Surgical Missions

Alliance for Smiles organizes and sends teams to under-served countries for medical missions that last from one to two weeks.

The team is comprised of approximately 12 medical volunteers, supported by approximately 4 non-medical volunteers. During a typical mission 50 to 80 children receive free treatment for cleft lip and palate anomalies.

The AfS team works side-by-side with local medical practitioners to exchange ideas on proper medical techniques and procedures, as well as to provide follow-up care

Become Part of  a Medical Mission

Our missions are made possible by dedicated surgeons, nurses, dentists, anesthesiologists, speech specialists, photographers, translators, coordinators, and volunteers who share a commitment to helping children in need.

Whether you provide medical expertise or operational support, your skills can help bring hope, healing, and smiles to children and families around the world.

Upcoming Missions

Date & Time:

July 16, 2026

Date & Time:

September 18, 2026 to September 28, 2026

Date & Time:

October 19, 2026 to October 30, 2026

Volunteer Positions

Medical Volunteers

  • Plastic Surgeon (with cleft experience)
  • Anesthesiologist (with pediatric experience)
  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (with pediatric experience)
  • Pediatrician (with current PALS) OR Nurse
  • PACU nurse (with current PALS & ACLS)
  • Dentist
  • Dental Hygienist
  • Speech Pathologist (with cleft experience)

Non-Medical Volunteers

  • Mission Director
  • Sterilizer
  • Photographer
  • Record Keeper
  • Ward Coordinator
  • Translator

 

( summaries of each non-medical position here. )

Click on a job description below to view the protocol for that position

 

Medical PositionsNon-Medical Positions
Plastic SurgeonMission Director
AnesthesiaRecord Keeper
PediatricianPhotographer
Lead NurseWard Coordinator
OR NurseSterilizer
PACU Nurse
Dentistry

Volunteer Applications

Click on the appropriate application below

    Your Specialty (required)

    The following documents should be submitted with your application. You will have a chance to upload them at the end of the application, or you can submit them separately via email, fax or standard mail.

    • Current License to Practice

    • Curriculum Vitae

    • PALS Certification (for Pediatricians and PACU Nurses)

    • Diploma

    • Board Certification (for Surgeons, Anesthesiologists, CRNAs and Pediatricians)

    • Cover Letter (Surgeons: include cleft experience; Anesthesiologists: include pediatric experience; PACU Nurses: include pediatric experience)

    • Photocopy of Passport

    • Attestation Form – can be downloaded here: Attestation Form

    • Please Note: If you are selected to volunteer on a mission, we will need a headshot of you. You may also submit that now.


    Applicant Name


    Applicant Address



    Personal Information

    Birth Date (required)

    Gender

    Name on Passport

    Passport Number

    Passport Expiration

    Nationality


    Practice Information

    Area of Specialty

    Office or Hospital Name (if applicable)

    Office or Hospital Phone


    Travel Info and Trip Fees

    Alliance for Smiles will cover international travel costs for medical volunteers, but if you are approved for a mission please consider making a tax-deductible donation to cover all or part of your airfare.

    All mission volunteers are required to pay a tax-deductible $525 Mission Participation Contribution once they have been selected for a mission.

    If you agree to above, please click Yes


    General Information

    How did you hear about Alliance for Smiles?

    Do you speak any languages besides English? (Indicate level of fluency).
    If you are applying from a non-English-speaking country, please indicate your level of fluency in English.

    Prior Medical Missions You Have Gone On (if any)

    Are You A Member of Rotary? (Indicate club name/district and how long.)

    Do you have any medical conditions we should be aware of?

    Shirt Size (in unisex size)


    Professional References

    Please list two professional references – preferably physicians, dentist or allied health practitioners who are familiar with your work. If possible, include at least one member from the medical staff of each facility at which you have privileges.

    Reference One

    Full Name of Reference

    Title

    Phone

    Email

    Notes


    Reference Two

    Full Name of Reference

    Title

    Phone

    Email

    Notes


    Documentation

    The below documents must be submitted before you can be approved. If you don’t currently have all of the documents gathered, you can submit the application now and send the forms later via email, fax or standard mail. You will find all contact information on the contact page.

