Saele PK, Nordrehaug Aastrøm AK, Gjengedal H, Nasir EF, Mustafa M. Norwegian Orthodontists' Experience and Challenges With Treatment of Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate.
Cleft Palate Craniofac J 2021;
59:859-866. [PMID:
34282635 PMCID:
PMC9260468 DOI:
10.1177/10556656211028509]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
Patients born with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) have orthodontic treatment
challenges due to maxilla deficiency, malocclusions, and dental
abnormalities. In Norway, orthodontic treatment is done by centralized CL/P
teams. Due to traveling restrictions, this treatment might be done locally
in the future. The experience of Norwegian community orthodontists in
managing such patients has not been investigated previously.
Objective:
To assess Norwegian orthodontists’ management of patients with CL/P and need
for further education.
Material and Methods:
All orthodontists in Norway were sent a questionnaire about their experience,
challenges, and knowledge and asked about their need of further theoretical
education and clinical training in the management of patients with CL/P.
Results:
Norwegian orthodontists’ standard of knowledge of CL/P treatment is adequate.
However, few respondents have treated a high number of cleft patients.
Eighty-six percent of the participants believed that treating CL/P patients
involves challenges, such as time-consuming treatment and technical
difficulties. Increased perceived need for more education was revealed among
participants stated unpreparedness during education (4 folds), encountered
challenges, and lack of knowledge (almost 3 folds).
Conclusions:
The study revealed that community orthodontists in Norway lack experience and
acknowledged the challenges in treating patients with CL/P. Most of the
respondents perceived a need for additional education and clinical training
to treat CL/P patients competently. The findings suggested more focus on
patients with CL/P management in the curricula and more collaboration
between centralized CL/P teams and community orthodontists.
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