4623 Pershing Place, St. Louis, MO 63108
info@intcleftcare.homes
Restoring Smiles, Transforming Lives
International Cleft Care Project is dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals affected by cleft lip and palate disorders worldwide. Through comprehensive medical, dental, speech, and psychosocial support, we ensure every patient receives compassionate, expert care—regardless of geography or financial status.
Transforming Lives Through Comprehensive Cleft Care
At the International Cleft Care Project (ICCP), we believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to speak clearly, smile freely, and live confidently—regardless of where they are born or their financial situation. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, our mission extends across borders, bringing hope and healing to children and families affected by cleft lip and palate disorders around the world.
Each smile restored is a story of courage, compassion, and connection—and we are honored to walk that journey with every patient..
A Global Network with a Personal Touch
Our dedicated team of surgeons, dentists, speech pathologists, social workers, volunteers, and partners come together with one shared vision: a world where no child suffers because of where they were born. Through outreach missions, sustainable care models, and community-based education, we empower families and transform futures.
Transforming Lives Through Comprehensive Cleft Care
At the International Cleft Care Project, our mission is to improve the lives of individuals affected by cleft lip and palate disorders—regardless of where they live or their ability to pay. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, holistic care that addresses the full spectrum of medical, dental, speech, and psychosocial needs. Through expert intervention, global collaboration, and a deep commitment to equity, we strive to create a world where every person born with a cleft condition has the opportunity to live a confident, healthy, and fulfilled life.
Our mission
Our mission is to transform lives by providing comprehensive, accessible cleft care to individuals affected by cleft lip and palate worldwide. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality medical, dental, speech, and psychosocial support to ensure every patient receives the care they need. Guided by compassion and expertise, we believe that access to treatment should never be limited by geography or financial means, empowering every individual to live confidently.
Our vision
Our vision is a world where no child or adult suffers from untreated cleft conditions due to lack of access to care. We strive to create a future in which cleft treatment is universally available and affordable. Through global partnerships, education, and sustainable healthcare development, we aim to build strong local systems that provide ongoing care and support, changing lives one smile at a time.
Our values
Our values define who we are and how we serve. Compassion leads us to approach each patient with empathy and respect for their unique journey. Excellence drives us to maintain the highest standards of care across all specialties, ensuring safe and effective treatments. Equity motivates us to remove barriers and make cleft care a human right accessible to all. Integrity ensures transparency and accountability in every action we take.
Our Impact
Every Smile Tells a Story of Hope
At the International Cleft Care Project (ICCP), we measure impact not only in numbers but in lives changed. Each surgery, each therapy session, and each family we support represents a future made brighter through access to compassionate, comprehensive cleft care.
Since our inception, we have worked relentlessly to ensure that no child is left behind due to financial hardship, geographic barriers, or lack of specialized resources. Our programs bring healing to both body and spirit—empowering patients to thrive and communities to grow stronger.
Transforming Generations, Not Just Faces
A child who receives cleft treatment can eat better, speak clearly, attend school with confidence, and become a contributing member of their community. Parents regain hope. Families find dignity. Whole communities benefit from healthier, happier children.
Patient Spotlight: Samuel from Kenya
Born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, Samuel faced severe malnutrition and social stigma. After receiving surgical repair and ongoing speech therapy through ICCP, he now attends school, plays with friends, and dreams of becoming a doctor.
Our Value
Guiding Principles That Shape Every Smile
At the International Cleft Care Project, our work is rooted in a deep commitment to compassion, equity, and excellence. These values guide every decision we make, every partnership we form, and every child we serve. They are the foundation of our mission—and the heart of our impact.
Equity and Access
We strive to eliminate the barriers that prevent children and families from receiving essential care. By working in underserved regions and offering our services free of charge, we promote healthcare as a human right—not a privilege.
Compassion Without Borders
We believe in meeting every patient with empathy, dignity, and respect—regardless of geography, background, or circumstance. Our care goes beyond surgery; it’s about restoring hope and confidence in each life we touch.
Excellence in Care
From surgical procedures to long-term therapy, we uphold the highest standards in cleft care. Our dedicated team of medical professionals and global partners are committed to delivering safe, effective, and comprehensive treatment for every individual.
Our Services
Comprehensive Care for a Confident Tomorrow
At the International Cleft Care Project, we offer a full spectrum of cleft-related services designed to address not just the physical condition, but the emotional and developmental well-being of every patient. Our approach is holistic, compassionate, and patient-centered—ensuring that children and adults born with cleft lip and palate receive the highest standard of care, no matter where they live or what resources they have.
Medical & Surgical Intervention
Our expert surgical teams perform life-changing cleft lip and palate repairs, helping patients regain critical functions like eating, breathing, and speaking. We use globally recognized techniques to ensure safe, effective, and aesthetically sensitive outcomes. Each surgery is not just a medical procedure—it’s the first step toward restoring dignity, confidence, and opportunity in a patient’s life.
Dental & Orthodontic Services
Cleft conditions often lead to misaligned teeth, oral hygiene issues, and jaw development challenges. Our dental and orthodontic care teams provide comprehensive treatment plans, including extractions, cleanings, braces, and long-term monitoring to ensure a healthy, functional smile. These services support both medical success and long-term quality of life.
Psychosocial Counseling
Living with a visible facial difference can cause emotional and social challenges. We provide individualized and family-based counseling to help patients navigate stigma, build self-esteem, and heal emotionally. Our psychosocial support also includes guidance for caregivers, school reintegration assistance, and community education—ensuring that every child is seen, supported, and empowered.
OUR TEAM
Global Experts, United by Compassion
Behind every smile we help restore is a team of passionate, skilled, and deeply committed individuals. The International Cleft Care Project is led by a diverse network of medical professionals, healthcare advocates, volunteers, and community partners who believe that every child deserves access to life-changing care—regardless of borders or barriers.
Steve Depp
Chief Medical Officer
A board-certified craniofacial surgeon with over years of experience in cleft repair and international outreach, Steve Depp leads our surgical teams with precision, empathy, and vision.
Kelly Villegas
Lead Pediatric Dentist
Kelly Villegas ensures our patients receive excellent oral care and orthodontic support, guiding long-term dental outcomes for cleft patients across all ages.
Joseph Truong
Speech Language Pathologist
With expertise in cleft-related speech disorders, Joseph Truong helps children find their voice—literally—through personalized therapy that improves clarity, confidence, and communication.
OUR TESTIMONIAL
What Families Are Saying
At the International Cleft Care Project, the voices of our patients and their families are at the heart of everything we do. Their journeys inspire us—and remind us why our work matters every single day. Here’s what they have to say:
“When my daughter was born with a cleft palate, we were overwhelmed and scared. ICCP stepped in with kindness and expertise. After her surgery and speech therapy, she now speaks clearly and smiles confidently. We’re forever grateful.”
Carlos Rhynes
“ICCP made it possible for my son to get surgery and counseling we could never afford. The emotional support we received changed our lives. He now plays with friends and loves going to school.”
Frances Brown
“I traveled from a rural village not knowing what to expect. What I found was hope, professionalism, and compassion. Thank you for treating us like family.”
Peggy Orta
“ICCP didn’t just fix a medical issue—they showed us we belong to a global family of care and love. We’ll never forget that feeling.”
