Developmental disorders involve teeth and the craniofacial structures. Oftentimes, these are associated with genetic disorders affecting other parts of the body. Other times, they are due to developmental problems during birth. Thus, it is suggested that both genes and environmental factors play a role in these defects. The most common defect is the cleft lip and palate.
This section will provide information on many of the common developmental disorders in the LAC region, scientific literature and links to associations and foundations that are working to help those inflicted.
Introduction and Fact Sheets
International Collaborative Research on Craniofacial Anomalies
WHO. Introduction to Craniofacial Anomalies
NIH. Brief introduction to Cleft Lip and Palate (also called Harelip).
Treacher Collins Syndrome, Crouzon Syndrome, Apert Syndrome, Stickler syndrome
NIH Genetics Home Reference. Introductory information these developmental disorders.
WHO, 2002. Discussion on potential of the global model for tackling the big questions in craniofacial anomalies, be they concerned with cause, treatment, or prevention.
Scientific and Technical Publications
Advice Given to Women in Argentina about Breast-feeding and the Use of Alcohol (90.72 kB)
Panamerican Journal of Public Health, 2004. Study demonstrating the need for professional development strategies that will address women's awareness of the risks of alcohol consumption and alcohol usage.
pdf Global Strategies to Reduce the Healthcare Burden of Craniofacial Anomalies (1.99 MB)
WHO, 2002. Report of WHO meetings on International Collaborative Research on Craniofacial Anomalies Geneva, Switzerland, 5-8 November 2000 & Park City, Utah, USA, 24-26 May 2001. Findings from WHO five-year project designed to take forward an international research strategy on treatment, gene/environment interaction, genetics, and prevention of craniofacial anomalies.
Training Materials
Guidelines for Identifying and Referring Persons with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 2005. Recommendations, referral considerations, services for people with FAS, alcohol during pregnancy.
Additional Resources:
Sources - Database:
General Health Sicience: LILACS, MEDLINE /International Agencies: PAHO- Pan American Health Organization, WHOLIS - World Health Organization / Cochrane Library: Cochrane systematic reiews, Protocols of Cochrane systematic reviews, CENTRAL, Abstracts by INAHTA, economic studies and critically appraised, abstracts of quality assessments / BBO -Brazilian Dentistry Bibliography / MEDCARIB - Caribbean Health Sciences Literature / Bandolier / Ibero-American Clinical Trials, Evidence. Updating in ambulatory, Reports / HIL- Internet Resources.
Foundations and Centers:
Austin Smiles is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization which provides reconstructive plastic surgery, primarily cleft lip and palate repairs, to the children of Austin and the 10 county area surrounding Austin and in various locations in Latin America.
The mission of CPF is to provide the essential information and research that enhances the quality of life for individuals affected by cleft lip and palate and other facial birth defects.
La Fundación del Paladar Hendido (CPF) es una organización sin fines de lucro dedicada a ayudar las personas con defectos de la cabeza y el cuello, y sus familias.
The website for the Collaboration for Craniofacial Development and Disorders (CCDD) was created for families, physicians, and scientists. The mission is to care for patients, educate, and perform research on craniofacial disorders. Information is provided about services available at Johns Hopkins University and providers around the world.
Oral Health, Clinical Trials, Research, Grants & Funding, Careers & Training
Basic information on Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate for kids.
Operation Rainbow is dedicated to performing free orthopedic surgery for indigent children and young adults worldwide.