This VDOS webinar will review palate defects that are congenital (present at birth) or acquired after birth. Congenital defects may be inherited or result from an insult during fetal development. Preoperative management requires nursing care by the owner until surgical repair at about 4 months of age. Defects acquired after birth typically result from severe periodontal disease or trauma and are either repaired surgically or managed by placement of a prosthetic obturator. The didactic lecture will last 1.5 hours, but the webinar is designed so that there is extra time for interactive participation and answering your questions.