In recognition of Cleft Awareness Month, Dentsply Sirona, the FDI World Dental Federation (FDI), and Smile Train are seizing the opportunity to spotlight the importance of comprehensive cleft care and to direct dental professionals to a new suite of educational resources for children born with cleft conditions. For Dentsply Sirona, this engagement is part of the company’s sustainability strategy, “BEYOND: Taking Action for a Brighter World.”
Dentsply Sirona, the world’s largest diversified manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies; the FDI World Dental Federation (FDI), the global voice of the dental profession; and Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, are delighted to announce the release of two new Digital Cleft Care Workflow videos as well as the launch of three new language versions of their Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), Digital Dentistry in Cleft Care. The three partners created these additional resources to significantly increase the reach and depth of educational content around digital cleft care.
“Cleft lip and palate affect thousands of children globally each year, impacting not only their ability to eat, speak, and breathe, but also their confidence and quality of life. Access to timely, high-quality cleft care—especially dental care—is essential to helping these children thrive,” says Marion Par-Weixlberger, VP of corporate communications, PR and brand at Dentsply Sirona. “Once you have witnessed the life-changing effect of high-quality cleft care delivered by a specially trained dental professional, you want everyone in need to have access to this. Together with Smile Train and FDI, we are working hard to make that vision happen and to create countless healthy, happy smiles.”
Definitive Digital Cleft Care Course Now Available in Multiple Languages
To support dental professionals in providing high-quality digital cleft care to patients in underserved communities around the globe, FDI, Smile Train, and Dentsply Sirona have released their MOOC Digital Dentistry in Cleft Care in three new languages, in addition to the original English version that was published last year. Dentists now also have the option to take the course in Spanish, French, or Portuguese.
The MOOC teaches dental professionals how to utilize the cleft care protocols developed by the three partners, using a mix of presentations, quizzes, short videos, and interactive discussion boards to impart the relevant knowledge in a way that is both effective and engaging.
Educational Videos for Different Stages of Cleft Care
In addition, Dentsply Sirona, FDI, and Smile Train have released two videos that provide clear, practical guidance on selected digital cleft care workflows and equipment. The first video focuses on pre-surgical care, while the second centers on mixed dentition. Both videos are around ten minutes in length and were filmed with real patients at the Smile Train regional Cleft Leadership Center, Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation Philippines Inc., and are now available on the FDI website.
An interactive tool completes the resources provided by the partners. Hosted on the FDI website, the tool is aimed at dental professionals beginning to use the protocols, helping them navigate through the different stages of care and access all the related information.
“Thanks to cutting-edge technology and the cleft care protocols developed with our partners, we now have the tools and the guidance to help ensure that patients receive the best possible care. Now we need to make sure that dental professionals from all regions and backgrounds have access to the training so they can deliver life-changing cleft care to their communities,” says Dr. Greg Chadwick, president of the FDI World Dental Federation.
“At Smile Train, we know that when we empower local providers with the right tools, training, and technology, we transform not just individual lives but entire communities,” says Susannah Schaefer, president and CEO of Smile Train. “Expanding access to digital cleft care education means more providers can deliver timely, comprehensive care to children who need it most. We are proud to collaborate with Dentsply Sirona and FDI to ensure that every child born with a cleft can live a full, healthy, and confident life.”
About Dentsply Sirona
Dentsply Sirona is the world’s largest diversified manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies, with over a century of innovation and service to the dental industry and patients worldwide. Dentsply Sirona develops, manufactures, and markets a comprehensive solutions offering, including dental and oral health products as well as other consumable medical devices under a strong portfolio of world-class brands.
Dentsply Sirona’s innovative products provide high-quality, effective, and connected solutions to advance patient care and deliver better and safer dental care. Dentsply Sirona’s headquarters is located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The company’s shares are listed in the United States on Nasdaq under the symbol XRAY. Visit www.dentsplysirona.com for more information about Dentsply Sirona and its products.
About FDI World Dental Federation
FDI World Dental Federation is the leading global voice of the dental profession and envisions a world with optimal oral health. It serves as the principal representative body for over 1 million dentists worldwide. Its membership includes some 200 national dental associations and specialist groups in over 130 countries. Visit www.fdiworlddental.org for more information.
About Smile Train
Smile Train empowers local medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally. We advance a sustainable solution and scalable global health model for cleft treatment, drastically improving children’s lives, including their ability to eat, breathe, speak, and ultimately thrive. To learn more about how Smile Train’s sustainable approach means donations have both an immediate and long-term impact, please visit www.smiletrain.org.
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