Innovation of Pre-surgical Orthopedics Process for Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate Using the Six Sigma Methodology

The SUMA Center of Cleft Lip and Palate Comprehensive Care is a non-profit civil association whose mission is to provide care to patients with cleft lip and palate in vulnerable conditions. The comprehensive care protocol involves 16 medical specialties, including Dentistry. Dental treatment for patients begins with Pre-surgical Orthopedics, which consists of reorienting the anatomical structures that affect the cleft, to reduce the amplitude and improve the effectiveness of the first surgical intervention. The objective of this work was to innovate the process of Pre-surgical Orthopedics care of the Dental Department of the SUMA Center, using the Six Sigma methodology. Non-added-value activities, areas of opportunity were identified, and some innovation related to the management of information in the medical record were proposed. The innovations were implemented in a pilot program by four weeks.