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Planet Smile for Kids Society

“One Person can only do so much but together we can make a difference”

Michael Cuccione

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WHO WE ARE

​Planet Smile for Kids Society is committed to creating long-term sustainable treatment programs for children with Cleft Lip and Palate and other craniofacial anomalies around the world. Our organization focuses on interdisciplinary education for healthcare professionals so that each child has a comprehensive team involved in their treatment and care. The knowledge and techniques that are gained from this education can then be applied to future patients so that every child, no matter where they are from, can receive the best treatment plans and approach to care.

 

Planet Smile for Kids works with the help and support of professionals from the Cleft Lip and Palate/ Craniofacial program at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and the Cleft/ Craniofacial program at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, Canada. 

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The Cleft Lip and Palate team is comprised of health professionals from 16 different disciplines who believe that a team approach is crucial in the provision of comprehensive family-centered care. These dedicated healthcare professionals provide optimum care for children with cleft lip and palate and other craniofacial anomalies throughout their growth and development through an interdisciplinary team approach.​

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Currently Planet Smile for Kids is working in Vietnam and Mexico with plans to slowly expand throughout South East Asia.

  • Support the development of comprehensive and sustainable programs for the treatment of children with Cleft Lip and Palate (CLP) and other craniofacial anomalies, oral cancer and disabilities around the world.

OUR VISION​

  • Provide education and training for professionals providing comprehensive care and treatment to patients with CLP and other craniofacial anomalies.

  • Provide equipment to non-profit medical clinics and hospitals that are unable to adequately meet their medical needs.

  • Contribute to research on oral cancer, CLP, craniofacial anomalies and disabilities, and disseminate the results of such research.

  • Raise awareness, educate the public, and participate in international health conferences.

  • Provide funding for exchange programs in CLP, craniofacial anomalies, oral cancer and disabilities.

OUR MISSION

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

What is Cleft Lip and/or Palate?

  • A cleft occurs during fetal development when certain parts and structures do not fuse together. Clefts can include the lip and/or palate which can involve the hard and soft palates (roof of the mouth).

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What is the incidence?

  • Cleft lip and/or palate is one of the most common anomalies around the planet affecting 1 in 700 babies born. Research has shown that there is a higher incidence in Asia; approximately 1 in 500 and a lower incidence in babies with African descent; approx. 1 in 1,200.

 

What are the causes?

  • In most cases, it is not known what caused the cleft but research has shown to be a combination of multi-factorial causes that may include a combination of genetic and environmental factors, alcohol and drug use, lack of vitamin B (folic acid), maternal illness during pregnancy and other. Ongoing research is necessary to understand the causes.

What is the impact of a cleft in a child’s life?

  • Many children born with clefts have difficulty feeding, breathing, hearing, speaking, low self-esteem, lack of social interaction and the ability to reach their full potential.

 

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How is it treated?

  • A comprehensive team approach by specialists working together is necessary to provide the best possible treatment comprised of paediatrician, plastic surgeons, orthodontists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, nurse practitioners, social workers, occupational therapists and other health care providers.

 

  • Our main objective is to provide each child with a comprehensive team of specialists involved in their treatment and care long term to integrate them to society, and live normal, healthy, productive lives and to enable them to reach their full potential.

“ Never doubt a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Margaret Mead

Your generous support will help us fund our mission to help those in need. Together, we can make a difference.

 

Planet Smile for Kids is a non-profit society currently applying for charitable status and cannot issue tax receipts. With your support, Planet Smile for Kids will continue working with medical professionals in Vietnam and Mexico with plans to slowly expand throughout Southeast Asia.

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