Cleft palate is the most common craniofacial congenital anomaly. The consequences of cleft palate on resonance, speech, and hearing can significantly affect psychosocial development. Moreover, cleft palate also affects maxillofacial growth and development with potential long-term effects. Finally, even a relationship between cleft palate and language disorders has been reported. Understanding and using the data provided by using innovative diagnostic tools have allowed us not only to improve the outcome of the surgical repair of a palatal cleft but also to question the age at which the repair should be performed. The controversy between early or late surgical repair and the potentials effects on maxillofacial growth and speech is still a topic frequently addressed in the related scientific literature.

We encourage and invite clinicians and researchers to contribute original basic and clinical research papers as well as review articles that would enhance the knowledge and understanding of all the issues concerning diagnosis and management of cleft palate.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Advances in molecular genetics of cleft palate
• Maxillofacial growth and development in patients with cleft palate
• Latest technologies for clinical assessment and measuring outcomes in different areas including maxillofacial growth, speech, and resonance
• New strategies for speech and language pathology intervention in patients with cleft palate
• Otolaryngologic procedures in patients with cleft palate