The Craniofacial Team

The best time to assess any craniofacial abnormalities is within your child's first few weeks of life. The focus of the team visit is to help correct your child's medical problems and to ease adapting to each stage of life. Likely your child will be seen often as a baby and then once or twice a year after that.

Many people may be involved in the management of craniofacial issues for your child. This is because the skills of many different areas are needed to help with the problems that can happen. The following are some of the members of the craniofacial team:

• Plastic/craniofacial surgeon. This is a surgeon with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of abnormalities of the skull, facial bones, and soft tissue. They will work closely with the orthodontists and other specialists to make a surgical plan.
• Neurosurgeon. This is usually a pediatric neurosurgeon who specializes in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. They coordinate all surgeries (such as craniosynostosis) with the craniofacial surgeons.
• Pediatrician. This is a doctor who specializes in the medical care of children and who will follow your child as they grow. They help coordinate the many specialists involved and manage your child's preventive health needs, such as immunizations and growth and development checkups.
• Orthodontist. This is adentist who evaluates the position and alignment of your child's teeth. They make a treatment plan along with the surgeon and other specialists.
• Pediatric dentist. This is a dentist who specializes in the care of children's teeth.
• Speech and language specialist. This is a professional who will do a thorough speech evaluation to assess your child's abilities to communicate. They will closely keep track of your child throughout all their stages of development.
• Otolaryngologist (ear-nose-throat specialist). This is a surgeon who will help evaluate and manage ear infections and hearing loss that may be side effects of your child's cleft abnormality.
• Audiologist (hearing specialist). This is a provider who will help evaluate and manage any hearing problems your child may have.
• Ophthalmologist. This is a surgeon who specializes in the structure, function, and diseases of the eye. An ophthalmologist evaluates and plans treatment of eye problems along with other surgical treatments.
• Genetic counselor. This is a professional who reviews the child's health and family history and does an exam to help in diagnosis. A genetic counselor also counsels your family on risk for craniofacial problems to happen in future pregnancies.
• Nurse team coordinator. This is a registered nurse who has experience in caring for children with craniofacial problems. They act as liaison between your family and the team.
• Social worker. This is someone who provides guidance and counseling for your child and your family in dealing with the social and emotional aspects of craniofacial problems. They help your family with community resources and referrals. This can include things like support groups and financial assistance.
• Psychiatrist. This is a provider who assesses the psychosocial function and behavioral development of your child. The psychiatrist will help the family find therapy resources and coordinate referrals with the social services department.