The role of pediatric dentistry in multidisciplinary cleft palate teams at advanced pediatric dental residency programs.

[PURPOSE] The purpose of this study was to characterize the participation of pediatric dentistry in multidisciplinary cleft palate teams (CPTs) at advanced pediatric dental residency programs.

[METHODS] A survey was sent to the directors of advanced pediatric dentistry programs across the United States.

[RESULTS] Of the 60 (90%) surveys returned, 18% of the programs were university-based, 40% hospital-based, and 42% combined programs. Overall, 92% of the programs reported pediatric dentistry's participation in CPTs. Orthodontics, plastic surgery, oral surgery, otolaryngology, and speech therapy, are represented on at least 75% of the CPTs. Nursing and psychology are represented in less than 50% of the CPTs. A higher percentage of combined programs reported providing interceptive orthodontics, while more hospital-based programs reported providing presurgical infant orthopedic appliances (PIOAs). Of the 47% of the programs that reported use of POIA, 64% reported using removable appliances. Seventy-five percent of the programs reported that there has been no change, 22% reported an increase, and 3% reported a decrease in the CPT participation level in the post 5 years.

[CONCLUSIONS] This study highlights the role of pediatric dentistry as a part of cleft palate team. This role extends from preventive and restorative to infant orthopedics.