Maria Haydar

Dr. Haydar received her BDS from the Lebanese University, Faculty of Dental Medicine. She holds a DESS in Orthodontics from the Lebanese University and a Master of Science from the American University of Beirut. Dr. Haydar teaches at the Department of Orthodontics-Lebanese University and has lectured in local and international meetings.

Lecture title: Involvement of Speech Therapists in Orthodontic Treatment in Lebanon

Lecture abstract: Speech sounds develop in normal children from birth through a learning-based process, in close relation to the environment the child is exposed to and to articulators located in the oral cavity. Particularly, the teeth serve as useful landmarks for the tongue and play a prominent role during the production of certain speech sounds, yet individuals with malocclusions do not necessarily develop speech problems.  The aim of the present survey was to assess the cooperation between orthodontists and speech therapists in Lebanon to ensure optimal patient outcome. Speech therapists practicing for at least 5 years in Lebanon were asked to fill a questionnaire to evaluate the relationship and cooperation between them and the orthodontists. In total 51 questionnaires were answered and collected for descriptive data analysis. 68.63% of the speech therapists reported that they rarely received patients referred from orthodontic cabinets, and atypical swallowing pattern was the highest referral complaint followed by low tongue position at rest. On the other hand, 15% never referred their patients to orthodontists and 45% rarely did. Almost 80% of speech therapists found the cooperation with orthodontists insufficient. The importance of the inclusion of valid speech tests at the diagnosis stage for each patient in orthodontic practice is highlighted.