The role of pediatric dentistry in multidisciplinary cleft palate teams at advanced pediatric dental residency programs.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Jaju
Rishita
R
Department of Dentistry, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
Tate
Anupama Rao
AR
D002170:Canada; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000628:therapy*; D003796:Dental Service, Hospital; D004499:Education, Dental, Graduate; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D009726:Nurses; D009970:Orthodontics; D009972:Orthodontics, Interceptive; D010036:Otolaryngology; D010158:Palatal Obturators; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010377:Pediatric Dentistry / Q000193:education; D011584:Psychology; D013070:Speech Therapy; D013515:Surgery, Oral; D013518:Surgery, Plastic; D014481:United States; D014495:Universities