Operation Smile

We are a global nonprofit bridging the gap in access to essential surgeries & healthcare, starting with cleft surgery and comprehensive care. We provide medical expertise, training, research and care through our staff, volunteers, and students, working alongside governments, nonprofits, and health systems.

At Operation Smile, we believe that every child deserves access to high-quality health care. We’re working hand-in-hand with communities worldwide to expand access to care through training and educational programs, and offering free, life-changing cleft surgeries and comprehensive care.

Founded in 1982 by Dr. Bill Magee and Kathy Magee, Operation Smile is a global nonprofit specializing in cleft surgery and care. We provide medical training, education and mentorship to surgical teams around the world, along with expertise, research and care through our staff and volunteers, working alongside local governments, nonprofits and health systems.

Our team approach provides the highest quality care for patients living in countries with under-resourced health systems where safe surgery and cleft care may be unavailable or inaccessible to them. Our community-focused patient recruitment efforts locate children in need of essential cleft surgery and provide them with accessible follow-up treatments.