Cleft lip and palate care in Nigeria;Current status of orthodontic residents training in the management of cleft lip and palate.

This study aimed to assess and achieve an overview of the current status of the training of orthodontic residents in Nigeria with regards to the management of children affected with cleft lip and palate. Semi structured questionnaires containing 10 categories were sent to 20 residents training to become orthodontic specialists in the three training centres in Nigeria, Sixteen questionnaires were completed and returned. The results are as follows, majority (94%) had no clinical experience with orthodontic care. Majority of the residents (94%) had never fitted a neonatal appliance and had no clinical experience with pre surgical orthopaedics, pre bone graft orthodontics and preparation for orthognatic surgery. Though all residents (100%) had received taught lectures and seminars in the management of children affected with cleft lip and palate, they did not have experience in research and had never attended cleft conferences. The shortcomings in training of orthodontic residents in the management of children with CL/P in Nigeria have been identified. Trainers and orthodontic training institutions in Nigeria may need to restructure orthodontic training programme so that residents can acquire adequate clinical experience and skills in the management of children with CL/P.