SMILE: cost-utility and impact of high-intensity speech therapy on Speech, MotIvation, and quality of LifE in children with cleft palate Ghent University
A cleft palate ± a cleft lip is the most prevalent congenital craniofacial defect. The societal burden of
this condition is substantial as it impacts speech, hearing, feeding, oral behavior, dentition, and
satisfaction with appearance. These consequences have a prolonged and adverse influence on social
integration and well-being. The WHO reported considerable financial costs incurred from this defect
in terms of ...