Craniofacial Center
About the CFC
For more than 60 years, our dedicated group of medical and dental professionals have provided collaborative and comprehensive care for patients affected by clefting and craniofacial conditions. The UNC Craniofacial Center is an ACPA Approved Team by the American Cleft Palate Association (ACPA), which ensures that we provide coordinated and individualized care, tailored to your child’s specific needs.
The UNC Craniofacial Center’s team consists of pediatric providers from UNC Health, UNC School of Medicine and Adams School of Dentistry.
Our otolaryngologists, craniomaxillofacial and plastic surgeons, speech and language pathologists, psychiatrists, pediatric dentists and orthodontists. Our partnership with UNC Health clinics allows seamless care delivery with other specialists your child may need to access, such as neurosurgery, geneticists, audiologists, feeding specialists and various other specialties.
In addition to team care, we also offer prenatal services, and non-team care such as speech therapy and evaluations.
Information about our clinic
- Cleft Lip and Palate
- Craniosynostosis
- Plagiocephaly
- Craniosynostosis syndromes such as: Apert syndrome, Pfeiffer syndrome, Crouzon syndrome, Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, Carpenter syndrome, Muenke syndrome
- Other craniofacial syndromes such as: Goldenhar, Velocardiofacial syndrome, Treacher-Collins syndrome
- Congenital malformations
- Craniofacial micromia
- Orthognathic problems
- Ear deformities
Prenatal visits are encouraged for parents with a cleft lip and/or palate who are expecting a baby. Our dedicated providers are happy to consult with expecting parents. Expecting mothers can be referred to the UNC Craniofacial Center to establish care.
If your child has a cleft palate, evaluation for feeding will occur while you are still in the hospital after birth, or with your first clinic visit.
Congratulations on your beautiful new addition! The UNC Craniofacial Center is now your “home base” for all cleft or craniofacial-based needs or concerns. Give us a call at 919-537-3511 to let us know your child has arrived, and we ensure referrals were placed on your behalf. If you are unable to reach us by telephone during non-operating hours, feel free to email jessi_hill@unc.edu or reach out via MyChart.
Plastic/craniomaxillofacial surgeon: A surgeon with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of abnormalities of the skull, facial bones, and soft tissue. He or she will work closely with orthodontists and other specialists to coordinate a surgical plan.
Orthodontist: A dentist who evaluates the position and alignment of your child’s teeth. He or she coordinates a treatment plan with the surgeon and other specialists.
Pediatric dentist: A dentist who specializes in the care of children’s teeth.
Speech and language pathologist: A professional who will do a thorough speech evaluation to assess your child’s communication abilities. He or she who will closely monitor your child throughout all developmental stages.
Otolaryngologist (ear-nose-throat specialist): A pediatric surgeon who will help evaluate and manage ear infections and hearing loss that may be side effects of your child’s cleft abnormality.
Audiologist (hearing specialist): A professional who will help evaluate and manage any hearing problems your child may have.
Ophthalmologist: A healthcare provider who specializes in the structure, function, and diseases of the eye. An ophthalmologist evaluates and plans treatment of eye problems in coordination with other surgical interventions.
Genetic counselor: A professional who reviews the medical and family history, as well as examines your child to help in diagnosis. A genetic counselor also counsels your family on risk for craniofacial abnormalities to happen in future pregnancies.
Team coordinator: A healthcare professional who coordinates team care. He or she acts as liaison between your family and the craniofacial team.
Social worker: A professional who provides guidance and counseling for your child and your family in dealing with the social and emotional aspects of a craniofacial abnormality. He or she helps your family with community resources and referrals (for example, support groups).
Psychiatrist: A healthcare provider who assesses the psychosocial function and behavioral development of your child. The psychiatrist will help the family identify therapy resources and coordinate referrals with the social services department.
- UNC Meadowmont ENT: 984-974-6484
- UNC Meadowmont Audiology: 984-974-4479
- UNC Children’s Specialty Clinic: 984-974-7337
- UNC Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery: 919-537-3737
- UNC Orthodontics: 919-537-3942
- UNC Pediatric Plastic Surgery: 919-966-4446
The following external websites and resources provide additional information and may not be digital accessibility compliant.
ACPA: American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association
Cleft Proud
Our Forever Smiles
Cuddles for Clefts
I’ve Just Seen a Face
Children’s Craniofacial Association
FACES National Craniofacial Association
Feeding & Bottles
Dr. Brown’s Specialty Feeding System
Medela Special Needs Feeder
Pigeon Cleft Palate Nipple System
Please remember to bring your parking ticket when you check in. We can only validate your parking if you bring the ticket. See the steps below for parking specifics.
Parking
Park in Dogwood Parking Deck, with entrances located off East Drive and Mason Farm Road. Bring your ticket into the building with you.
Go to the third floor
Take the elevator to Floor 3 to cross into Cardinal Deck
Pedestrian bridge
Follow the signs to the pedestrian bridge. This will lead you directly to the dental school through Tarrson Hall.
Patient entrance
Tarrson Hall is the entrance designated for patients. After entering the double doors, you can proceed to the clinical areas.
Clinic Details
Location
Tarrson Hall, Ground Floor
120 Dental Circle
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Phone
(919) 537-3511
Fax
(919) 537-3886
Hours
Monday-Thursday
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday
8 a.m. – noon
Providers at this Clinic
Our Team
Administrative and Clinical Manager
Team Coordinator
Medical Director
Plastic Surgery
Plastic Surgery
PA-C
Parking and Directions
Location
Tarrson Hall
120 Dental Circle
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Patient Parking
UNC Dogwood Deck Visitor Parking
Accessible via East Dr. or Mason Farm Rd.
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
Disability Parking
UNC Ambulatory Care (ACC) Parking
102 Mason Farm Rd,
First Floor,
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Patients with mobility challenges should park in the Ambulatory Care (ACC) lot and take the free shuttles to the school. Riders will need to inform the shuttle their destination is the dental school. The patient or clinic will need to call the shuttle for pick-up at (984) 974-0465 to return them to ACC parking.