What Is the Cleft Multidisciplinary Team?
Cleft care involves more than just surgeons. Here is who makes up the team.
A cleft multidisciplinary team (MDT) is a group of specialists who work together to provide comprehensive care for children born with cleft lip and palate.
Team members:
- Surgical specialties:
- Plastic/craniofacial surgeon
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeon
- ENT (otolaryngologist)
- Neurosurgeon (for craniosynostosis)
- Medical specialties:
- Pediatrician
- Geneticist/genetic counselor
- Anesthesiologist
- Radiologist
- Allied health:
- Speech-language pathologist
- Audiologist
- Orthodontist
- Pediatric dentist
- Feeding specialist/lactation consultant
- Psychologist/social worker
- Cleft nurse coordinator
The team approach:
- How it works:
- The team meets regularly to discuss patients
- Patients see multiple specialists in coordinated visits
- The team follows the child from birth to adulthood
- Treatment is planned collaboratively
- Benefits of team care:
- Comprehensive treatment under one program
- Coordinated surgical timing
- Consistent speech and dental management
- Emotional and psychological support
- Better long-term outcomes
Clinical Guidance
A cleft team includes surgeons, orthodontists, speech therapists, audiologists, genetic counselors, feeding specialists, and psychologists working together. Team-based care provides the best outcomes for children with cleft lip and palate.