Craniofacial Conditions

The experts in our cleft and craniofacial center provide the full range of treatment, counseling, and support. In many cases, your child will need specialized care to ensure their speech, hearing, sleeping, and feeding develop appropriately. Sometimes emotional and psychosocial issues arise. Your child’s care may include medical and surgical evaluations, genetic testing, hearing and speech therapy, dental and orthodontic treatment, psychological support, and much more.

We Are with Your Child from Infancy Through Adulthood
Sometimes your child’s care begins in infancy and continues through young adulthood. Of course, every child’s needs are unique. Our craniofacial team is prepared to help you and your family through every stage of your child’s care.

Your Child’s Medical Team
In addition to pediatric plastic surgeons who specialize in craniofacial surgery, your child’s core medical team may include craniofacial orthodontists; ear, nose, and throat doctors (otolaryngologists); speech pathologists and audiologists; and a clinical social worker. Children may also need to consult with other specialties who are connected to our team such as medical geneticists, dentists, psychologists, pediatric ophthalmologists, cardiologists, neurosurgeons, neurologists, and dermatologists. We work together to provide comprehensive care.

Valuable Resources Available
Our social workers provide important education about the valuable resources available in the hospital and community. They also listen to each child and family to provide support and education about the emotional and developmental needs of a child with cleft and craniofacial differences. Additionally, our skilled nurses and nurse practitioners can answer your questions and provide medical advice.

Our Team Coordinator Eases the Scheduling Burden
Our team coordinator acts as your liaison to all your child’s team members. She schedules appointments so your child receives the necessary services and is seen by the appropriate specialists at the right time at every step on their medical journey. This includes scheduling visits with multiple providers on the same day, at the same time. Sometimes virtual visits can be scheduled as well.

We Meet Regularly to Discuss Your Child’s Care
After each of your child’s team visits, our team meets to review the recommendations made and coordinate the next steps in your child’s care. This allows us to combine procedures for upcoming surgeries and follow up with additional providers and services as needed. Around two weeks after your visit, you will receive a summary that outlines each provider’s individual recommendations and lists the next steps for your child. The date for your next recommended team visit will also be included.

Verified by the American College of Surgeons
Duke Children's is one of the few U.S. hospitals verified as a level I children's surgery center by the American College of Surgeons. This Level I designation recognizes our commitment to providing the safest and highest-quality surgical care to our young patients.

Approved by the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association
As an American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association-approved team, Duke Cleft and Craniofacial healthcare professionals are recognized for providing the highest standards of care in cleft and craniofacial conditions.

We Put Your Child and Your Family First
Your child and your family members are important members of our team. We always consider your input and preferences when making recommendations and decisions. We listen to your needs and strive to provide the most comprehensive and efficient care to your child as possible.

You Can Meet Other Families
You’ll have opportunities to participate in team events and gatherings. This will allow your family to meet other families whose children have cleft and craniofacial conditions. It can be very comforting to meet others who share similar experiences and can relate to challenges as well as victories.