Cleft-affected children in Mayo: 1999-2007

The aims of this study were to investigate the medical and dental care of children born in Mayo with cleft lip and/or palate in the period 1999-2007. Thirteen subjects were identified--nine males and four females. Galway was the main locus for cleft surgical referral and care, with 10 subjects receiving treatment by the same surgeon. A total of 54% of subjects required ENT care, with 62% receiving speech and language therapy. DMFT and dmft were zero and 0.037, respectively. Mean age at first dental visit (to a private or community dental clinic, specialist paediatric dental practice or Western Health Board orthodontic service) was 21 months. This represents progress in the objective of early access and provision of dental care for this special care dentistry needs group.