Using a multidisciplinary approach, teams come together under the Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Panel as needed to develop and deliver an individual treatment plan that is right for each child's long-term well being. Conditions treated include cleft lip and/or palate, and anomalies of the mouth, face and head.

Taking advantage of the tremendous strides that have been made in recent years, the team develops a long-range treatment plan that takes into account the child's emotional concerns and optimal physiologic growth to optimize timing of treatments. Medical and surgical treatments are often combined with speech and physical therapy that enhance the outcome of treatment. Copies of the child's treatment plan are provided to the family and referring physician.

Members of the team may include:

• Plastic/craniofacial surgeons


• Orthodontists


• Oral surgeons


• Pediatric dentists


• Pediatric speech-language pathologists


• Pediatric audiologists


• Geneticists


• Otolaryngologists


• Pediatric nurses


• Pediatric nutritionists


• Pediatricians


• Child Life Specialists


• Other specialists as required

The team is under the medical direction of a plastic/craniofacial surgeon and a geneticist. In addition to treatment at Sutter Women and Children's, the team will provide information and access of community resources and support groups. For more information, call (916) 733-1025.

The Sutter Medical Center Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Panel receives support through contributions from the Native Sons of the Golden West, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the care of children with craniofacial differences. For information, parents should contact the charitable foundation at (800) 337-1875 or visit their website at cleftpanel.org.


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