Smile Train to Serve as Premier Supporter of CLEFT2025 in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan - October 17, 2025 — Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, is proud to serve as the Premier Supporter of CLEFT2025, the 15th International Congress on Cleft Lip and Palate and Related Craniofacial Anomalies. The event will take place at the Kyoto International Conference Center in Kyoto, Japan from October 20 to 24, 2025.

As the Premier Supporter of the conference, Smile Train is expanding global access to continuing education for cleft care providers, ensuring cleft teams around the world can continue to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care in their own communities. More than 200 Smile Train partners and affiliates representing 32 countries will come together to share their expertise, present clinical research, and exchange knowledge—collectively driving meaningful progress in global cleft care. This support amplifies the voices of medical professionals in low and middle-income countries, highlighting their important contributions to the field and strengthening the global fabric of patient safety and cleft care expertise.

“CLEFT2025 is a significant moment for global cleft care and Smile Train is honored to serve as its Premier Supporter,” said Susannah Schaefer, President & CEO of Smile Train. “We are proud to stand alongside partners from around the world as they share knowledge, exchange ideas, and shape the future of cleft care together.”

One of the highlights at the congress will be the launch of the new Speech Surgery Simulator, a high-fidelity training tool for cleft palate speech procedures developed by Simulare Medical, a division of Smile Train. Created by leading plastic surgeons, the life-size, anatomically accurate model enables surgeons to practice realistic incisions and suturing to restore normal speech function. A hands-on workshop will debut the model, with demonstrations available at Smile Train’s exhibition booth.

“This next-generation simulator is designed to give surgeons-in-training invaluable hands-on experience performing complex speech surgeries before ever operating on a child,” said Dr. Dale Podolsky, Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Surgeon at The Hospital for Sick Children and Founder of Simulare Medical. “Thanks to Smile Train’s support, this tool will accelerate training worldwide and help expand access to skilled cleft care.”

Smile Train will also spotlight its commitment to advancing cleft research by funding a special cleft-focused issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS), the official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

“The upcoming Smile Train-sponsored issue of PRS will be dedicated to cleft and craniofacial care, composed of articles authored by Smile Train’s Medical Advisory Board,” said Dr. Larry Hollier, Surgeon in Chief and President of Health Affairs at Texas Children’s Hospital, Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, and Chair of Smile Train’s Medical Advisory Board. “This investment underscores Smile Train’s commitment to building an evidence base that improves patient outcomes around the world.”

CLEFT2025 will unite multidisciplinary cleft care professionals, researchers, and advocates from across the globe for five days of knowledge-sharing, innovation, and collaboration. With Smile Train’s leadership, the congress promises to shape the future of cleft and craniofacial care for years to come.

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About Smile Train

Smile Train empowers local medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally. We advance a sustainable solution and scalable global health model for cleft treatment, drastically improving children's lives, including their ability to eat, breathe, speak, and ultimately thrive. To learn more about how Smile Train's sustainable approach means donations have both an immediate and long-term impact, please visit smiletrain.org.

Media Contact

Emily Gay
Public Relations Strategist
egay@smiletrain.org
+1 (561) 308-0089