Who treats children who have cleft lip and/or palate?

Who treats children who have cleft lip and/or palate?

Because of the number of oral health and medical problems associated with a cleft lip or cleft palate, a team of doctors and other specialists usually works together to develop a plan of care for each patient. Members of a cleft lip and palate team usually include:

• Plastic surgeon to evaluate and perform necessary surgeries on the lip and/or palate.
• Orthodontist to straighten and reposition teeth.
• Dentist to perform routine dental care.
• Prosthodontist to make artificial teeth and dental appliances to improve the appearance and to make the changes needed for eating and speaking.
• Speech pathologist to assess speech and feeding problems.
• Otolaryngologist (an ear, nose and throat doctor) to evaluate hearing problems and consider treatment options for hearing problems.
• Audiologist (a specialist in hearing disorders) to check and monitor hearing.
• Nurse coordinator to provide ongoing supervision of the child’s health.
• Social worker/psychologist to support the family and take note of any adjustment problems.
• Geneticist to help parents and adult patients understand the chances of having more children with these conditions.

Treatment usually begins in infancy and often continues through early adulthood.