An assessment of the contribution of UK specialists in restorative dentistry to cleft lip and palate services.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the degree and methods of involvement of United Kingdom-based specialists in restorative dentistry in cleft lip and palate services.

DESIGN

Postal questionnaire.Setting The questionnaire was sent to specialists in restorative dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics and endodontics as held by the General Dental Council (n = 709). The study was conducted in January 2008.

SUBJECTS (MATERIALS) AND METHODS: Dictated by specialists' entry on the GDC Specialist lists in distinctive branches of dentistry document, published 2006.Main outcome measure Identification of specialists involved in the care of cleft lip and palate patients.

RESULTS

The response rate was 54% (382/709). Of those replies 20% (77/382) were involved in the care of cleft lip and palate patients. Of these 77 practitioners only 17% (13/77) were part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT).

CONCLUSIONS

This study would suggest that there were few restorative specialists with a coordinated involvement in the care of cleft lip and palate patients through a recognised MDT. The majority of specialists that were involved in such care were not doing so as a result of their position as specialists. This is perhaps at odds with best practice as described by the Clinical Standards Advisory Group report of 1998.