Consultant Orthodontic Services for Cleft Patients in England and Wales

Abstract

A postal questionnaire survey of consultant orthodontists in England and Wales was undertaken as part of a national audit of the care of children horn with cleft lip/and or cleft palate. A 100% response rate was achieved. The majority of respondents stated that they provide orthodontic treatment for cleft patients hut only 78% of these attend multi-disciplinary cleft clinics. Consultant orthodontists provide treatment not only in the form of appliances for patients born with clefts hut are also involved in the counseling of parents and coordination of regional data bases. Only 24% of hospital orthodontists are involved in the provision of presurgical appliances for cleft babies on a regular basis. The lack of rationalisation of orthodontic services and a low uptake of standardised record keeping protocols for cleft patients by consultant orthodontists gives cause for concern.