Five Years of Successful Cleft Lips and Palates Surgeries Celebrated by Doug Hackleman - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ AUGUST ►
S M T W T F S
28 29 30 01 02 03 04
05 06 07 08 09 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31 01
View Events
Submit Events

Five Years of Successful Cleft Lips and Palates Surgeries Celebrated

By Doug Hackleman, Community Writer
October 15, 2014 at 02:36pm. Views: 75

On Oct. 24 LLU School of Dentistry will celebrate five years of cleft lips and palates surgery with a reunion of kids who have undergone the procedure known as Presurgical Nasal Alveolar Molding (PNAM). A sizable group of preschoolers and their families will assemble Friday, Oct. 24 on the fourth floor of Loma Linda University’s Centennial Complex located at 24760 Stewart Street in Loma Linda between 9 a.m. and noon, to celebrate the successful repair of their cleft lips and palates. These procedures were performed at the LLU School of Dentistry’s Advanced Specialty Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry with an advanced technique known as Pre-surgical Nasal Alveolar Molding (PNAM). PNAM is a pre-surgical orthopedic treatment that employs a retainer-like device to enhance the effectiveness of surgery and drastically reduce the number of surgeries required to achieve a functionally and cosmetically satisfying repair. Since 2009, under the direction of Jung-Wei (Anna) Chen, DDS, MS, PhD, the LLU School of Dentistry’s craniofacial team has performed 84 PNAM-augmented unilateral and bilateral cleft lip repairs. Loma Linda University School of Dentistry’s craniofacial team is one of only three providers in Southern California (and the only one in the Inland Empire) that offers the greatly reduced number of surgeries and improved esthetic outcomes that PNAM makes possible. Loma Linda University’s PNAM patient alumni reunion will feature free oral health screenings from 9 to 11 a.m. during which treats, games, and gifts will entertain and celebrate the young PNAM alumni. From 11 a.m. to noon, reunion photos will be taken of the young alumni—with each other and with their clinicians—as gifts for their photo albums; and School of Dentistry clinicians and administrators will address the gathering and announce the formation of a PNAM alumni support group for cleft lip and cleft palate patients and their families. Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common birth defects in the United States, with approximately 4,440 cleft-lip babies born in the United States each year with or without a cleft palate. Pre-surgical orthopedic treatment of the cleft lip and palate has become the treatment of choice for a growing number of craniofacial teams that have seen the benefits of using a nasal alveolar molding appliance prior to surgical lip repair. The PNAM appliance not only molds the affected intraoral and extra-oral structures, but also provides nasal support to mold the infant’s collapsed nostrils.

Related Articles

Downtown San Bernardino's Small Business Momentum Signals a New Chapter for the City's Future
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 847

Pedestrians walk past locally owned shops and outdoor cafés in a vibrant downtown district, illustrating how small businesses contribute to economic growth, community pride, and a welcoming environment in San Bernardino.

Blue Mountain Continues to Inspire Outdoor Recreation and Conservation in Grand Terrace
Photo Courtesy of: MapQuest

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 732

Hikers enjoy scenic trails and panoramic views from Blue Mountain Open Space in Grand Terrace, one of the city's most treasured natural landmarks and recreational destinations.

Grand Terrace Library's Summer Programs Inspire Young Readers and Bring Families Together
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Grant Walker, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 547

Families and children participate in educational activities at a public library, reflecting the Grand Terrace Branch Library's commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement.

Growing Greener Together: How Loma Linda's Trees, Trails, and Open Spaces Shape a Healthier Future
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Grant Walker, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 651

Residents enjoy a tree-lined walking path and community park, reflecting Loma Linda's long-standing commitment to healthy outdoor living.

Building More Than Businesses
Photo Courtesy of: AllEvents

By Nolan Hayes, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 651

Local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members gather for a networking luncheon focused on economic development and collaboration.

Healthy Communities Begin With Healthy Conversations
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 673

Healthcare professionals lead a community wellness program designed to educate residents about healthy living and preventive care.

Summer of Discovery: Loma Linda Library Helps Turn School Break Into a Season of Learning
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Caleb Foster, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 625

Children and families gather at a public library to enjoy story time, browse books, and participate in educational activities during the summer.

Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Honored with National Quality Award
Photo Courtesy of: Totally Kids Rehabilitation

By William Cortez, Community Writer

June 26, 2026 at 07:56am. Views: 1401

Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital’s pediatric subacute program has become the only program
of its kind in California to earn the Bronze Commitment to Quality Award from the American
Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living

Highland GLO MedSpa Celebrates Grand Opening, Bringing Advanced Medical Aesthetics to the Highland Community
Photo Courtesy of: Highland Glo MedSpa

By Highland Glo MedSpa, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1528

Claudia Torres, Aesthetics Consultant, Mairah Angulo, Aesthetics Consultant, Jill Ali, FNP-C (Provider), Dr. Namita Mohideen, MD, CEO, Dr. Kelly Jeu, MD, Provider, Dr. Jose Arciniega, DO, Provider, Ilsse Castillo, Office Manager, Alexia Sanchez, Office Manager

The Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California Proves Its Relevance in a Changing America
Photo Courtesy of: The Civil Rights Institute

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1399

Photo caption: The Civil Rights Institute Board of Directors and the community celebrate the Woman of Achievement Awardee. Photo L to R: Ken Gutierrez, The Civil Rights Institute Board Member; Kathy Wright, Community Leader; Sabrina Gonzalez, Civil Rights Institute Executive Director; Launa Wilson, The Civil Rights Institute Board President; Q'Vinc Asberry, The Civil Rights Institute Board Member; Irma Asberry, Community Leader/Retired Judge, Superior Court of Riverside County.

Turning Grades into Goals: San Bernardino Students Honored for Academic Triumphs
Photo Courtesy of: Chris Sloan

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1017

Valdez Educational Services President Aaron Valdez, SBCUSD ETSA Wil Greer, Ionatauna Asu, Student, Equity guest teacher Fernando Tanioka, then Equity Counselor Francine Blacksher, celebrate Asu’s achievement, taking his grades from a low F to a high A, at An Evening of Excellence.

Colton Chamber of Commerce New president

Photo Courtesy of: Christina Gaitan

By Chamber Inducted new President , Community Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1121

left to right -Nelky Rodriguez ( secretary) - Arnise Dejohnette ( board member)- Anna Juarez (board member) David Toro (Council member) Belen Cordero(Board member) - Javier Gomez (treasurer) City Manager -Mayor Frank Navarro- Brian Childstrom (Emeritus) Christina Gaitan (Coordinator) Shelley Burnach ( Vice President ) Lesley Stevens ( Board member) Frank Aguliar (president ) Matthew Hernandez (board member) Councilman Dr. G - Chief Vega Colton Police Department .

--> -->