Smile Train

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Kabuyaya Kakule Medard (DRC) and Dr. Kesiena Seun Yarhere (Nigeria) on completing the prestigious Smile Train–Chang Gung Fellowship. Through this intensive craniofacial surgery training at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Hospital in Taiwan, both surgeons deepened their expertise in cleft lip and palate, orthognathic surgery and multidisciplinary cleft care — strengthening sustainable cleft systems in their home countries and much more. Dr. Kabuyaya reflected: “I learned that achieving the best aesthetic outcome is often a journey, not a single operation.” “I learned not just how to operate, but how to think scientifically.” After observing more than 50 procedures and engaging in structured academic mentorship, he has already initiated research on long-term aesthetic outcomes and plans to implement enhanced training structures at HEAL Africa Tertiary Hospital in the DRC. Dr. Yarhere’s three-month fellowship strengthened her competence in primary and secondary cleft surgery while deepening her appreciation for outcomes tracking, audit, and multidisciplinary care. She shared: “Ultimately, this fellowship has equipped me not only with advanced surgical skills but also with a renewed sense of responsibility to serve, teach, and build sustainable cleft care systems in Nigeria.” This is what sustainable global health looks like — investing in local surgeons, advancing evidence-based practice, and building long-term capacity so children receive comprehensive, high-quality cleft care close to home. Congratulations, Dr. Kabuyaya and Dr. Yarhere. Your leadership will impact generations to come.  #SmileTrain #GlobalHealth #CleftCare #SurgicalTraining #cleftlip #cleftpalate

Over 2 million cleft surgeries performed for people of all ages since 1999! Every smile tells a story of hope, courage, and a brighter future—made possible by skilled surgeons, caring partners, and supporters around the world. #smiletrain #cleft #cleftstrong

Smile Train is proud to serve as a national sponsor of the 100 Cleft Portraits Tour in the U.S., presented by the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA) — a powerful traveling exhibition crossing the country this summer that celebrates the strength, identity, and lived experiences of people born with cleft and craniofacial conditions. Created by advocate, artist, and trauma-informed coach Katie Manning, this moving collection goes beyond art — creating space for visibility, understanding, and connection for families who have too often felt unseen. From hospitals and universities to community spaces nationwide, the exhibition will travel throughout July and August, uplifting voices, honoring journeys, and reminding us that every cleft story deserves to be seen and valued. We’re honored to partner with ACPA to support a tour that centers representation, community, and belonging — values at the heart of Smile Train’s vision. Stay tuned for tour locations, dates, and ways to get involved. More details coming soon. #100CleftPortraits #CleftLip #CleftPalate

Thanks to Dentsply Sirona’s generous investment, Smile Train conducted an orthodontic training from January 20-22, 2026, equipping orthodontists with the skills needed to effectively prepare for and collaborate on Secondary Alveolar Bone Graft (ABG) interventions to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients with clefts.     The Faculty of Dentistry University of Pelita Harapan, led by Dr. drg. Andi S. Budihardja, Sp.BM(K), Dean of Faculty of Dentistry and a member of Smile Train Southeast Asia Medical Advisory Council, organized the event in coordination with the Indonesia team of Smile Train, and the support of Dentsply Sirona. Twenty-one partner orthodontists and one oral maxillofacial surgeon attended the training.    The training underscores the powerful partnership of Smile Train and Dentsply Sirona, and their shared goal of advancing the future of cleft care. Through the training, Smile Train strengthened local capacity and fostered interdisciplinary collaboration to deliver higher-quality, comprehensive cleft care for patients in their communities.  #SmileTrain #CleftStrong #Cleft #CorporatePartnership, #CSR, #dentsplysirona #orthodontists 

We’re proud to celebrate the launch of our Mentoring Alliance for Global Speech (MAGS) Cleft Seminar Series.   Smile Train’s MAGS program is a global cleft speech mentorship initiative designed to build capacity for cleft speech care around the world by connecting speech therapists with experienced mentors for collaborative learning and case-based discussion in a virtual setting.   This month, more than 40 speech therapy providers from our MAGS cohorts came together for the inaugural session, led by Smile Train partners from Nigeria and India - recognized experts in cleft speech care. Representing five continents, participants contributed diverse clinical perspectives, creating a meaningful exchange of ideas that highlighted the depth of knowledge and leadership within our global community. We look forward to the dialogue and professional growth this series will continue to foster.   Interested in learning more about the Smile Train MAGS program? Explore our research publication in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, which examines the scope and impact of this initiative: https://lnkd.in/get6CUzW Ahmed Olaitan Lawal Savitha Vh Subramaniyan B Smile Train Africa Official Smile Train India

Elizabeth Igaga MD, Senior Director of Program Safety, shares how donations impact our work—from a patient’s perspective. Every gift means more than care, it means hope, confidence, and a future. #SmileTrain #CleftCare #YourImpact

We're #hiring a new Program Manager, Southern Africa in Mozambique. Apply today or share this post with your network.

Teaching empathy starts here. Download our free Every Smile Is Special booklet and classroom toolkit to help kids celebrate every smile here: https://lnkd.in/g7bzWyXT #smiletrain #cleft #cleftstrong

We're #hiring a new Manager, Stewardship, Fund Raising in New York City Metropolitan Area. Apply today or share this post with your network.

We are looking forward to hearing from cleft surgeon and innovator Dr. Dale Podolsky, MD, PhD, FRCSC, FACS- founder of Simulare Medical, A Division of Smile Train - on this important topic. See you there!