MiSmile team witnesses transformative impact of cleft care in West Africa
Three members of the MiSmile Network have returned from a life-changing visit to Ghana, where they witnessed firsthand the work of Operation Smile. This global charity provides free cleft lip and palate surgery for children and young adults in need – but that is only one part of the transformation they provide to families, to local healthcare professionals and the countries in which they operate.
Dr Tony Taunk, a principal dentist and long-standing member of the MiSmile Network, joined Ali Meredith, Programme Director and Rahil Kumar, Head of MiSmile Media, on a five-day trip to Ghana on the west coast of Africa. The team observed Operation Smile’s latest cleft care programme and participated in every aspect, from patient registration to postoperative care and speech therapy.
Beyond surgery
Operation Smile’s 30th programme in Ghana was remarkable in scope, treating 69 patients in just a few days. Many of these patients and their families had travelled for days to reach the surgical site. The programme brought the total number of patients treated in Ghana to more than 2,600 since the charity first began working in the country. “I had no idea just how much Operation Smile does beyond the surgery,” said Dr Taunk, who won his place on the programme at a MiSmile charity auction to raise funds for the charity. “The facilities were basic and the equipment limited, but the results were extraordinary. In 20 to 30 minutes, a child’s life was transformed. For as little as £150, you’re not just repairing a cleft lip. You’re restoring dignity, improving health and giving that child a future.”
The visit really brought home the stark differences between cleft care in the UK and Ghana. In Britain, cleft conditions are typically diagnosed at birth (or in vitro) and treated early through the NHS system. In Ghana, children can go years without surgery, facing social isolation and discrimination that can severely impact their lives and opportunities. “The conditions we saw really highlighted how fortunate we are in the UK,” said Ali Meredith. “MiSmile was built on transforming smiles and boosting confidence. Our partnership with Operation Smile allows us to extend that vision to children who would otherwise be left behind.”
The team witnessed firsthand the profound challenges faced by families affected by cleft conditions. Many patients experience rejection from their communities, particularly in rural areas where understanding of cleft conditions remains limited. Some families walk for hours or even days to reach a surgical programme, often carrying malnourished children who desperately need treatment. One story that particularly moved the team was that of a mother whose six-month-old son was treated during their visit. She had travelled over 20 hours by bus on her own to reach the programme centre, carrying her baby and hoping against hope that he would be selected for surgery.
“Wrapping every family in a circle of care”
One of the most emotional moments came during an assessment day, when families discovered whether their child would be eligible for surgery. Those too malnourished or unwell had to be put on hold, although Operation Smile ensures these patients receive support for future missions when they are stronger. “There were tears of joy and tears of disappointment,” said Rahil Kumar. “But what struck me most was how Operation Smile wrapped every family in care. Whether they received surgery or not, they were offered emotional support, speech therapy, nutritional help, and encouragement. It’s a complete circle of care.”
The surgical team worked tirelessly throughout the programme with procedures taking place from early morning through to evening. Dr Taunk was particularly impressed by the skill and dedication of the volunteer surgeons, many of whom had given up their annual leave to participate. “Watching these surgeons work was incredible,” he said. “They were operating in conditions that would be unthinkable in the UK, yet their precision and care never wavered. Every child received the same level of attention and expertise that you’d expect in a top-tier hospital.”
Long term strategy of local empowerment
The Ghana programme also focused heavily on education, with international medical volunteers working alongside Ghanaian healthcare professionals to provide hands-on training and mentorship. This investment in local capacity supports Operation Smile’s long-term strategy to help in-country teams deliver cleft care and health support on a year-round basis. Local healthcare workers participated in workshops that gave them skills in surgical techniques, anaesthesia protocols, and postoperative care. The programme also included training for speech therapists and nutritionists, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care that extends far beyond the operating theatre.
The MiSmile Network has partnered with Operation Smile for eight years, raising over £360,000 through patient donations, education events, and gala fundraisers. The network has pledged to raise £1 million as part of its tenth-anniversary celebrations. This remarkable achievement reflects the commitment of MiSmile practitioners and their patients to making a difference in the lives of children worldwide.
Every Invisalign treatment carried out by practitioners in the MiSmile Network includes a donation to Operation Smile, meaning that while patients in the UK are transforming their own smiles, they are simultaneously helping to change the lives of children in need. It is a model that demonstrates how dental practices can integrate social responsibility and charitable giving into their everyday operations.
Fundraising events planned for 2025 include skydives, marathons, cycling challenges, the annual gala dinner and community-led initiatives. The MiSmile team is already planning their next major fundraising push, inspired by what they witnessed in Ghana.
“Being in Ghana has added renewed purpose to everything we do,” said Ali. “We talk a lot about transformation in dentistry, but seeing the impact of cleft surgery in real time has taken that to a whole new level. It’s not just about smiles. It’s about changing lives.” The experience has also reinforced the team’s commitment to raising awareness about cleft conditions and the work of Operation Smile within the dental community. They plan to share their experiences at upcoming dental conferences and through the MiSmile Network’s educational programmes.
Operation Smile’s Executive Director, Mairead O’Callaghan, added: “We’re incredibly impressed by the MiSmile Network – by their passion for making a difference and their desire to bring about long-lasting change – both for their own patients and those who are less able to access first world healthcare. Their visit to Ghana brought our work to life for their wider network, and their ongoing commitment and support continues to make an enormous difference for children and families worldwide.”
About MiSmile and Operation Smile
The MiSmile Network is the UK’s leading provider of Invisalign treatment, with over 150 practices across the country. Founded with a mission to transform lives through confident smiles, MiSmile has an ongoing to commitment to partner with Operation Smile to extend that vision globally. Operation Smile is an international medical charity that provides free cleft lip and palate surgery to children in need. Through medical programmes staffed by volunteer surgeons, nurses, dentists and speech therapists, the charity helps restore smiles and dignity to patients who might otherwise go untreated. For every Invisalign treatment carried out by a practice in the MiSmile Network, a donation is made to Operation Smile. Together, they are creating new smiles and changing lives, one treatment at a time.