Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic History

In 1938 the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic was started as a project in the Lancaster City Schools to ascertain the incidence of cleft palate cases, malformations of the face and jaws and speech problems.  With the exception of a speech therapist, nothing was being done to correct the anatomical, physiological, and psychological backgrounds which were contributing factors to these conditions.  As a result, the Clinic was established.
In 1943 the Lancaster Rotary Club voted to sponsor the Clinic and took an active role in its operation until 1947.

The founding premises of the Clinic are team treatment and reaching all individuals with cleft lip and palate and other craniofacial diseases regardless of financial barriers.  Team treatment is dedicated serving the needs of the "whole person" with specialists from separate specialties examining the patient and recommending a course for treatment as a team.  Members of the team include a plastic surgeon, speech therapist, orthodontist, pediatrician, ENT specialist, prosthodontist, pediatric dentist, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and audiologist, and nurse coordinator.  Today this concept of "team treatment" is the prototype for all Clinics that provide treatment for cleft lip and palate world-wide.

Today, the Clinic is directed under the leadership of Dr. Ross E. Long, grandson of the original founder, Dr. H.K. Cooper.