Abstract
Background:
Orofacial clefts (OFC) are the most common craniofacial anomalies in the new born with an incidence of approximately 1.79 per 1,000 live births in New Zealand. OFC represent a complex heterogeneous group of structural anomalies caused by a partial or complete breakdown in the normal early embryological formation of the face. Children born with an OFC require numerous multidisciplinary interventions aimed at restoring near normal form and function. These treatments are coordinated and staged by dedicated multidisciplinary teams and can extend from infancy to early adulthood. Children with OFC require optimal oral health as it can impact upon some of these treatment outcomes. However, children with OFCs in New Zealand have been reported as having generally poorer oral health with a greater dental caries experience than children without cleft.
Objectives:
This article proposes the establishment of an oral health management pathway for children with OFC in New Zealand. This was initiated in response to a recent Ministry of Health workshop which highlighted general inequities of care and poor health outcomes experienced by children with OFC.
Conclusions:
The establishment of a clear strategy to address inequities and inequalities of care for children with OFC is long overdue. The proposed oral health pathway will ensure there is appropriate access to care that is consistent throughout the country, with provision for targeted early preventative and management measures for those OFC considered high risk.
Orofacial clefts (OFC) are the most common craniofacial anomalies in the new born with an incidence of approximately 1.79 per 1,000 live births in New Zealand. OFC represent a complex heterogeneous group of structural anomalies caused by a partial or complete breakdown in the normal early embryological formation of the face. Children born with an OFC require numerous multidisciplinary interventions aimed at restoring near normal form and function. These treatments are coordinated and staged by dedicated multidisciplinary teams and can extend from infancy to early adulthood. Children with OFC require optimal oral health as it can impact upon some of these treatment outcomes. However, children with OFCs in New Zealand have been reported as having generally poorer oral health with a greater dental caries experience than children without cleft.
Objectives:
This article proposes the establishment of an oral health management pathway for children with OFC in New Zealand. This was initiated in response to a recent Ministry of Health workshop which highlighted general inequities of care and poor health outcomes experienced by children with OFC.
Conclusions:
The establishment of a clear strategy to address inequities and inequalities of care for children with OFC is long overdue. The proposed oral health pathway will ensure there is appropriate access to care that is consistent throughout the country, with provision for targeted early preventative and management measures for those OFC considered high risk.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 114-120 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | New Zealand Dental Journal |
| Volume | 119 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Sept 2023 |