When does Mr Kenton-Smith see his patients?
Mr Kenton-Smith sees his patients at the time of diagnosis. He will then contact other members of the team as required. Cleft lips, and some cleft palates, are usually diagnosed through ultrasound prior to the baby’s birth. Mr Kenton-Smith is happy to meet with parents-to-be to discuss the process and management of their cleft lip or cleft palate baby. Cleft lip and palate patients are followed up regularly until the age of 18-20 years old. Mr Kenton-Smith takes referrals from the whole of the South Island. If your baby is born in Christchurch, he or she is usually seen by Mr Kenton-Smith within two days of being born. The baby will also be seen by a speech therapist who will discuss feeding issues with you. Mr Kenton-Smith will decide whether a plate will be required to be inserted into the palate. This is usually made by the orthodontist, Peter Fowler. Mr Kenton-Smith will talk through the severity of your baby’s cleft and the likely procedures which will be required to correct this.
