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To speak with a cleft lip or palate specialist, call 410-448-6383.

The University of Maryland Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Institute houses the comprehensive Earl and Frances Clem Cleft Lip and Palate Program, recognized by the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association.

Common Cleft Lip and Palate Problems

A child born with cleft lip, cleft palate or other craniofacial conditions may be faced with multiple and complex problems. These include:

  • Middle ear problems
  • Hearing loss
  • Early feeding and other nutritional problems
  • Dental or orthodontic problems
  • Difficulty with speech
  • Facial growth problems
  • Developmental, psychological and social concerns

Diagnosis and Treatment of Cleft Lip and Palate Problems

The diagnostic and treatment team is multidisciplinary and consists of the following disciplines:

  • Audiology
  • Genetics
  • Medical Social Work
  • Oral-maxillofacial Surgery
  • Orthodontics
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Plastic Surgery
  • Speech-Language Pathology

Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Process

While the treatment process for children with these facial differences can be quite involved, most children will greatly benefit and experience improved function and self-image.

The team at UM Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Institute is recognized as a Cleft Palate Team (CPT) by the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA). The goal of the team is to ensure that care is provided in a coordinated, consistent manner.

All team evaluations and treatments should be sequenced according to the patient's overall developmental, medical and psychological needs. Interdisciplinary care is optimal if it begins shortly after birth and continues until the individual is physically full grown (usually around 21 years of age).

Our team priorities include:

  • Patients' and families' well-being
  • Clinical care excellence
  • Interdisciplinary respect and collaboration

Cleft Lip and Palate Repair Team

This team meets from September through June on the fourth Tuesday of each month (except in December). Team members include:

  • John F. Caccamese, Jr., MD, DMD., FACS
    Director, Cleft and Pediatrics Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Laura Mott, M.S., CCC-SLP
    Speech Pathology
  • Carol Greene, MD
    Pediatric Genetics
  • Terri Laubach, RN
    Nurse Manager and Team Coordinator
  • Faith Brooks, RN
    Clinical Nurse
  • Donna Pitts, AuD, CCC-A
    Audiology
  • Larry Wang, DDS, MS
    Orthodontist
  • Erin M. Rada, MD
    Pediatric Plastic Surgery