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OPERATION SMILE
Operation Smile is a non-profit
organization that grants free surgical operations to people who have
cleft lips or cleft palates--in 60 nations.
You have probably seen videos of
children who are badly disfigured by these conditions given a new lease
on life by volunteer doctors. Each surgery costs $240.00 complete, or
it is possible to pay for supplies.
You can find information on
www.SmileTrain.org/health
about the causes of cleft lip and palate. Some causes could be drug and
alcohol use, infections, lack of Vitamin B folic acid, and seizure meds.
Children who have cleft palates are at a greater risk of developing ear
infections.
Who
should be on the cleft team?
l. A surgeon to perform necessary
surgeries.
(oral/maxillofacial surgeon,
craniofacial surgeon.)
2. A pediatrician to monitor overall
health and development.
3. An otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and
throat doctor)
4. An audiologist who assesses hearing.
5. A nurse to help with feeding problems
and provide ongoing supervision of the child�s health.
6. A speech-language pathologist who
assists with speech and feeding problems.
7. A pediatric dentist.
8. An orthodontist to straighten teeth
and align the jaw.
9. A psychologist, social worker or
other mental health specialist to support the family.
Smile Train changes the world one smile
at a time.
41 Madison Ave., 28th Floor
New York, NY 10010
�Be joyful in hope, patient in
affliction, faithful in prayer.� Romans 12:12
Bonnie Kanady,
RN
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