Operation Smile

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Beast Philanthropy and to share their impactful video showcasing our work. Last November, the Beast Philanthropy team joined us in Puebla, Mexico and had the opportunity to experience our life-changing work firsthand, resulting in this beautiful video and sharing the transformative impact of Operation Smile’s work. We express our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support from Beast Philanthropy in raising awareness of our work. Together, we can make a lasting difference to create smiles and transform the lives of our patients, their communities and health systems. https://lnkd.in/eVBSZWRb #BeastPhilanthropySmiles

Join us on August 12 at 2:00 PM UTC for an enlightening Operation Smile Academy live #webinar featuring our Chief Health Policy and Advocacy Officer, Dr. Ruben Ayala. In this session, titled "Global Surgery Unveiled: Its Crucial Role and Far-Reaching Effects," Dr. Ayala will share his extensive experience and provide valuable insights on the significant contributions of #globalsurgery within #globalhealth. Discover how global surgery addresses #healthcare disparities, enhances surgical care worldwide, and improves patient outcomes and community well-being!       Register for the webinar here: https://lnkd.in/eZBvNUVX     Sign up for an Operation Smile Academy account to receive a certificate of attendance: https://lnkd.in/egH3ZCDh  

We’re excited to share that our Program Strategy Writer, Katherine Zeveleva, has written an inspiring blog post titled "Beyond Surgery: Inspiring Moments with Operation Smile in Peru." This piece captures the essence and impact of our mission during a recent surgical program in Lima, highlighting how we address the needs of our patients and create lasting change in the communities we serve.    In her article, Katherine reflects on the significant challenges faced by families traveling from remote regions to access the care they need. Many of our patients around the world endure long, difficult journeys to obtain essential medical services. At Operation Smile, we are committed to bridging these gaps and increasing access to care through the dedicated efforts of our staff and volunteers.    The article also emphasizes that our commitment goes beyond just providing care. It highlights our focus on advancing #healthcare through #education. By investing in the #training and #mentorship of local healthcare workers, we not only enhance their ability to deliver high-quality care but also ensure a sustainable, long-lasting impact on #healthsystems. This approach helps us reach more patients and brings care closer to communities.    Thank you, Katherine, for capturing the heart of our work and its impact. Read her full article to explore these inspiring moments and see how Operation Smile is transforming lives and strengthening healthcare systems: https://lnkd.in/esxqksKt     #OperationSmile #HealthforAll

Last week, Operation Smile hosted its 32nd annual International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC) at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. From July 22 to 28, over 350 participants from 28 countries came together for this transformative event, supported by our title sponsor Align Technology. Under the theme "The Power Within," the conference aimed to inspire attendees to harness their potential and drive meaningful change in their communities. Throughout the week, participants enhanced their #leadership and #advocacy skills through enriching talks, creative activities, and collaborative workshops. They delved into key topics like medical education and #globalhealth, engaged in skill-building sessions, and listened to personal stories from teens born with cleft conditions. These experiences deepened their understanding of our mission and equipped them with the tools to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our patients and their communities in their home countries. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this conference, including our dedicated student volunteers, whose involvement underscores the vital role young leaders play in fostering positive change. Special thanks to Maggie Doyne of BlinkNow, Robert I., Monica Bachue, Angela Li, Stuart Hockridge, and all the representatives from Align Technology, Johnson & Johnson, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta for their invaluable contributions. #OperationSmile #ISLC2024 #YouthEmpowerment

Earlier this month, a dedicated team of Operation Smile patient advocates visited Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to support the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA). This important legislation aims to ensure that all private insurance groups and individual health care plans cover medically necessary services for congenital conditions. While in D.C., our team participated in a training day at the advocacy conference hosted by the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED). The sessions offered valuable updates on research, strategies for effective communication with dentists, self-care tips, and Capitol Hill advocacy techniques. Attendees explored the bill's history, learned how to engage with Congress, and emphasized the significance of sharing personal patient stories. Following the training, over 250 delegates from the NFED Conference met with congressional offices. They shared heartfelt stories about their challenges in obtaining insurance coverage. These personal narratives, combined with the efforts of advocates and supporters nationwide, were pivotal in raising awareness and advancing this crucial legislation. Special thanks to Jackson Doane, Ethan Richlak, Amy Leah Potter, Ruben Ayala, Tiffany Boada, and all our patient advocates who attended. We also extend our gratitude to Representative Jen Kiggans and the congressional office staff we met. Together, we can drive change and ensure that this essential coverage is available for those who need it. #OperationSmile #EnsuringLastingSmilesAct #ELSA #HealthforAll 

