The American Dental Association reports that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has pledged new funding in cleft lip and cleft palate research. At Smiles by Shields, we’re your Jacksonville dentist for total body wellness and dental health. And health research is just one part of the puzzle.

The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine announced an $11.8 million five year research grant from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research to continue exploration of the genetic roots of cleft lip and cleft palate and to expand the research to include populations in Colombia, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Pennsylvania.

As one of the National Institutes of Health, the NIDCR is well-equipped to use resources and research funding to improve the lives of citizens worldwide by studying the genetic causes of cleft lip and cleft palate and exploring ways to treat the defect in countries with dental systems of all kinds. If you have questions about dental care following cleft lip and cleft palate surgery, contact the team at Smiles by Shields today!