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There are numerous aspects of cleft lip and palate care for children born with this problem. These include financial, functional, psychological and social questions. The Cleft Lip and Palate Team at Ventura County Medical Center is composed of specialists from a variety of health disciplines that work together to improve the child's total growth and development rehabilitation. These specialists include the plastic surgeon that repairs the cleft lip and/or palate. The nurse team coordinator, works with the patient and the family to resolve feeding problems, psychological, and social issues. The speech therapist evaluates the child's speech and language ability and helps them obtain proper team function. The Dentist/Orthodontist evaluates and manages the patient's dental needs and ensures that a healthy set of teeth are positioned properly. Our team also includes a social worker to help the family obtain needed social services including financial help with different surgical, medical, orthodontic, and speech procedures. The cleft lip and palate team has a full time pediatrician to help monitor normal childhood and developmental problems. Ear, nose, and throat specialists, and an audiologist monitors the child's hearing development. We feel the best long-term results are achieved in patients who are treated by organized and accredited teams who specialize in cleft lip/palate care.
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