The Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and the International Cleft Lip and Palate Foundation (ICPF) invite dental and medical professionals to the Cleft 2011 International Cleft Lip and Palate Conference to be held in San Francisco, Calif., June 9-12, 2011. Conference registration is now available online at http://cleft2011icpf.org/. The early bird registration deadline is Feb. 28 and the advanced registration deadline is Mar. 31. Regular registration will close on June 5.

This scientific workshop will highlight topics related to cleft lip and palate including technological and surgical-orthodontic advances, prevention and caring for children with clefts. Activities of cleft lip and palate professional and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will also be featured. The conference will include lectures from experts, discussions and workshops with a goal to set grounds for development of an effective approach to cleft lip and palate prevention. Sessions will be held at University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, the host sponsor of the event.

According to a study published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics, it is estimated that one out of every 700-1,000 infants is born with a cleft. If other congenital syndromes that include clefts are counted, the number rises to one in 560. These figures are compelling reasons for seeking to improve treatment and develop efficient strategies for prevention of cleft lip and palate.

Attendees from around the globe will come from a variety of dental and medical specialties. Expected attendees will include plastic surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, pediatric surgeons, orthodontists, pediatric dentists, pediatricians, geneticists, genetic counselors, speech-language pathologists, anesthesiologists, nurses and other members of the craniofacial team. In addition, members of NGOs focused on cleft lip and craniofacial anomalies, and other professionals involved in the care of children with cleft lip and palate and other craniofacial anomalies are invited. Conference attendees will be given the opportunity to share experiences, ask questions and discuss treatment of cleft lip and palate with colleagues.

Registration fees and deadlines are as follows:

• Early bird registration: $110.00 (Feb. 28)
• Advanced registration: $150.00 (Mar. 31)
• Regular registration: $200.00 (June 5)
• Drop-in registration during the workshop: $240.00

"Cleft lip and palate anomalies are the most common and one of the most severe congenital anomalies of the face and mouth, and the second most common birth defect in general," said Cleft 2011 President Marie Tolarova, MD, PhD, who also serves as executive director of the Pacific Craniofacial Team and Cleft Prevention Program. "This conference will provide a valuable forum to share advances in treatment and prevention, and to discuss other important issues about cleft lip and palate with international colleagues. We invite all interested medical and dental professionals, practitioners and researchers to join us in San Francisco."

Sponsors and supporters of the event include University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry; American Cleft Palate Association; Rotaplast International; Azulvista.com; and GreenBox Hosting.

The International Cleft Lip and Palate Foundation is a multidisciplinary humanitarian foundation established on October 23, 1997 in Kyoto, Japan. For more information about the International Cleft Lip and Palate Conference please visit cleft2011icpf.org.