UC Davis Cleft and Craniofacial team receives national recognition

The UC Davis Cleft and Craniofacial Program has earned Cleft Palate and Craniofacial team approval from the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA). The specialized team of physicians and other care providers treats patients with cleft lip, cleft palate and other craniofacial disorders.

The team is one of over 195 in the U.S. and Canada to be recognized for meeting the Standards of Team Care for Cleft and Craniofacial Teams.

The ACPA team approval verifies that cleft and craniofacial care is provided in a coordinated and consistent manner, follows the proper sequence and takes place within the framework of the patient’s overall developmental, medical and psychological needs. Teams are comprised of experienced and qualified professionals who work in an interdisciplinary and coordinated environment to provide strong and reliable communication between team members, families and referring providers.

“Our UC Davis Cleft and Craniofacial team members come together from multiple departments and areas of expertise to offer care and support for our children with cleft lip and palate, and their families,” said Travis Tollefson, co-director of the UC Davis Cleft and Craniofacial Program. “We enjoy our status as a longstanding ACPA-approved cleft team and the importance it brings to the families we serve.”

Our UC Davis Cleft and Craniofacial team members come together from multiple departments and areas of expertise to offer care and support for our children with cleft lip and palate, and their families.” —Travis Tollefson

The reapproval takes effect this month. The team has been approved consistently every five years for more than 25 years.

The UC Davis Cleft and Craniofacial team is listed on the ACPA website, which the public can reference when choosing a provider for cleft and craniofacial health care needs. View the list here.

The Commission on Approval of Teams was established in November 2008 to manage an approval process to facilitate the improvement of team care. ACPA Team Approval is an independent process that ensures accurate information can be provided to patients and families. Approval by the Commission does not imply endorsement of the quality of treatment or services provided by any member of the approved team.