International Journal of Dental Sciences

Authors
Dr. Osadolor OO

Abstract
Background: The birth of a baby with orofacial cleft provokes mixed feelings of shock, shame, confusion, rejection, disappointment, anger, hopelessness and stigmatization for some parents, especially the mother. Aim: To assess the perception of pre-surgical orthodontics for cleft patients among dental technology interns, dental technology students and dental nursing students in Enugu state, Nigeria. Methodology: A cross- sectional questionnaire based study was conducted among dental technologist interns at University of Nigeria teaching hospital and dental technology and nursing students at Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy, Enugu state. Ethical clearance for the study was sought and obtained. Individual verbal consent was obtained from the respondents before giving out the pre-tested questionnaire which was self-administered. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20. Results: 23 (34.3%) males and 44(65.7%) females were seen, giving a male to female ratio of 1:1.9. The age of the participants ranged from 20 years - 32 years with a mean age of 24.1 ± 2.9 years. 52(77.6%) students, 15(22.4%) interns, 45(67.2%) dental technologist professional cadre in training while 22(32.8%) dental nurses professional cadre in training.82.1% of the respondents said cleft lip and palate can cause malocclusion, 68.7% said cleft lip and palate patients need to be seen by an orthodontist while 80.6% said pre-surgical orthodontic/ orthopaedic appliance are important for or facial cleft patients. P-value = 0.012. Conclusion: There is need for cleft patients to be assessed by an Orthodontist. Efforts need to be applied to increase awareness among health workers and the general public through awareness programmes.