Which professional should be consulted to construct a palatal-lift appliance?

• A. Speech-language pathologist
• B. Prosthodontist
• C. Otologist
• D. Orthodontist

Answer: (B)

Palatal-lift appliances are custom dental prostheses designed to elevate the soft palate and improve velopharyngeal closure for speech. Building this device requires precise impressions, lab fabrication, and careful adjustment to fit over the teeth—skills that belong to prosthodontics. A speech-language pathologist would assess and treat speech, but not fabricate devices; an orthodontist handles tooth movement and bite alignment rather than making prosthetic appliances; an otologist deals with ear-related conditions. Therefore, the professional best suited to construct it is the prosthodontist.