The discussion going back and forth about this issue has been interesting. Seems to be a difference in opinion dependent upon where different LC's were trained perhaps? However, there could be some variation of palates by region by the simple fact that certain nationalities have different typical characteristics. Just look at the face and head shape of different people, the palate size and shape follows the same pattern. I hope that this discussion will remain open in a true quest for learning and not deteriorate into disagreement. There is much to be learned by all of us and research to be done that will either prove or disprove current theories. Discerning palate size and shape is a matter of perception and through clinical training we learn to (hopefully) use the same terminology to discuss the variations. This is very difficult to do through an article a picture or a book. Perhaps this is part of the confusion? Denise Parker