The UNC Adams School of Dentistry
Craniofacial Center (CFC), established in 1963, holds the distinction of being one of the first craniofacial teams in the United States. It operates as a highly specialized clinic within the larger UNC Adams School of Dentistry and is uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive, integrated care for individuals with
Craniofacial Anomalies. The center prides itself on its multidisciplinary team approach, bringing together experts from various medical and dental specialties under one roof, including
Pediatric Dentistry, audiology, otolaryngology,
Orthodontics, ophthalmology,
Plastic Surgery, social work, speech-language pathology, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. This collaborative model ensures that patients receive coordinated and holistic care, eliminating the need for separate appointments with multiple specialists.
The CFC treats a broad spectrum of craniofacial conditions, including but not limited to cleft lip and palate, Treacher Collins syndrome, Crouzon syndrome, Pierre Robin sequence, craniosynostosis, and various ear deformities. Their services encompass diagnostic testing, radiologic imaging (like CT scans), hearing tests, and a range of innovative surgical and non-surgical interventions. These include corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery, craniosynostosis repair, frenulectomy (tongue-tie surgery), helmet therapy for skull reshaping, rhinoplasty, speech surgery to correct hypernasality, and surgical treatment for TMJ problems, facial injuries, and jaw tumors or cysts.
A significant aspect of the Craniofacial Center's philosophy is its commitment to holistic care, which extends beyond surgical outcomes to consider the patient's overall well-being, including psychosocial and emotional factors. The team advocates for its patients, making decisions centered on what is best for them. They also offer prenatal services and support networks for families. Located at 120 Dental Cir, Chapel Hill, NC, the center is easily accessible, with free patient parking available in the Dogwood Parking Deck. As part of an academic health center, the UNC Adams School of Dentistry Craniofacial Center is also involved in training future oral and maxillofacial surgeons and contributing to cutting-edge research in craniofacial health.
