The Role of OMF Surgeons in Treatment of Cleft Lip and Palate (CLP) Patients, and Its Related Dentofacial Deformity - How OMF Surgeons Can Recruit Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate (CLP) Patients, and Its Dentofacial Deformity?

The treatment of cleft patients spans their entire lifetime. Within this continuum, oral and maxillofacial surgeons can intervene at various stages, particularly in pre-surgical orthopedics, cleft palate surgery, alveolar bone grafting, and orthognathic surgery. These areas, which encompass a broad spectrum of oral surgeries, represent distinct strengths of oral and maxillofacial surgeons compared to specialists from other fields. Leveraging these strengths, oral and maxillofacial surgeons should actively engage in the treatment of cleft patients. Additionally, they must address areas where they have fewer advantages by striving for improvement, gaining extensive experience through participation in cleft foundations, and other opportunities. These efforts will enable them to overcome limitations and establish themselves as comprehensive experts within the surgical timeline of cleft care.