Division Research

Cleft palate repair has been an established surgical procedure for over 50 years, faculty are implementing newly developed technology to bring this highly impactful procedure to children in low-resource communities around the world. As chairman of the medical board for Smile Train, Dr. Larry Hollier helps to oversee more than 2000 surgeons in 85 different countries, ensuring that cleft care is not only sustainable and scalable, but also of the highest quality. Under his leadership, Smile Train is pioneering the use of highly effective computerized simulation training, accelerating the number of qualified surgeons and support staff able to provide surgical cleft care safely. Newly integrated web-based platforms are enabling oversight of remote surgeries, providing evidence for effective and safe outcomes.  

With refinement and value creation in craniofacial surgery as a focused priority among department faculty, our faculty are improving the care of patients with facial injuries and congenital impairments. Better treatments for mandibular fractures is one focus of the division, including studies evaluating the biologic response to resorbable plate and screw fixation, which enables realignment and stabilization while sidestepping future issues related to long-term metal implant complications.