Multidisciplinary Team Approach to Cleft Lip and Palate Management

The individual with a cleft lip and/or palate or craniofacial syndrome may be faced with significant dental concerns affecting the tooth and bone structure in addition to feeding difficulties, middle ear problems and speech and language issues. Cleft palate and other craniofacial conditions are widely cared for in the context of a multi-specialty healthcare team (Strauss, 1999. Rehabilitation services for these conditions require the expertise of a multi-disciplinary team of medical, dental and other specialists. The complex nature of these conditions and the impact of growth and development on treatment outcomes may necessitate a number of rehabilitation services between birth and adulthood. The assessment team may include the following professionals: Audiologist Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Orthodontist Paediatric Dentist Plastic Surgeon Prosthodontist Psychologist Social Worker Speech and Language Pathologist So, this multidisciplinary team is a group of individuals from different specialist backgrounds who work closely together, not only to bring each specialist's particular expertise to the patient in option."