ACPA News

Revision surgery of cleft lip and nose common procedure following CL/P correction Patient benefits include more self-confidence, higher self-esteem after revision surgery CHAPEL HILL, N.C. / August 5, 2020 – Patients who underwent revision procedures for cleft lip and nasal defects reported positive psychosocial benefits, in addition to improved appearance, according to a recent research study, “Patient-Centered Satisfaction After Secondary Correction of the Cleft Lip and Nasal Defect”. The results were published in the July 2020 issue of The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal (CPCJ). “Across all areas of cleft care, we are seeing a greater emphasis on the patient’s perspective to ...
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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. / August 4, 2020 – The American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam Levy as the organization’s new Executive Director. Levy succeeds Wendy-Jo Toyama, MBA, CAE, who left ACPA in April 2020. “Thank you to the search committee, co-chaired by Scott A. Dailey, PhD, CCC-SLP, for leading ACPA in this process,” said Patricia A. Beals, DMD, MS, ACPA President. “ACPA’s passionate members and staff have continuously worked to create a world where people with cleft and craniofacial conditions thrive.  We are excited to have Adam bring his vision and passion to ...
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Dear ACPA Community, Due to the ongoing pandemic and its impact on both healthcare institutions and individual members, the ACPA Board of Directors has unanimously decided to hold a virtual Annual Meeting in 2021. Like many of you, we look forward to coming together with our colleagues every year and are disappointed to not convene in person.  This difficult decision was made with careful consideration and was not taken lightly.  A virtual meeting in 2021 will allow all professionals a chance to participate. The ACPA Program Task Force, led by John F. Caccamese, DMD, MD, FACS, is working to create ...
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ACPA is pleased to announce that discipline forums will now be offered to members virtually. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is important for members to stay connected­–now more than ever. Virtual discipline forums will allow ACPA members to continue the conversation on cleft and craniofacial care and provide an opportunity to continue networking with colleagues, from the comfort of their couch. Upcoming discipline forums include: Pediatric Dentistry Discipline Forum July 28, 2020 at 5:00 PM ET View Agenda Mental Health Discipline Forum August 11, 2020 at 3:00 PM ET View Agenda Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery Discipline Form August 26, 2020 at ...
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National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month is here – an opportunity to celebrate those born with facial differences and spread awareness of the lifelong care journey experienced by many patients here in the United States. As part of the celebration, ACPA is hosting the Thrive Campaign–ACPA’s largest fundraising initiative to provide funding for ACPA programs and services that directly support patients affected by cleft and craniofacial conditions, their families and the professionals who provide their care. A gift to the Thrive Campaign will provide immediate funding for: Personalized support – to help patients and families along their cleft and craniofacial journeys. Educational ...
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This week, ACPA will begin celebrating National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month-the time to spread awareness of the 1 in 700 children born with cleft each year and those born with craniofacial differences. There are many ways to participate in awareness month, whether it’s sharing your story, becoming an ACPA Awareness Ally, contacting your local government or making a gift to support the programs that ACPA offers through the THRIVE campaign. Learn more about the Thrive Campaign. Stay tuned to ACPA’s social media for upcoming awareness activities including ACPA community stories, ACPA Awareness Ally spotlights and ACPA Cleft Courage Bear ...
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ACPA Family Services awards college scholarships annually to outstanding students born with cleft or craniofacial conditions. Award recipients are selected by the ACPA Family Services Committee based on past academic performance, evidence of leadership and/or community and school involvement, indications of future academic success and the applicant essay. ACPA is pleased to announce the winners of the 2020 College Scholarships. This year’s winners are: Earl “Gip” Seaver, PhD Scholarship Award Madeline Bravo Ysabella Delauro Jaired Lyons General Scholarship Awards Kaden Walt Peter Randall, MD & Don LaRossa, MD Scholarship Award Devi Schwartz Vocational or Technical Scholarship Award Kirsty Sylvester For more information about ...
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By age 7, children are comparing themselves to others and peers become important Speech impairment associated with CL/P can have a negative impact on physical and emotional development A wider focus on speech outcomes could have a positive effect on treatment strategies for patients with CL/P. CHAPEL HILL, N.C. / June 16, 2020 – How would seven-year-olds describe the speech of their peers with cleft lip/palate (CL/P)? This was the focus of a recent research study “’She Sounds Like a Small Child or Perhaps She has Problems’—Peers’ Descriptions of Speech in 7-Year-Olds Born With Cleft Palate” published in the May ...
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ACPA President Patricia A. Beals, DMD, MS During May, ACPA’s Board of Directors met to discuss current events and the status of the Association. Instead of beginning the meeting with business as usual, each board member shared an update about their experiences in the present environment. It was an eye-opening conversation and we realized that while every member of ACPA is experiencing varying circumstances, it is especially important that we continue to come together as a community and support patients, families and professionals during this time. The Board discussed updates on development, the executive director search, consolidation of funds, and ...
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Treatment specialists, support organizations, advocacy groups, affected individuals and families are joining forces this July to encourage awareness of cleft and craniofacial conditions for National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness Month. In an effort to increase cleft and craniofacial awareness, ACPA will share patient and family stories and reach out to our local community to share the message. We need your help to reach an even bigger audience. Here are some ways you can join us in promoting awareness: Share Your Story – Every story has the potential to positively impact others. Share your story with ACPA for a chance to be featured during ...
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