    • Current License to Practice

    • Curriculum Vitae

    • Diploma

    • Board Certification (only for Surgeons, Anesthesiologists, CRNAs and Pediatricians)

    • PALS Certification (only for Pediatricians and PACU Nurses)

    • Cover Letter (Surgeons: include cleft experience; Anesthesiologists: include pediatric experience; PACU Nurses: include pediatric experience)

    • Photocopy of Passport

    • Attestation Form – the form can be downloaded here: Attestation Form

    Drag & Drop Files Here
    or


    Accepted file formats: .docx, .pages, .pdf, .jpg, .zip, .png, .gif. Size limit 20 MB.


    Terms

    I fully understand that any significant misstatement in or omissions from this application will constitute cause for denial of my application for affiliation with Alliance for Smiles. I hereby affirm that the information I have furnished to Alliance for Smiles on this application and in any accompanying document is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.

    If selected for a medical mission, I understand that training of local medical professionals and students might be required to fulfill grant expectations and/or build the capacity of the local team.

    Do you agree to the above terms?

      The following documents must be submitted before you can be approved. You will have a chance to upload them at the end of the application, or you can submit them separately via email, fax or standard mail.

      • Cover Letter and Resume (Please include how you heard about AfS, how you would like to volunteer for us, and your skills/qualifications.)

      • Photocopy of Passport

      • Please Note: If you are selected to volunteer on a mission, we will need a headshot of you. You may also submit that now.


      Applicant Name


      Applicant Address



      Personal Information

      Birth Date (required)

      Gender

      Name as Shown on Passport

      Passport Number

      Passport Expiration

      Nationality


      Travel Info and Trip Fees

      Non-medical volunteers are required to pay their own airline expenses (unless a mission is funded by a specific grant). In addition, each volunteer is required to pay a tax-deductible $525 mission participation contribution once once they have been selected for a mission. AfS will cover the cost of food, lodging, and ground transportation for all volunteers during the mission.

      If you agree to the above, please click Yes


      General Information

      How did you hear about Alliance for Smiles?

      Do you speak any languages besides English? (Indicate level of fluency)

      Prior Medical Missions You Have Gone On (if any)

      Are You A Member of Rotary? (Indicate club name/district and how long.)

      Do you have any medical conditions we should be aware of?

      Shirt Size (in unisex size)


      Professional References

      Please list a professional or personal reference who we may contact if necessary.


      Reference One

      Full Name of Reference

      Title

      Phone

      Email

      Notes


      Reference Two

      Full Name of Reference

      Title

      Phone

      Email

      Notes


      Documentation

      The following documents must be submitted before you can be approved:

      • Cover Letter and Resume (Please include how you heard about AfS, how you would like to volunteer for us, and your skills/qualifications.)

      • Photocopy of Passport

      To upload the documentation now, please click upload below.

      Drag & Drop Files Here
      or

      You may send the documentation via email to missions@allianceforsmiles.org

      If you don’t have all the required documents yet, you can submit the application now and send the forms separately via email, fax or standard mail. Mailing address and contact info are on the contact page.


      Once you have completed the application and uploaded all files that you wish to, please agree to the terms and hit the Submit button below.

      All volunteers must be vaccinated for COVID-19, and hepatitis A & B before participating in a mission.

      If approved for a mission we ask that you consider providing us with names and contact info of family and friends, to be collected for our fundraising database.

      I fully understand that any significant misstatement in or omissions from this application will constitute cause for denial of my application for affiliation with Alliance for Smiles. I hereby affirm that the information I have furnished to Alliance for Smiles on this application and in any accompanying document is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.

      Do you agree to the above terms?

        In addition to this application, the below items should be submitted. (You can fill out the application now, and send these items later if you choose.)

        • Cover letter and resumePlease include your international and/or medical experience (if any)

        • Short video of yourself – Please tell us why you would be a great asset to our team and how you heard about AfS.


