Profile of cleft lip and palate patients at a dental hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the clinical profile of patients with orofacial clefts (OFC) who presented at a dental hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2019. The aim of the study is to use the data collected to conduct an epidemiological survey and create an electronic database of all patients with OFC who presented to the hospital. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective record review of all cases of OFC treated at Johannesburg Cleft clinic from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2019, was conducted. A structured, pretested record review form was used to obtain demographic and clinical information of patients with OFC. STATA version 15 was used to analyze the data and statistical tests were conducted at a 5% significance level. Results: One hundred and thirty-three records were analyzed. The majority were males (n = 68, 51.13%), while 48.87% (n = 65) were females. Most patients were South Africans 91.73% (n = 122,), and the majority were African blacks (67.67%). A statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was found in gender and racial distribution of OFC. Majority of the sample presented with clefts of the lip and palate 55.64% (n = 74,), followed by isolated CP 24.81% (n = 33), CL 17.29% (n = 23), and 2.26% (n = 3) presented with a facial cleft. Majority of the clefts were described as unilateral (n = 50, 37.59%) and 30.83% (n = 41) of the clefts were described as bilateral. Isolated cleft of the palate accounted for 24.81% (n = 33), while 4.51% (n = 6) were midline clefts. Facial clefts accounted for 2.26% (n = 3). Of all unilateral clefts (n = 50), those who presented on the left side account for 68% (n = 34), while those who presented on the right side accounted for 32% (n = 16). Conclusions: The dental hospital is providing services to a large number of patients with OFC. The study findings should assist in planning services for these patients.