METHOD: 121 cases of orofacial cleft attendees of the oral and maxillofacial clinic, University of Benin teaching hospital between 1993-2003 were studied.
RESULT: The patients age at presentation ranged between 1 day to 26 years. There were 62(52.1%) males and 58(47.9%) females. 43 cleft cases representing 35.5% were isolated or non-syndromic clefts while 78 or 64.5% were syndromic clefts. Of the isolated clefts, 2 or 1.7% of the total, were lateral facial clefts(LFC). Oblique facial clefts(OFC), Median cleft of the upper lip(MC) and median maxillary anterior alveolar clefts(MMAAC) were not encountered. Parental perception of the probands disability like mental disability is still rooted in cosmic forces beyonds man's control. This socio-cultural belief is independent of educational attainment. There are also no significant differences between literate and non-literate parents as regards the tolerance of disability.
CONCLUSION: The unchanging attitudinal and socio-cultural beliefs and practices may militate against genetic counseling in steming the incidence and prevalence of the disability.