According to the ACPA standards, what is the minimum frequency for a comprehensive team evaluation for a child with a cleft?

# According to the ACPA standards, what is the minimum frequency for a comprehensive team evaluation for a child with a cleft? 

A. Every six months

B. Annually

C. Every two years

D. Every five years

Based on the ACPA (American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association) standards, specifically the Parameters for Evaluation and Treatment of Patients with Cleft Lip/Palate or Other Craniofacial Anomalies, the correct answer is:

B. Annually

Reasoning

The ACPA standards state that children with cleft lip and/or palate require longitudinal follow-up. While specific specialists (such as speech-language pathologists or orthodontists) may see the patient more frequently depending on treatment needs, the comprehensive interdisciplinary team evaluation must be performed at least annually.

• Infancy to 4 Years: Evaluations are typically more frequent (often every 6 months or annually) to monitor feeding, growth, speech development, and hearing.

• School Age to Maturity: Comprehensive team evaluations are recommended at least annually to coordinate phases of care (such as bone grafting, orthodontics, and secondary surgeries) and to monitor facial growth and psychosocial well-being.

The minimum frequency is designed to ensure that no developmental issues (speech, hearing, dental, or skeletal) are missed during the child's growth periods.