Doctors Who Treat Cleft Lip and Palate
Topic Overview
Often, several doctors and other health professionals will
help care for a child with
cleft lip and/or
cleft palate. The team may include primary care health
professionals, surgeons, dentists and orthodontists, and a variety of
therapists. The staff at most large hospitals can help you to know who you need
to see and when. They can also help you schedule appointments.
Primary care health professionals
If your child is
born with cleft lip and/or palate, your primary care health professionals may
include:
Specialists
A child born with cleft lip and/or cleft
palate needs ongoing evaluation from medical specialists. Sometimes, ongoing
procedures or surgery may be needed.
Specialists include:
- Dentists, especially pediatric
dentists, and other doctors who have trained in dental problems related to
facial deformities, such as maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, and
prosthodontists.
- Plastic surgeons.
- Otolaryngologists or ENT doctors (specialists in care of the
ears, nose, and throat).
Specialized therapists
Depending on the exact nature
of the problems, a child born with cleft lip and/or cleft palate may need
specialized therapy. A wide range of services are available to screen for and
treat specific issues, such as speech, hearing, or mental health problems. You
may consult:
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | John Pope, MD - Pediatrics |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Adam David Schaffner, MD, FACS - Plastic Surgery, Otolaryngology |
|---|
| Last Revised | January 19, 2012 |
|---|
Last Revised:
January 19, 2012
