Udaipur: In a pioneering initiative aimed at improving the lives of children born with cleft lip and palate, the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry at Darshan Dental College & Hospital, Udaipur, has successfully treated two infants using Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM) Therapy. The treatment, led by Dr. Ruchi Arora, Head of the Department, marks a significant milestone in early, non-surgical intervention.
The two infants treated included a 3.5-month-old boy and a 6-month-old girl, both referred by plastic surgeons at RNT Medical College & Hospital, Udaipur. Following the successful NAM therapy, the 6-month-old girl underwent cleft lip correction surgery at RNT Hospital, with highly promising outcomes in both facial aesthetics and functional recovery.
Dr. Ruchi Arora explained that early intervention with NAM therapy significantly improves surgical results, reducing the number of procedures required and enhancing the overall quality of life for the child. NAM is a non-surgical technique used to reshape the cleft segments of the lip, nose, and alveolar ridge prior to corrective surgery. It not only improves aesthetics but also simplifies and enhances the success of subsequent surgical procedures.
As a postgraduate institution, Darshan Dental College remains committed to such social service-driven healthcare initiatives. The entire treatment, including the NAM appliance, was provided completely free of cost under the guidance of Principal Dr. Vikas Poonia.
Parents were given thorough training on appliance care, usage, and the importance of regular follow-ups. Dr. Vikas Poonia emphasized that with continued collaboration with Dr. Vikas Chaudhary and his team from the Department of Plastic Surgery at RNT Medical College, more children suffering from such congenital deformities will benefit in the future. Efforts are also underway to expand this innovative therapy to a more advanced and widespread level.
The families expressed deep gratitude, noting a remarkable improvement in their children’s facial structure, which makes future surgeries appear significantly simpler and less daunting.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.