Groundbreaking research on quality of life for cleft lip and palate patients unveiled at dental innovate 2.0

KARACHI: A pioneering study on the quality of life of cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients was presented as a scientific poster at DentalInnovate 2.0, where it drew wide appreciation for its innovative mixed-methods approach and patient-centered focus. The presentation, led by Dr. Salman Aminwala with contributions from Dr. Aqsa Amin, highlighted how clinical and psychosocial research can be combined to better address the challenges faced by CLP patients.

The research was originally published in the BMC oral health journal in December 2024 and was authored by Dr. Salman Aminwala, CEO of Ayesha  Dental Clinic and a distinguished graduate of DDC, Dr. Syed Jaffar Zaidi, Assistant Professor of Oral Biology at Dow University of Health Sciences, and Dr. Ashraf Ganatra, CEO of Muskhurat Medical Centre. Their work has been recognized as a landmark contribution to both academic research and clinical practice. The full study can be accessed here:
https://bmcoralhealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12903-024-05293-4

The study adopted a mixed-methods design, combining the OHIP-14 questionnaire with semi-structured interviews. This dual approach enabled the researchers to measure the oral health impact on daily life while also capturing patients’ personal experiences in depth.

The findings shed light on the complex challenges faced by CLP patients, including:

• speech difficulties that restrict daily communication
• chronic pain and functional limitations
• persistent stigma and social discrimination
• bullying in schools and community settings
• limited family and community support structures

In addition to documenting these struggles, the study underscored transformative interventions that significantly improve patient outcomes. These include timely surgical procedures to restore function and confidence, psychological counseling to strengthen mental health, and community awareness initiatives to reduce stigma and foster inclusivity.

At DentalInnovate 2.0, the poster was praised by judges and peers for its unique integration of clinical and psychosocial data, its clear focus on patients’ lived realities, and its potential to influence future healthcare policies.

This body of work serves as a call to action for healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities. By embracing holistic approaches to treatment and increasing awareness, the barriers faced by cleft lip and palate patients can be reduced, ultimately leading to improved quality of life.

Together, the researchers affirm, lives can be transformed—one smile at a time.