Pediatricians' Knowledge and Awareness on Pre-surgical Orthopedics in Newborns with Cleft Lip and Palate

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the level of knowledge and awareness of pediatricians about pre-surgical orthopedic treatment and nasoalveolar molding (NAM) of newborns with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P). Materials and Methods: We conducted a 10-item questionnaire and sent emails to 600 pediatricians in Turkiye. The title, professional experience, institution of employment of the participants and their knowledge level about preoperative maxillary orthopedic treatment and NAM practices of newborns with CL/P were evaluated. Results: One hundred-twelve pediatricians responded to the questionnaire. There was no statistically significant difference in the knowledge level regarding the preoperative treatment of newborns with CL/P between experienced and inexperienced pediatricians (p>0.05). When the knowledge levels about preoperative treatment and NAM applications of newborns with CL/P were evaluated, no statistically significant difference was found between pediatricians with more or less than 5 years' experience (p>0.05). All pediatricians who participated in the questionnaire reported that they referred newborns with CL/P to at least one specialist (orthodontist, dentist or plastic surgeons). The most frequently referred specialist group was plastic surgeons (84%), followed by orthodontists (52%) and dentists (39%). A linear regression was found between the number of cases seen and the professional experience year of pediatricians. Conclusion: Increasing the awareness and knowledge of pediatricians about NAM, pre-surgical orthopedic and other treatment alternatives in newborns with CL/P is very important for the success of CL/P treatment. Newborns with CL/P should be referred to an orthodontist by pediatricians as soon as possible after birth to initiate the treatment process.