Treatment perspectives and concerns among pediatric cleft lip and palate patients: a cross-sectional study

TL;DR

The study explores the treatment experiences and emotional challenges faced by children with cleft lip and palate in North India.

Contribution

It highlights the role of pediatric dentists in addressing both functional and emotional needs of CLP patients.

Findings

Most participants were referred to pediatric dentists by surgeons, indicating a collaborative treatment approach.

Over half of the participants expressed dissatisfaction with their facial appearance and confidence issues due to intraoral appliances.

Emotional and social challenges, such as difficulties with oral recitation, were more pronounced in adolescents.

Abstract

Children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) often face physical and emotional challenges impacting their quality of life. This study aims to assess the treatment outlook and concerns of school-going CLP patients from the perspective of pediatric dentistry in a tertiary healthcare setting in North India.

A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted on 30 patients undergoing appliance therapy for CLP. The questionnaire, available in English and regional languages, included sections on general information, treatment, aesthetic, functional, and emotional aspects. Responses from children and their parents were analyzed, with chi-square tests used to evaluate associations between variables.

Among participants, 76.6% were referred to pediatric dentists by surgeons, and 66.7% of those aged over 12 years had been receiving dental treatment for more than three years (P = 0.031). Dissatisfaction with facial appearance was reported by 56.7% of participants, with significant speech dissatisfaction noted particularly among children under 12 years (66.7%, P = 0.020). Emotional and social challenges included 56.7% struggling with oral recitation at school, affecting 75% of adolescents (P = 0.098). Furthermore, 46.7% expressed reduced confidence with intraoral appliances, especially males (53.3%).

This study highlights the crucial role of pediatric dentists in the comprehensive care of children with CLP, emphasizing the need for personalized dental treatment and interdisciplinary collaboration. Addressing functional and emotional well-being is essential to improve overall outcomes and quality of life for these patients.

Not applicable.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-025-06693-w.