As dental students, we know how vital oral and maxillofacial care is for patients born with cleft lip and palate. Beyond the immediate surgical needs, cleft care is a lifelong journey involving dentistry, speech therapy, nutrition, and psychological support. That’s why the BDSA is passionate about supporting CLEFT, a charity dedicated to providing permanent, sustainable improvements in cleft care both here in the UK and overseas.

CLEFT’s mission can broadly be described in two ways. Firstly, through sponsorship of research projects in the UK — aiming to better understand the causes of clefts and to develop new, evidence-based approaches to treatment. Secondly, by supporting projects in lower-income countries, where access to specialist care is often limited, to ensure children and families receive the long-term treatment and support they need.

By fundraising for CLEFT, we’re not just contributing to individual operations — we’re helping to create systems that will benefit patients for generations to come. As future dental professionals, we’re proud to stand behind this vision and to play our part in making cleft care more accessible, sustainable, and equitable worldwide.

Kaitlyn McNeill