Join us on July 30 at 2:00 PM UTC for an insightful Operation Smile Academy live #webinar featuring Dr. Oksana Mishler, RDH, MS, DHSc, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, and Gabrielle Coltrane, Clinical Dental Hygiene Leader and dual BS/MS Program candidate. In this session, titled “Empowering Children with Oral Health Knowledge for Lasting Retention,” we’ll cover essential #oralhealth practices and the importance of establishing good oral health habits in children. The speakers will also introduce interactive education tools designed to enhance the retention of this knowledge. Register for the webinar here: https://lnkd.in/e6n2MyH6 Sign up for an Operation Smile Academy account to receive a certificate of attendance: https://lnkd.in/egH3ZCDh  

Did you know that July is National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month in several countries? This month highlights the critical need to raise awareness and addressing cleft and craniofacial conditions. At Operation Smile, we are dedicated to improving access to essential surgeries and #healthcare, starting with cleft surgery and comprehensive care. Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft lip or cleft palate, facing significant challenges such as difficulties with eating, drinking, speaking, hearing, and social stigmatization. We are committed to providing the medical expertise, #training, #research, and care needed to enhance their quality of life. To learn more about cleft surgery and care, explore our Operation Smile Academy. This online platform offers valuable learning and mentorship to enhance the skills of cleft care professionals and improve their ability to treat #cleftconditions effectively. We invite you to watch one of our webinars, which provides valuable insights into cleft conditions and their connection to global surgery. The session covers the development and impact of cleft conditions, barriers to care, and how Operation Smile’s work integrate into the global surgery landscape. Discover how we address these challenges and advance cleft care and #globalhealth. Watch the webinar here: https://lnkd.in/ez7epi4s #OperationSmile #HealthforAll #NCCAPM 

We are incredibly grateful to Mindray for their generous donation of surgical devices to equip the new operating room at the Dr. Ary Pinheiro Base Hospital in Brazil. This contribution will enable the hospital to double the number of cleft surgeries performed annually, positively impacting the lives of many patients and their families.     Operation Smile is proud of our long-standing partnership with Mindray, a global leader in #healthcare solutions and technologies. Through this collaboration, we are enhancing local healthcare capacity and advancing sustainable solutions.     Thank you, Mindray, for your unwavering support and commitment to ensuring that every child has access to the care they need. Together, we can strengthen health systems and deliver life-changing care to communities worldwide.     #OperationSmile #GlobalHealth Mindray Brasil

Join us on July 23 at 2:00 PM UTC for an enlightening Operation Smile Academy live #webinar featuring Dr. Nicole Shilkofski, M.D., M.Ed from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. In this session, titled “Pediatric Emergencies and Complications in the Recovery Room/PACU Environment” we'll review case-based discussions of emergencies commonly encountered in the PACU and OR during surgical programs. Additionally, we will discuss crisis resource management principles and teamwork dynamics that are critical in handling acute emergencies. Register for the webinar here: https://lnkd.in/eJwBsDtd Sign up for an Operation Smile Academy account to receive a certificate of attendance: https://lnkd.in/egH3ZCDh

Next week, we are hosting our 2024 International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC) at Emory University from July 22-28! We’re excited to have Align Technology as the title sponsor of this transformative event, reinforcing our commitment to youth development through education, service, and leadership opportunities.     This #ISLC2024 will bring together over 300 student volunteers from more than 20 countries. These young leaders will develop their skills, support patients with cleft conditions, and connect with peers from around the globe. Align's generous support plays a crucial role in removing economic barriers for our student volunteers, ensuring that more individuals can attend this impactful event through the life-changing scholarships they provide.     Now in its 32nd year, the annual week-long conference continues to evolve and innovate to maximize its impact. We are grateful to Align Technology for their steadfast partnership in our surgical programs and their generous support of Operation Smile’s Student Programs as we strive to transform smiles and positively impact the lives of our patients and their communities.     We look forward to seeing the positive impact these young leaders will have in their communities and beyond. To learn more about this partnership and event, click here: https://lnkd.in/emjc8jXz    #OperationSmile #YouthEmpowerment