When The Smile Train's founding board members developed The Ten Principles of The Smile Train, they were unanimous in deciding which principle would come first: "Insure the safety of the patient is always our #1 priority." This principle is at the top of the list and is the guiding force behind every plan, program, and initiative.

The Smile Train Medical Advisory Board, peopled with highly respected medical professionals, spearhead all safety-related issues. To date the Board's accomplishments include the Safety and Quality Improvement Protocol, Quality Process Manual, and the Standardized Patient Medical Record, all prerequisites to every surgery performed under the auspices of The Smile Train.

The Virtual Surgery Lab brings technology to the safety arena — bringing together experts in two very different fields: cleft surgery and computer animation. By joining forces, they will bring advanced surgical training to some of the most remote corners of the world via videotape and computer technology, giving destitute children afflicted with cleft lip and palate a chance at the same surgical techniques available to children born in developed countries.

Download The Smile Train’s Anesthesia Guidelines (PDF, 40KB) »