Mission Smile is a non-profit organization that provides free cleft lip and palate treatment to individuals in need, particularly in countries like India and Bangladesh. Their mission is to help those born with cleft lips and palates lead healthier and more fulfilling lives by offering comprehensive care. Here's an overview of the typical treatment process for cleft lip and palate at Mission Smile:

Patient Identification and Outreach

Mission Smile often conducts outreach programs and works with local communities and healthcare providers to identify individuals with cleft lip and palate. They may also receive referrals from other organizations or healthcare facilities.

Registration and Assessment

Once a patient is identified, they are registered with Mission Smile. The next step is a thorough assessment by a team of medical professionals, including surgeons, speech therapists, and orthodontists, to determine the extent of the cleft and the appropriate treatment plan.

Surgical Correction

For cleft lip and palate, the primary treatment involves surgery. Mission Smile organizes surgical camps where volunteer medical professionals, including surgeons and anesthesiologists, perform cleft lip and palate repair surgeries. These surgeries are typically performed when the child is a few months old, depending on their health and specific circumstances.

Post-Surgery Care:

After the surgery, patients require careful post-operative care. This includes wound care, monitoring for infection, and feeding guidance, especially for babies with cleft palates.

Speech and Dental Care

Cleft lip and palate can affect speech and dental development. Mission Smile often provides speech therapy and dental care as part of the comprehensive treatment plan. This may involve multiple follow-up appointments and treatments over several years.

Psychological Support

Living with a cleft lip and palate can be emotionally challenging. Mission Smile provides psychological support and counseling for patients and their families to help them cope with the challenges they may face.

Follow-up and Long-term Care

Treatment is often a long-term process that continues into adolescence or adulthood. Mission Smile continues to follow up with patients to ensure that they receive the necessary care and support as they grow.

It's important to note that the specific treatment plan may vary for each individual depending on the severity of the cleft and their overall health. Mission Smile relies on a network of dedicated volunteers and healthcare professionals to carry out their mission and provide free cleft lip and palate treatment to those in need. Their work is vital in improving the lives of individuals affected by this condition and helping them integrate into society with confidence.