Transdisciplinary care in the first year of life of patients with cleft lip and palate

Abstract

Introduction: The Chair of Comprehensive Pediatric Dentistry at the School of Dentistry, University of Buenos Aires, receives patients referred from different hospitals with various pathologies. In cases of cleft lip and palate (CLP), care begins during the prenatal stage. When the Obstetrics team at Hospital Fernández detects the malformation on ultrasound, the family is referred to the School of Dentistry for comprehensive management. Objective: The purpose of the transdisciplinary team—composed of pediatric dentists, speech therapists, a psychologist, an orthodontist, and an osteopath—is to guide families on the steps to follow after birth and to provide psychological support throughout the treatment process. Development: The pediatric dentist fabricates an acrylic obturator plate, with or without a nasal stent, and performs weekly check-ups until cheiloplasty; subsequently, monthly plates are fabricated until palatoplasty. The speech therapist provides counseling on feeding and language stimulation. The osteopath contributes to recovery by working on the surgical scar, while the orthodontist monitors growth and dental arch development. Surgical interventions are carried out at the Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital, in the Plastic Surgery Department. Conclusion: The collaboration among different specialties enables comprehensive care that provides greater support to the patient and contributes to more satisfactory therapeutic outcomes.