Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic
The Vermont Craniofacial/Cleft Palate Clinic was established in 1969. It is designed to provide and help pay for specialized medical care needed by children who are born with a cleft lip and/or palate.
Children with other head and face abnormalities, syndromes, abnormal head shape, and speech problems due to palate and mouth structure are also evaluated. This program is available to any resident Vermont child until their 21st birthday.
The children are seen at a special clinic by a team that meets eight times a year. The clinics are held in Burlington six times a year and in Rutland twice a year.
The Clinic Team
- Plastic surgeons - perform reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
- Oral surgeon - treats the mouth, jaws and face.
- Pediatric otolaryngologist - ear, nose and throat doctor.
- Orthodontist - treats misaligned teeth.
- Speech pathologist - evaluates and treats speech, language, voice, swallowing, fluency, and other related disorders.
- Geneticist - diagnoses, treats, and counsels patients with genetic disorders or syndromes.
- Audiologist - diagnosis and treatment of hearing problems.
- Social worker - performs casework and counseling.
- Nurses - coordinates care, clinic visits, provides support and information.
We also have pediatric dentists available for consultation.
There is no charge to the family for these clinics visits. We can help families arrange for treatment and coordinate care that is recommended by the team. If it is not fully covered by the family’s insurance or Medicaid, the program can often assist in payment for treatment.
Children are usually seen at the clinic on an annual basis. The appointment lasts 1-2 hours and includes:
- a hearing test.
- weight and height.
- interview with the nurse and social worker.
- an evaluation by the entire team together.