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Abstract

Neonates with cleft lip&/or palate face a lot of difficulties because of a lack of proper seal between the oral and nasal cavities. Feeding is the most common problem faced by parents of such children. This problem can be addressed by feeding plates which obturate the cleft and promote development of seal, hence proper feeding is initiated. So the role of a Prosthodontics is very important. However parents need to have proper knowledge about the same so that they can bring their chidren for proper consultation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of awareness about feeding plates among the parents of cleft lip&/or plate children. This study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics Govt Dental College Srinagar. Questionnaires were distributed to parents of children with cleft lip &/or palate and responses to the questionnaires were then analyzed. 50 Parents participated in the study. Results of the study found that parents faced a lot of feeding difficulties. However more than half of them were unaware about the feeding plates and wished to have received more information about the same. The study concluded that the early provision of prosthesis will result in better outcome for these patients, & there is a need to increase awareness regarding role of Prosthodontics during rehabilitation of cleft patients.