Cleft lip and palate deformities can result from genetic disorders or syndromes. As technology and databases improve, our understanding of genetic markers and risk factors for these conditions continues to grow. For many years, Rotaplast has partnered with Dr. Tolarova, a leading geneticist at the University of the Pacific who specializes in cleft prevention. Our orthodontist, Maureen Valley, trained under Dr. Tolarova and collaborated with her to provide cleft education during this trip. Before the team departed, Dr. Tolarova and the Rotaplast office prepared and packed translated educational flyers for patients, outlining ways to reduce the likelihood of cleft lip and palate by managing environmental factors. Maureen excelled in facilitating difficult conversations with patients and their families about cleft lip and palate, navigating and overcoming the stigma often associated with these conditions.
