History and Approach
- Smile Train was created in 1998 by Brian Mullaney and Charles Wang.
- They previously worked with Operation Smile, another charity focused on correcting cleft lips and palates.
- The organization's approach is to train and support local doctors to provide cleft surgeries.
- Local doctors can provide care year-round, unlike mission-based models.
- Smile Train began providing surgeries in China in 1999 and in India in 2000.
Recognition and Criticism
- Economist Steven Levitt indicated that Smile Train is one of the most productive charities in the world.
- The documentary 'Smile Pinki' won the 2008 Oscar for Best Documentary (Short Subject).
- Smile Train worked with the Scottish charity KidsOR to revamp operating theaters in Africa.
- CharityWatch criticized the president's salary and questioned the company's tax form.
- Givewell could not assess the impact of Smile Train's activities based on available information.
Related Organizations
- List of cleft lip and palate organizations.
- List of non-governmental organizations in the People's Republic of China.
External Links
- Official website.
References
- Ironman Arizona athletes raise funds for Smile Train.
- Driven by smiles - China Daily.
- Two sides of charity: Competing, compassion - The Virginian-Pilot.
- Bottom-Line Philanthropy - The New York Times.
- Cleft Palate Practice, Pre-Surgery - The New York Times.
Smile Train is a nonprofit organization and charity providing corrective surgery for children with cleft lips and palates. Headquartered in New York City and founded in 1999, Smile Train provides free corrective cleft surgery in 87 countries, training local doctors and providing hospital funding for the procedures.
 | |
| Formation | 1999 |
|---|---|
| Type | 501(c)(3) nonprofit |
| Headquarters | New York City, New York, United States |
| Susannah Schaefer | |
| Website | smiletrain |
