Treatment Partnerships

The Smile train has provided free cleft surgery and related treatment for more than 285,000 children around the world. All of these surgeries are performed by local doctors that The Smile Train has empowered through various partnerships and grants.

Treatment Partnerships involve an on-going relationship with The Smile Train and require a long-term commitment providing free surgical treatment for children with cleft who would not otherwise be helped. Treatment Partnerships significantly increase the number of cleft surgeries performed at a qualified hospital/center. The Treatment Partner must meet and adhere to The Smile Train Safety and Quality Improvement Protocol.

Treatment Partners are reimbursed based on the number of patients treated. All Treatment Partners are required to participate in Smile Train Express, an online patient record-keeping database.

Download the Treatment Partnership application form (PDF, 90 KB) »

Treatment Grants

Treatment Grants are one-time grants for medical professionals, hospitals, and organizations that provide treatment for poor children with clefts in developing countries, but who may not meet the requirements to become a treatment partner. These grants are designed to supplement care for children who would not otherwise receive help through free treatment (i.e. surgery, orthodontia, speech therapy), improving the quality of treatment or providing for related expenses such as equipment, outreach programs, and patient travel. The grants may also be designated for a specific project or need that help poor children with cleft lip and palate.

Download the Treatment Grants application form (PDF, 52 KB) »

Education and Training Grants

Smile Train programs come in all shapes and sizes, but the objective of every one is the same: to help the local medical community become self-sufficient. With the proper education and training, surgeons and nurses in developing countries are empowered to deliver excellent treatment and care. They are our best hope of helping the millions of children who need it.

The Smile Train provides Education and Training Grants for doctors, hospitals and medical schools to develop and deliver advanced in-country cleft lip and palate teaching and education programs. These programs are made available to doctors, nurses, and medical professionals who could not otherwise afford them.

Education and Training Grants are designed to improve the safety and quality of cleft care performed by existing cleft care professionals. They are designed to support in-country training and education, not U.S. based training. Education and Training sponsored by The Smile Train should lead to improved treatment for poor children. The grants are not intended for funding individual travel needs to conferences and symposiums. Training grant applicants are chosen in accordance with their medical education, experience and ability.

Download the Education and Training Grants application form (PDF, 48 KB) »