About Us

Grassrootsmile is an oral health-focused NGO dedicated to providing free comprehensive cleft care services to individuals affected by cleft lip and/or palate in collaboration with Smile Train.

To date, GSI has served over 3,000 individuals with cleft conditions, primarily infants and young children, though patients of all ages and genders including the elderly are treated.

Beyond cleft care, GSI extends its reach through the "Naija Smile" Oral Health Initiative, delivering free oral health education and treatment to over 10,000 individuals since its inception.

Our Core Principles

At the heart of GSI lies a profound commitment to our community.

We believe that genuine connections and collaboration are essential in achieving meaningful change.

Vision

To spread joy to those in need under the banner of love.

Mission

To be a global charity, promoting sustainable development through interventions tailored to the needs of the communities we serve spanning the fields of healthcare, education, and women empowerment.

A Message from Our Founder

As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for over 25 years, I've seen firsthand the transformative impact of oral health interventions, from rebuilding confidence to improving quality of life. But I also saw a critical need: comprehensive care for children born with cleft conditions. This inspired me to establish GSI, a center dedicated to bridging this gap.

Our partnership with Smile Train in 2008 was instrumental in bringing this vision to life. I dreamed of a place where we could provide holistic care, conduct research, and train future specialists. Now, 18 years later, I am humbled to witness GSI, with the invaluable support of Smile Train, our dedicated team, staff, and volunteers, positively impacting thousands of lives.

PROF. ADEBOLA RAFEL ADETOKUNBO

Our Journey So Far

We have successfully reached and positively impacted the lives of thousands of people both within and beyond Nigeria through our diverse and impactful initiatives. We are committed to providing the highest quality care possible with compassion and support to every individual we serve.

Cleft Surgeries

3000+

9000+

Youths Empowered

Children Fed

2000+

100+

Speech Therapy

500+

Empowered Women

Nutritional Management

200+

8000+

Oral Intervention

Our Dedicated Team

We have a comprehensive cleft Team comprising of; Maxillofacial Surgeons, an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon, a Pediatrician, Anesthesiologists, Mental Health Experts, Social Workers, Pediatric Nurses, Researchers and Volunteers.

10000+

18

Years of experience

Smiles Created

Our Facilities

At GSI, we provide a comprehensive learning environment that benefits both students and patients.

Our state-of-the-art facilities, including an operating room, patient recovery room, dental clinic, and 3DX-ray room, offer hands-on learning opportunities for students preparing them for successful careers in the field of oral health and cleft care while ensuring high-quality care for our patients.

Our Approach

Driven by a passion for health and a commitment to improving lives, our team of dedicated specialists works tirelessly to provide accessible and high-quality care to underserved populations.

We go beyond providing treatment, actively engaging in community outreach programs to educate Nigerians about oral health and empower them to make informed decisions about their dental care.

With compassion and care, we provide free comprehensive cleft services in partnership with Smile Train, giving individuals with cleft a new reason to smile.

woman wearing yellow long-sleeved dress under white clouds and blue sky during daytime