Dental, ENT and Dietetic Prevention Program
For Children with Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate, or Cleft Lip and Palate and Their Families
Organized by the Facial Reconstruction Centre of the Bókay Street Department of the Semmelweis University Department of Paediatrics and the Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Semmelweis University
12 December 2026 · Semmelweis University, Faculty of Dentistry · 47 Szentkirályi Street, Budapest
Purpose of the Program
The aim of the day is to provide children with cleft conditions and their parents with practical, targeted knowledge about specific oral care needs; to introduce them to key dental, orthodontic, ear, nose and throat (ENT), breastfeeding and feeding considerations; and to ensure that they leave with personalized advice and screening assessments.
Target Group
- Children with cleft lip, cleft palate, or cleft lip and palate, from infancy through adolescence
- Parents, caregivers, expectant mothers, and breastfeeding mothers
- Age groups: 0–3 years · 4–7 years · 8+ years
Participating Professionals
- Dentist
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeon
- Orthodontist
- ENT specialist
- Feeding specialist / lactation consultant
Daily Program
MAIN HALL
9:00–9:30 Registration and Opening
- Welcome and introduction to the aims and schedule of the day
- Assignment of children to age-specific activity stations
9:30–9:50 Professional Lecture I – Dentistry and Orthodontics
Presentation by an oral surgeon / dentist / orthodontist on the following topics:
- Anatomical characteristics of cleft conditions and their effects on dentition (abnormalities in tooth number, tooth position, and gingival development)
- Causes and prevention of the increased risk of dental caries and gingivitis
- Wound-care considerations following surgery (cleft lip, cleft palate, and alveolar cleft closure) that affect oral hygiene
- Disadvantages of pacifier use
10:00–10:20 Professional Lecture II – Ear, Nose and Throat
Presentation by an ENT specialist on the following topics:
- Increased risk of middle ear infections in children with cleft palate due to Eustachian tube dysfunction
- The need for regular hearing screening and its recommended frequency during infancy and preschool age
- Recognition and management of nasal breathing difficulties and paranasal sinus problems
- When grommet (ventilation tube) insertion is necessary and how it relates to speech development
10:30–10:50 Breastfeeding and Feeding Counselling
Joint session by a breastfeeding specialist / lactation consultant and a dietitian for parents of infants and expectant parents:
- Special breastfeeding techniques and positions in cases of cleft palate or cleft lip and palate
- Presentation and hands-on trial of cleft-specific bottles and feeding devices (e.g. Haberman-, NUK-, and Pigeon-type bottles)
- Signs of effective sucking/feeding and ways to reduce air swallowing and regurgitation
- When and how a lactation consultant can be involved during the pre- and postoperative periods
9:00–12:00 Parallel Children’s Activities (by Age Group)
ATRIUM
- 0–3 years: practical demonstration for parents on the use of a finger toothbrush, cleaning the area around the cleft, and individual feeding consultation
ATRIUM
- 4–7 years (preschool age): playful toothbrushing education, demonstration with storybook characters, and trying out a “cleft-friendly” toothbrush
ATRIUM
- 8–12 years / 13+ years: interactive demonstration for children and adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment
MAIN HALL – after the lectures
- Nutritional counselling: reducing sugar intake and placing greater emphasis on regular check-ups and oral care during orthodontic treatment
Throughout the Entire Program – EXAMINATION ROOM, 5th Floor
Continuous examinations at six dental chairs operating side by side.
Individual Screening Examinations and Consultations
- Dental status assessment
- Orthodontic consultation, with appointment scheduling if necessary
- Hearing screening and individual ENT examination
12:30 Closing and Gift Packages
- Special oral care package
- Feeding guide
- Daily routine reminder card
- Scheduling of the next follow-up appointment (orthodontics, ENT, lactation counselling, and annual oral-surgery follow-ups)
