Carolinas-based Dr. Rick Kapitan, renowned oral and maxillofacial surgeon, available for interviews
Charlotte, NC - Approximately 1 in 600 children are born with a cleft lip and/or palate every year, making clefts one of the most common birth anomalies in the U.S. Now is the time to bring awareness to the challenges these children and their families face.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Rick Kapitan is available to discuss how cleft lips and palates occur, treatment options and the social-emotional issues that accompany these conditions. Only 200 or so teams like Dr. Kapitan’s exist in the country.
ABOUT CLEFT LIPS: Cleft lips occur when the two sides of the face join during pregnancy and it is asplit in the upper lip area. This can lead to feeding issues and delayed or impaired speech.
ABOUT CLEFT PALATES: Cleft palates occur when the two sides of the face join during pregnancy and there is a split, or hole, in the roof of the mouth. This can lead to breathing and feeding complications, as well as delayed or impaired speech. Children often need several corrective surgeries spanning their childhood to repair the defect.
ABOUT DR. RICK KAPITAN: Dr. Kapitan is founder of the Carolinas Center for Cleft Lip & Palate Surgery, part of the Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery. With over two decades of experience specializing in cleft and craniofacial surgeries, he has dedicated his career to providing exceptional care for children and families facing the physical and emotional challenges of cleft and craniofacial conditions. The most rewarding aspect for Dr. Kapitan is the sense of peace that washes over parents when they realize everything will be OK for their children. He’s said, “I’ve come to realize that these children just grow up to be better people. I think the world is a much better place because of them.”
MEDIA ASSETS:
Dr. Kapitan is available for print and broadcast interviews
Dr. Kapitan’s patients are also available, including Sarah-Catherine (her story here)
Educational Content:
MEDIA CONTACT:
Anna Stallmann
media@annacomms.com
704-218-9362