Academic and clinical training in cleft palate for speech-language pathologists.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to obtain information about academic and clinical training of speech-language pathology students in cleft palate (CP).

Methods: Representatives of 232 accredited graduate programs in speech-language pathology were invited via e-mail to complete a web-based 32-item questionnaire. Questions focused on the type and nature of courses offered related to CP, availability of clinical practica, and number of hours of clinical experience by students.

The application of evidence-based practice to nonspeech oral motor treatments.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to help speech-language pathologists (SLPs) apply the principles of evidence-based practice (EBP) to nonspeech oral motor treatments (NSOMTs) in order to make valid, evidence-based decisions about NSOMTs and thus determine if they are viable treatment approaches for the management of communication disorders.

Method: A detailed description of EBP is provided, including levels of evidence for rating the quality of evidence. NSOMTs are described and a survey of the literature on NSOMTs is provided along with a determination of the level of evidence of each study reported.

Velopharyngeal incompetence: the need for speech standards.

Speech-language pathologists are often involved in the diagnosis and treatment of velopharyngeal incompetence (VPI). Some speech-language pathologists have extensive educational and clinical experience with VPI; others have limited training and experience. Thus, the quality of speech-language services for people with VPI is heterogenous, and it ranges from poor to excellent.