Oral Health in Comprehensive Cleft Care

Clefts of the lip and palate (clefts) are the most common birth defect of the face and mouth. Clefts occur when parts of the lip and/or palate and nose do not fuse together during embryonic development. Clefts can be associated with missing or extra teeth, and malformed teeth and facial structures. Even children who undergo cleft surgery are often at an increased risk for caries, periodontal disease, and other oral health and wellbeing issues as they grow and develop. These children require regular dental care to ensure adequate monitoring, education, support, and treatment to prevent oral disease and achieve the highest possible quality of life.

FDI has joined forces with Smile Train, with funding and crucial support from GSK Consumer Healthcare, to provide essential resources on the standard of oral health and dental care for children with clefts. The first deliverable for the two-year project is the presented guidelines: Oral Health in Comprehensive Cleft Care.

This webinar will explain the global need for this resource; will highlight the resource itself; and will recognize oral health professionals for their involvement in cleft care worldwide. In 2021, Smile Train and FDI will release oral health education resources for dentists and other key members of the cleft care team, as well as materials for patients and families in their own communities about the importance of oral health, explain the challenges of oral health care beyond cleft surgery, and provide vital oral health instructions as the patients grow and develop.

Learning objectives:

• Understand the need for clinical practice guidelines on oral health and dental care for people born with cleft lip and palate
• Understand how to use the guidelines developed and launched through the partnership