Changing Lives, One Smile at a Time: Supporting Operation Smile in Vietnam
A smile is one of the most powerful human expressions—it conveys joy, connection, and confidence. But for thousands of children around the world born with cleft lips or cleft palates, smiling without fear or pain is not something they get to experience easily.
Operation Smile, a global nonprofit, has been working for over four decades to change that. Through volunteer-based medical missions, Operation Smile provides free, life-changing surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children in low- and middle-income countries. Every surgery brings hope—not just to the child, but to entire families and communities.
Why Operation Smile Matters
In many parts of the world, access to surgical care is limited or simply unavailable. Children with untreated cleft conditions can suffer from malnutrition, difficulty speaking, social isolation, and even life-threatening complications. Operation Smile mobilizes teams of surgeons, nurses, dentists, speech therapists, and volunteers to provide high-quality cleft care where it's needed most.
With over 300,000 surgeries provided in more than 60 countries, Operation Smile’s reach and impact are global—but the heart of the organization is deeply personal: restoring dignity and joy, one child at a time.
We’re thrilled to announce that Dr. Kim, a highly respected dental professional in our community, will be joining Operation Smile on an upcoming mission trip to Vietnam.
As part of a multidisciplinary medical team, Dr. Kim will contribute his dental expertise to ensure that children not only receive the surgical care they need but also comprehensive oral health evaluations and treatment. Dental professionals play a critical role in cleft care—addressing issues like tooth development, alignment, and oral hygiene that are essential for long-term success after surgery.
“I’m honored to be a part of something so impactful,” says Dr. Kim. “This mission allows me to use my skills in a way that directly improves lives and brings hope to families who’ve been waiting for help.”
This mission to Vietnam reflects Dr. Kim’s deep commitment to compassionate care and helping communities in need. His involvement underscores how dental professionals are essential to a holistic approach in treating cleft conditions—providing not just technical care, but also human connection and comfort.