A multi-disciplinary concept is the most optimal approach in managing an individual with cleft

 

The discipline(s) needed to manage an individual with cleft will depend on the type and severity of the cleft condition.  Some of the specialists a person with cleft will meet, as indicated by his/her recommended cleft management protocol,  will include some or all of the following;

 

  1. Surgeons ( Plastic / Oralmaxillofacial )

  2. Paediatrician

  3. Dental Experts (e.g. Orthodontist, Prosthodontist, Paed Dentists)

  4. Ortorhinolaryngologist

  5. Speech Language Pathologist

  6. Audiologist

  7. Psychologist/Counsellor

  8. Geneticist

  9. Nurses (lactation)

10. Parent Support Group (e.g. CLAPAM) or Social Worker

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Each cleft person need to also recognise that his/her cleft managemet protocol cannot be compared with someone's else case as each cleft requires a "tailored" approach.

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It is best that parents with a cleft child or a cleft adult seek treatment at hospitals where Combine Cleft Clinics are available or where the above disciplines are capable of providing the proper care for cleft cases.