

Learn more about AfS Cleft Treatment Centers...