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References

Leslie EJ, Marazita ML Genetics of cleft lip and cleft palate. Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet. 2013; 163C:246-258 https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.c.31381
Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CRANE). Crane Report. 2022. www.clapa.com/treatment/research/the-crane-database/crane-report-2022/ (accessed August 2024)
Kawalec A, Nelke K, Pawlas K, Gerber H Risk factors involved in orofacial cleft predisposition – review. Open Med (Wars). 2015; 10:163-175 https://doi.org/10.1515/med-2015-0027
Fitzsimons KJ, Hamilton MJ, van der Meulen J Range and frequency of congenital malformations among children with cleft lip and/or palate. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2023; 60:917-927 https://doi.org/10.1177/10556656221089160
Sadler TW Chapter 17, 14th edn. : Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2019
Phippen G Articulating the issues: speech assessment and intervention in cleft lip and palate. Br Dent J. 2023; 234:912-917 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-023-5954-y
Sandy J, Williams A, Mildinhall S The Clinical Standards Advisory Group (CSAG) Cleft Lip and Palate Study. Br J Orthod. 1998; 25:21-30 https://doi.org/10.1093/ortho/25.1.21
Searle A, Neville P, Ryan S, Waylen A The role of the clinical nurse specialist from the perspective of parents of children born with cleft lip and/or palate in the United Kingdom: a qualitative study. Clin Nurse Spec. 2018; 32:121-128 https://doi.org/10.1097/NUR.0000000000000371
Fitzsimons KJ, Deacon SA, Copley LP School absence and achievement in children with isolated orofacial clefts. Arch Dis Child. 2021; 106:154-159 https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2020-319123
Hotton M, Cropper J, Rundle J, Crawford R The role of the clinical psychologist within a cleft service. Br Dent J. 2023; 234:887-891 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-023-5952-0
Martin SV, Van Eeden S, Swan MC The role of primary surgery in the management of orofacial clefting. Br Dent J. 2023; 234:859-866 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-023-6002-7
Gillgrass T The orthodontic management of patients with cleft lip and palate: from birth to the late mixed dentition. Br Dent J. 2023; 234:873-880 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-023-5955-x
Bruce I, Harman N, Williamson P The management of otitis media with effusion in children with cleft palate (mOMEnt): a feasibility study and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess. 2015; 19:1-374 https://doi.org/10.3310/hta19680
Gillgrass T The orthodontic management of patients with cleft lip and palate: from the permanent dentition and the adult returning to the service. Br Dent J. 2023; 234:892-898 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-023-5956-9
Chen YH, Liao YF, Chang CS Patient satisfaction and quality of life after orthodontic treatment for cleft lip and palate deformity. Clin Oral Investig. 2021; 25:5521-5529 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-021-03861-4
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Critchlow SB, Popat S Restorative dentistry in the young cleft patient. Br Dent J. 2023; 234:881-886 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-023-5997-0
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A GDP's Guide to Cleft Lip and Palate

From Volume 51, Issue 8, September 2024 | Pages 561-568

Authors

Clare Rivers

Consultant Plastic and Cleft Surgeon

Articles by Clare Rivers

Mark Devlin

Consultant Cleft and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Honorary Clinical Associate Professor, University of Glasgow; Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, Scotland

Articles by Mark Devlin

Abstract

General dental practitioners form a vital part of the multidisciplinary team for cleft lip and palate management and their role in treatment and prevention is key to ensuring successful outcomes. This article highlights key dental aspects to be aware of when treating this cohort of patients and summarizes the input of other medical specialties involved in care from birth to adulthood.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Knowledge of the pathway for patients born with cleft lip and palate is fundamental for GDPs.

Article

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is the most common congenital cranio-facial abnormality and therefore, it is likely that dentists will be involved in the care of these patients at some point during their career. This cohort of patients requires enhanced care from their general dental practitioners (GDP) owing to increased rates of caries and periodontitis, dental abnormalities and the need for shared multidisciplinary care. This GDP guide to cleft lip and palate provides an overview of the condition, and the framework for management as part of a multidisciplinary team within the UK.

The prevalence of CLP is 1:700 live births.1 They can be unilateral or bilateral, but presence of a unilateral cleft is more common. The cleft is twice as likely to be on the left side than right and males are more affected than females.2 Based on a recent survey, 48% of cleft patients have an isolated soft palate only, 23% have a cleft lip only, 22% have a unilateral cleft lip and palate and 11% have a bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) (Figure 1).2

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