On Friday 24 April 2026 at 14:00, Akila Aiyar defends her PhD dissertation entitled “Improving care for patients with unilateral craniofacial microsomia”. 

This PhD project investigates craniofacial morphology, growth patterns, and treatment outcomes in children with unilateral craniofacial microsomia (UCM). The project consists of four complementary studies: a systematic review of orthopaedic functional appliance (OFA) treatment; a Delphi consensus study establishing standardised three-dimensional morphometric outcome measures; a longitudinal 3D analysis of craniofacial growth in OFA-treated patients; and a pilot study evaluating upper airway morphology and sleep-disordered breathing. Together, the studies aim to improve the assessment and interpretation of craniofacial growth and the monitoring of treatment in UCM, thereby supporting more standardised and evidence-informed clinical management.

The summary is written by the PhD student.

The defence is public and takes place in Apollonia, 1612-018, Aarhus University. Please see the press release for more information. 

Contact

PhD student Akila Aiyar
Mail: akila@dent.au.dk 
Phone: +45 53651083

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