Preventive Measures: Initiates preventive oral care measures, such as educating parents on maintaining oral hygiene after every feed. Presence of neonatal teeth is assessed and appropriate decision to retain or extract the teeth is made. Potential issues related to early tooth eruption are addressed. Parents are taught how to brush the child’s teeth right from the very first one that erupts and is followed up to ensure a healthy cavity free oral condition.

Sleep Monitoring: 68% of children with cleft are mouth breathers and this can have long lasting consequences on the quality of life by negatively affecting brain development and overall growth of the child. Nasal breathing is encouraged and myo-exercises are taught. Appliances are delivered for the child to wear to augment appropriate jaw growth that facilitates nasal breathing. Referral to the surgeons for any intervention to correct structural abnormalities is done.

Preventive and Therapeutic Dental Treatment: Children begin to have a primarily solid diet. Sticky and sugar-containing foods are consumed more unsupervised. This increases the chances of tooth decay. Prevention of decay can be employed in the form of home oral hygiene measures, diet regulation, in-office fluoride varnish application and various other techniques to suit each child’s needs. In case of decayed teeth, therapeutic treatment – fillings/restorations, stainless steel crowns, pulp therapy is provided to ensure a cavity-free oral cavity.

Preventive and Therapeutic Dental Treatment: Most commonly, children begin to brush themselves at this age and there is an increased incidence of carious teeth in this age group. Preventive measures are reinforced. Therapy for affected teeth is provided. Oral hygiene with orthodontic appliances is taught and followed up.

Dental Rehabilitation: Missing teeth are replaced. Any hidden or apparent carious teeth are treated and normal form and function is restored post completion of orthognathic surgical repair and orthodontic alignment.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Works in tandem with oral surgeons, speech therapists, and other specialists to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive care approach.

Psychosocial Support: Recognizes and addresses potential psychosocial impacts on the child, providing support and resources to enhance overall well-being.

The emphasis is on comprehensive care, encompassing oral health, facial aesthetics, speech development, and psychological well-being, with a tailored approach that evolves with the child's growth and development.