        Applicant Name


        Applicant Address



        Additional Information

        Birth Date (required)

        Gender as shown on travel document

        Nationality

        School Name (if applicable)

        Current School Year (if applicable)

        Do you speak any languages besides English? (Indicate level of fluency)

        There will be times when you will be asked to wear an Alliance for Smiles t-shirt or polo shirt that will identify you as a team member.
        Shirt Size (in unisex size)

        Please describe your current health, including any medical conditions we should be aware of.


        References


        Personal Reference [non-family member; someone who has known you for at least 5 years]

        Name

        Title

        Phone

        Email

        Notes


        Professional Reference

        Name

        Title

        Phone

        Email

        Notes


        Documentation

        The following documents must be submitted before you can be approved:

        • Cover letter and resumePlease include your international and/or medical experience (if any)

        • Short video of yourself – Please tell us why you would be a great asset to our team and how you heard about AfS.

        You can upload these items now at the below link, or you can submit the application now and upload these items later. (You will receive the below link in an email, once you hit SUBMIT below.)

        Upload Documents Here:

        www.dropbox.com/request/vXRTqLbm7NIfQfVL1xKR


        Once you have completed the application and uploaded all files that you wish to, please agree to the terms and hit the SUBMIT button below.

        I fully understand that any significant misstatement in or omissions from this application will constitute cause for denial of my application for affiliation with Alliance for Smiles. I hereby affirm that the information I have furnished to Alliance for Smiles on this application and in any accompanying document is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.

        Do you agree to the above terms?

        Trip Fees and Airfare Costs

        Trip Fee: All volunteers must pay a tax-deductible trip participation fee of $525 (once they are assigned to a mission).

        Airfare:

        • Medical Volunteers: Alliance for Smiles covers airfare costs for approved medical volunteers.
        • Non-Medical Volunteers: Unless a mission is funded by a grant that covers airfare costs, non-medical volunteers are required to pay their own airline expenses.

         

        If any of these expenses create a financial hardship, we can work with you to fundraise and/or find sponsors to cover all or part of the costs. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

        Thank you!

        Did you know that thousands of companies and hospitals offer volunteer matching/grant programs where they will donate to Alliance for Smiles when you volunteer with us?

         

        Alliance for Smiles International Fellowship Program

        Intensive 1–2 Week Program
Investment: $2,000–$2,500 (depending on mission length)

        The Alliance for Smiles International Medical Fellowship offers pre-medical and healthcare-focused students a unique opportunity to observe and support life-changing cleft surgery missions in underserved communities around the world.


        Working alongside experienced surgeons, nurses, dentists, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals, fellows gain valuable exposure to international healthcare, surgical care, patient recovery, and mission operations.

        cleft-palate-surgery-crop

        The program is ideal for:

        • Premedical students
        • Undergraduate students interested in healthcare
        • Medical students
        • Individuals exploring careers in medicine or healthcare

        Applicants should be at least 21 years old at the time of travel (exceptions may be considered).

        What You’ll Experience

        • Observe cleft surgeries and patient care
        • Learn from experienced medical professionals
        • Participate in educational mentorship opportunities
        • Gain exposure to global healthcare systems
        • Travel to an underserved region of the world
        • Receive 80 verified volunteer hours and a certificate of completion

        Program Includes

        • Accommodations
        • Ground transportation
        • Three meals per day
        • Travel insurance
        • Educational programming and mentorship
        • Certificate of completion

        Airfare is not included.

        babycleft1500
        baby-prepped-surgery

        Mission Impact

        As part of the fellowship, a portion of your program fee helps support life-changing cleft surgery for a child receiving care through Alliance for Smiles.

        How to Apply

        1. Complete the application.
        2. Meet with an Alliance for Smiles team member to discuss the program.
        3. Receive mission preparation materials and travel information.
         

        Questions?

        Contact Alliance for Smiles at internship@allianceforsmiles.org or (415) 647-4481.

        Help
        Us Continue

        Changing
        lives

        Your support helps provide life-changing cleft care, medical training, and sustainable healthcare partnerships around the world.