Design and setting: A prospective questionnaire based study undertaken at Newcastle Dental Hospital during 2002-2003
Materials and Methods: All patients between the ages of 8 and 16 with unilateral cleft lip and palate under the care of the Newcastle Hospitals, were identified. They were invited to attend a clinic, to complete a self-perception questionnaire and have impressions taken. The questionnaire provided a measure of oral health related quality of life and self-perception. Impressions allowed Peer Assessment Ratio (PAR) and GOSLON scoring of models. Parents of patients were also asked to complete a parental self-perception questionnaire.
Results: Complete data was gathered from 49 patients (19 female, 30 male). Mean PAR score was 31 (range 2-62), with a Goslon mean of 2.8 (range 1-5). The highest PAR and Goslon scores tended to be associated with lower self perception however this result was not statistically significant. There appears to be some correlation between parental self perception and patient self perception
Conclusion: Dental appearance and malocclusion appear to have an affect on self-perception. However other factors such as facial appearance, speech and parental attitude are likely to contribute.