Smile Train: World Cleft Awareness Day 2026

Observed annually on July 20, World Cleft Awareness Day (WCAD) raises global awareness about cleft lip and/or palate, helps reduce stigma, and advocates for equitable access to comprehensive cleft care. Following the successful launch of the observance last year, Smile Train is marking its second annual World Cleft Awareness Day with a global campaign that encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to share stories, amplify awareness on social media, and show support for cleft-affected people around the world.

Content from this campaign

Philanthropy

Every Cleft. Every Story. Every Voice Matters.
Smile Train is deeply moved by the incredible stories and messages shared by the global cleft community. Every contribution helped shine a light on the realities of living with a cleft and highlighted the experiences, challenges, and achievements that are often unseen.

Health & Healthcare

Smile Train and Dentsply Sirona Mark World Cleft Awareness Day with a Milestone: 7,000 Cleft Surgeries Enabled — and $470 Million in Economic Impact
On World Cleft Awareness Day, the partners celebrate their 7,000th enabled cleft surgery and, for the first time, share the economic dimension of their collective impact: an estimated $470 million in lifetime value generated and more than 45,000 years of healthy life restored.

Events

Smile Train to Host Cleft Con 2026 Ahead of Second Annual World Cleft Awareness Day
Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, will host its seventh Cleft Con at The Wigman in Litchfield Park, Arizona from July 17-19, bringing together cleft-affected individuals and their families for a dynamic weekend of connection and learning.

More from Smile Train

Smile Train: World Cleft Awareness Day 2026

Observed annually on July 20, World Cleft Awareness Day (WCAD) raises global awareness about cleft lip and/or palate, helps reduce stigma, and...