Craniofacial orthodontics and postgraduate Orthodontic training in Nigeria
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Date
2016
Authors
Isiekwe, G.I
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice
Abstract
Introduction: Craniofacial orthodontics has been shown to be a critical component of the care of patients with
craniofacial anomalies such as cleft lip and palate. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the perceptions and
clinical experience in cleft and craniofacial care, of orthodontic residents in Nigeria.
Methodology: Questionnaires were sent out to orthodontic residents in the six Postgraduate Orthodontic Training
Centers in the country at that time. The questionnaires were self‑administered and covered areas in beliefs in cleft
care and the clinical experience and challenges faced by the residents in the provision of craniofacial orthodontic care
at their various institutions.
Results: Thirty‑three respondents returned completed questionnaires, with a response rate of 97%. All the respondents
believed that residents should be involved in cleft and craniofacial care. Postnatal counseling was the clinical procedure
in which the residents reported the highest level of clinical experience (47.4%). The least clinical experience was
recorded in pre-bone graft orthodontics (7.4%) and orthodontic preparation for orthognathic surgery (5.5%). Some
of the challenges highlighted by the residents were low patients turn out for orthodontic care and the absence of
multidisciplinary treatment for craniofacial patients in their centers.
Conclusion: Orthodontic residents in Nigeria believe that they should be involved in the management of patients with
craniofacial anomalies and cleft lip and palate. However, majority of the residents have limited clinical experience in the
management of these patients. A lot more needs to be done, to expose orthodontic residents in training, to all aspects
of the orthodontic and multidisciplinary team care required for the cleft/craniofacial patient.
Description
Keywords
Craniofacial orthodontics, Nigeria, postgraduate orthodontic training
Citation
Isiekwe GI, Oguchi C, da Costa OO, Utomi IL. Craniofacial Orthodontics and Postgraduate Orthodontic training in Nigeria. Accepted for publication by the Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice, June 21, 2015