Abstract—The management of the patient with a cleft lip and palate is best accomplished by a multi‐disciplinary team approach provided at a paediatric hospital. The role of periodontal treatment is discussed within such a framework. The implications are mainly related to altered soft tissue morphology without true loss of periodontal attachment. The rationale of plaque control and surgical intervention is discussed and the close relationship between periodontal and prosthetic considerations in treatment planning is highligh