Global Trends in Knowledge, Attitude, and Awareness of Orthodontists Regarding the Management of Patients with Cleft lip and/or Palate: A Systematic Review

Introduction: The aim of the systematic review is to assess the trends of knowledge, attitude, awareness, and practice related to these aspects among orthodontists globally. Methods: An a priori protocol was developed as per the best practices of evidence-based medicine and registered in Prospero (CRD42022306107). The search was conducted electronically, using MeSH-terms, keywords, and Boolean-operators "AND" and "OR" in different combinations in multiple databases and Screening of titles and abstracts followed by the full-text evaluation was performed. The risk of bias (ROB) was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist. Results: Five studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and three of them showed a high ROB. When participants enquired about which other specialists worked in the cleft team in addition to the orthodontists, 84% of them reported it to be general-dentist in one study. Furthermore, the absence of an interdisciplinary team was reported in two studies from Africa. When enquired about the percentage of their practice devoted to the care of cleft lip and palate (CLP)-patients, a study reported that 52% (n= 88) orthodontists had treated <10 such patients in their entire career. Conclusion: The qualitative synthesis showed the lack of knowledge and experience among orthodontists and orthodontic residents regarding the management of CLP patients. Efforts must be made to design the validated questionnaires and conduct methodologically sound studies in different geographical locations to develop adequate modules for improving the knowledge of orthodontists in this domain, globally.