Prevalence and types of unmet dental treatment needs among children with cleft lip and/or palate in Lebanon: a cross-sectional study
Description :
Cleft lip and/or palate is a condition that affects 0.15% of the population according to global studies. (1) However, there are no published studies assessing the dental treatment needs of children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) in Lebanon. Oral health surveys conducted in Lebanon primarily target the general population, resulting in a lack of representation for this vulnerable subgroup. (1–3) In the absence of such data, both healthcare professionals and organizations are compelled to function without definitive evidence regarding the extent and characteristics of unmet dental needs among children with cleft lip and/or palate in Lebanon. The present study will therefore address a significant gap, by establishing the first epidemiological baseline for this population in Lebanon. This baseline is fundamental for providing preventive and educational initiatives aimed at families of CL/P children and the incorporation of oral health into national cleft care guidelines. The results will hopefully enable international comparisons with other CL/P demographics.
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