Operation Smile

We are proud to share that Astrid Sundberg, Executive Director of Operation Smile Norge, has been named Diversify’s "Person of the Year" at the Blaze Inclusion Awards during the 2024 Annual Gala!  This prestigious recognition highlights her dedication to fostering a more inclusive and sustainable world. Astrid’s commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued is truly inspiring. We are thrilled to have her skills and expertise as part of our team as we work to bridge the gap in access to essential surgeries and #healthcare for our patients and their communities.  Join us in celebrating Astrid’s incredible achievement as we continue to work together toward a brighter and more inclusive future for all! #OperationSmile #HealthEquity #GlobalHealth

Happy #WorldSmileDay! A smile is a universal expression of joy, transcending borders and cultures to unite people across the globe. With the support of our partners, volunteers, students, staff, and supporters, we inspire smiles and create lasting impact across 37 countries. We invite you to share your #ReasonstoSmile and join us in celebrating the universal joy of a smile. Together, we continue to transform lives and spread happiness globally! #ReasonsToSmile

Did you catch this morning edition of theSkimm? We’re thrilled to be featured in the newsletter today for #WorldSmileDay! This special opportunity allows us to highlight our work in bridging the gap in access to essential surgeries and #healthcare while providing life-changing surgery and comprehensive care for our patients born with cleft conditions. As we celebrate #WorldSmileDay, we invite you to check it out and learn more about our work. Together, we can create a brighter future for our patients and their communities! https://lnkd.in/e6pkzdzy #OperationSmile #ReasonsToSmile

At Operation Smile, we believe in the power of partnerships. Our collaborative efforts are essential in creating access to #healthcare for those who need it most. We are deeply grateful to all our partners for their unwavering support, which makes the work we do possible and helps us achieve a sustainable impact in the communities we serve. As we celebrate #WorldSmileDay, we invite you to share your #ReasonstoSmile and join us in recognizing the strength of our partnerships. Together, we make a difference! #ReasonsToSmile Learn more about our incredible partners:  • Corporate Partners: https://lnkd.in/e28tWzNs • Strategic Partners: https://lnkd.in/etpq6HKP

At Operation Smile, we smile because education is a force multiplier, creating a ripple effect for generations to come. By training #healthcare workers and driving #innovation, we’re paving the way for a healthier future, fostering more resilient communities and ensuring a sustainable impact. Read how we are strengthening the global #healthcare workforce here: https://lnkd.in/g5r-eiZa #WorldSmileDay #ReasonsToSmile

At Operation Smile, our volunteers and staff are the heroes behind the smiles, providing life-changing care in their communities and beyond. Their dedication allows us to bring new smiles to those we serve and continue our vital work. As we celebrate #WorldSmileDay, let’s acknowledge their incredible contributions and the global impact they make. Share your #ReasonstoSmile and tag someone who’s a hero in your life. Together, let’s recognize the everyday heroes who make a global impact and inspire positive change. #ReasonsToSmile

Last week, during #UNGA79, Operation Smile participated in and led discussions to advance #globalhealth access and fostered essential #partnerships to strengthen #healthsystems.     At Concordia, Chief Strategy Officer Kristie Magee Porcaro led a fireside chat titled "A Blueprint for Sustainable Access to Surgical Care." Her session explored how innovative solutions can address barriers to global healthcare access, such as distance, financial challenges, and medical infrastructure gaps. This discussion emphasized the importance of collaboration across sectors to transform access to #healthcare and build stronger, more resilient communities.     Our Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer, Dr. Ruben Ayala, also contributed to the conversation by speaking at the Devex event. In his session, "A New Roadmap: Creating Sustainable Healthcare Systems for All," he highlighted how Operation Smile is addressing the urgent need for safe, affordable surgical care in low- and middle-income communities. Dr. Ayala emphasized our strategy of building local capacity and strengthening health systems to ensure sustainable impact where it's needed most.     Operation Smile was also proud to co-host the #UNGA79 side event, “Antimicrobial Resistance: An Ongoing Public Health Challenge.” Co-hosted with the American Medical Women's Association (AMWA) and supported by multiple global partners, the event addressed the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Panelists shared valuable insights on combating AMR through global partnerships, innovative solutions, and future strategies.     Throughout the week, we had numerous opportunities to share our mission with like-minded individuals and organizations working to achieve #equitableaccess to high-quality, essential health services. We were fortunate to participate and look forward to continuing the momentum next year! #UNGA80 

At Operation Smile, our work creates a lasting impact, inspiring smiles and spreading joy and hope across generations. Every patient’s smile tells a story of transformation and hope. Share your #ReasonstoSmile and join us in celebrating #WorldSmileDay this week. Together, let’s honor the power of a smile and continue creating a brighter future together. #ReasonsToSmile

Join us on October 8 at 2:00 PM UTC for an insightful Operation Smile Academy #webinar featuring our very own Ulrick Sidney Kanmounye, Manager of Health Policy & Advocacy at Operation Smile. In this session, titled “Changing the Landscape: Health Policy & Advocacy in Global Surgery,” Ulrick will explore how effective policy-making can improve surgical access and outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. He’ll discuss strategies for driving policy reforms and empowering #healthcare systems to address global surgical inequities. Attendees will gain valuable insights into #advocacy tools and approaches that influence global surgical #policy development and implementation. Don’t miss out! Register for the webinar here: https://lnkd.in/eaXuiyPH Sign up for an Operation Smile Academy account to receive a certificate of attendance: https://lnkd.in/egH3ZCDh

Join us on October 1 at 2:00 PM UTC for an enlightening Operation Smile Academy live #webinar featuring Dr. Dwayne E. Everett, DDS, an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. In this session, titled “The Basics of Exodontia,” Dr. Everett will discuss essential information on the principles of #exodontia. Topics will include instrumentation and surgical techniques for performing extractions in both the anterior and posterior parts of the upper and lower arches. Register for the webinar here: https://lnkd.in/e5TYe36h  Sign up for an Operation Smile Academy account to receive a certificate of attendance: https://lnkd.in/egH3ZCDh