In 2021 the Dutch Ministry of Health recognized the “Amsterdam Expert Centre for Cleft, Craniofacial and Upper Airways Anomalies” as a national referral center. They offer care according to the latest insights and research to children with cleft lip and palate, various craniofacial disorders and respiratory problems. Through research they try to improve the care for patients with these abnormalities.

The following syndromic and non-syndromic conditions are treated in this center of expertise:

• Cleft lip/palate (cleft lip)

• Robin Sequence

• Craniofacial microsomia

• Microtia

• Condylar hyperplasia

• Beckwith Wiedemann syndrome

• Laryngeal abnormalities

• Tracheal abnormalities

• Congenital Neck Cysts, Sinus and Fistulas

• Middle ear abnormalities,

• Rare odontogenic conditions

Within the craniofacial team the following expertise is offered: plastic surgery, neurosurgery, maxillofacial surgery, ENT, ophthalmology, pediatrics, intensive care pediatrics, anesthesiology, orthodontics, clinical genetics, handsurgery, neurology, radiology, psychology, psychiatry, social work, speech therapy, prenatal diagnostics. Care is coordinated by two nurse specialists, dedicated to craniofacial anomalies.

The center participates in the making of national and international guidelines for the treatment of congenital anomalies. To optimize the quality of care, they work closely together with other national and international expert centers. The HCP takes part in educational programs at all levels and is responsible for the training of medical students. It is a training centre for the specialization of medical doctors to medical specialists in all disciplines. In addition, the HCP coordinates and performs training for nurses, specialist nurses, and for those with special interest for problems related to cleft (e.g. dietitian, speech therapist, social workers).

The HCP plays an active role within the Dutch Cleft Craniofacial Association Board (prfo Breugem is president of the Association)and has a good relationship with the Dutch Cleft Patient Association (Schisis Nederland) and the patients's society LAPOSA. Moreover, the Center has a close relationship with the European Cleft Organisation (ECO) and the European Robin sequence parents organisation. As HCP we also have particular attention to include patients in our care (PROM's) and also Value-Based healhcare. (VBHC).

Team members participate in the European Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ECPCA, https://ecpcamilan2024.it). Prof Corstiaan Breugem is vice-president of the ECPCA and coordinator of the “Amsterdam Expert Centre for Cleft, Craniofacial and Upper Airways Anomalies”.