Global Smile Foundation Hosts First-of-its-Kind Global Cleft Simulation Conference in Cartagena, Colombia

Groundbreaking event will unite cleft care providers from across the globe to improve safety and quality for cleft surgery worldwide.

NORWOOD, Mass., Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Smile Foundation (GSF) will host the 7th annual Comprehensive Cleft Care Workshop (CCCW) from November 18–21, 2025, in Cartagena, Colombia, marking one of the largest global simulation-based cleft training conferences to date.

This initiative brings together surgeons, anesthesiologists, speech pathologists, and multidisciplinary teams from more than 50 countries, with a focus on low- and middle-income country providers. Through advanced simulations, CCCW will provide hands-on training that equips providers at all levels with the skills needed to deliver safe, high-quality care to the 200,000 children born with cleft lip and palate each year.

"At CCCW, we are not only training surgeons and care teams — our goal is to strengthen entire health systems," said Dr. Usama Hamdan, president and co-founder of GSF. "The quality and outcomes of cleft care can vary significantly around the world, sometimes leading to suboptimal results. With a patient database spanning more than 30 years, GSF continues to publish new research. By sharing these lessons globally, we're helping teams raise standards of care so every child born with cleft has access to safe, high-quality surgery and a lifetime of smiles."

This year's location in Cartagena highlights GSF's dedication to convening providers and NGOs from around the globe and strengthening cleft care in Latin America. These efforts reflect a global commitment to advancing safety standards and shaping the future of cleft surgery.

For more information or to register, visit: https://cleftworkshop.org/

About Global Smile Foundation
Founded in 2008, Global Smile Foundation (GSF) provides comprehensive cleft care worldwide while partnering with local providers to build lasting capacity. With decades of patient data and ongoing research, GSF advances global standards in cleft treatment and education. Its flagship Comprehensive Cleft Care Workshop (CCCW) convenes experts annually to expand knowledge and strengthen cleft care globally. Learn more at www.gsmile.org.

Media Contact:
Global Smile Foundation
[email protected]
(781) 501-5007

SOURCE Global Smile Foundation